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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
A fundamental principle of Biblical evangelism is the need for Godly sorrow, which brings repentance that leads to salvation ( 2 Corinthians 7:10); God commanding all people everywhere to repent. ( Acts 17:30) An oft-overlooked aspect of the Gospel being, “God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” Romans 2:6-8 (See also Matthew 16:27)
The truth being, “All of us lived among (the disobedient) at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.” Ephesians 2:3 But now we have been – or can be – delivered from that life, justified by Jesus’ blood and therefore reconciled to God. ( Romans 5:8-10) Before that happens though, our human nature or inclination to sin (what the Bible identifies as our sin nature) must be convinced or convicted of sin. We must be made to see the surety of our loss as a result of the separation from God occasioned by our actions before we will seriously attempt to escape it; the danger needing thorough identification. For if we don’t understand the reality of sin and its consequences, we won’t embrace the need for redemption from sin nor fully appreciate Christ’s atoning sacrifice for it. The grace of God does indeed cover sin but never replaces the call for repentance from it; God’s absolute goodness – and sense of justice – demanding punishment for sin. Therefore it is only after repentance of sin that we gain freedom from the dictates of the Law; in God’s economy, the Law imposing and promoting, punishing and allowing for reward. “The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 19:7; as it holds us accountable for our actions ( Romans 3:19) while identifying sin for what it is, making us conscious of our sinfulness ( Romans 3:20, Romans 7:7,1John 3:4) and leading us to an acknowledgement of that need being met in Jesus Christ. ( Galatians 3:24)
A modern tactic of salvation counseling is to avoid mention of accountability for sin, calling seekers to a vague life enhancing salvation. While that may seem less offensive and easier to convey, it is transitory and disappointing as life’s troubles and temptations inevitably resurface. On the other hand, salvation from hell as a result of faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice dwarfs everything else; rendering life’s troubles and trials secondary to the new reality we have in Him. It must be pointed out however that this message is not merely one of hell-fire and damnation – which produces fear-filled converts unlikely to share their fear-based faith but an understanding of God’s absolute justice and complete goodness – which produces awe-filled yet joyful converts eager to share their good news.
Many great revivalists of the past were of this opinion, John Wycliffe believed that, “The highest service to which a man may attain on earth is to preach the law of God which drives sinners to repentance.” Martin Luther holding to the conviction that, “The first duty of man is to preach God’s law which shows the nature of sin, thus convincing men of sin.” John Wesley advised preaching 90% law and 10% grace. Why? Because it is in the knowledge of a disease and its horrific consequences that we desire a cure more than anything else, making us willing to pay any price to acquire it. Charles Spurgeon insisting that, “They will never accept grace till they tremble before a just and holy law.” Charles Finney concurring, saying “The law must be used to pave the way for the Gospel. To overlook it gives false hope, a false salvation experience and self-confidence (which wavers) rather than confidence in God.” (And even if our faith in God does occasionally waver, we can always look to Him with the cry, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Mark 9:24)
The law’s usefulness then is in breaking the pride of a person’s heart so that the Gospel of grace can heal the humbled spirit. Paul writing, “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.” 1 Timothy 1:8 James assuring us that if we, “Humble (our)selves before the Lord, …he will lift you up.” James 4:10 (See also Matthew 23:12) A proper attitude in approaching God given in Psalm 41:4, “O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”; echoed in Luke 18:13, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Examples of Jesus’ use of law and grace, depending on the attitude of his petitioners, are recorded as well. To the so-called expert in the law testing Jesus’ authority to address holy matters as well as the self-satisfied young ruler seeking vindication of his lifestyle, Jesus responded with the dictates of the Law. ( Luke 10:25-28 & Luke 18:18-22) However, in the case of Nathanael, Nicodemus and even the crowd at Pentecost, whose knowledge of the law led them to acknowledge their need for mercy, Jesus and the Apostles responded by preaching the gospel of grace. ( John 1:45,3:1-17 & Acts 2:1-41)
The crux of the problem is often in convincing people of their sinfulness and the categorizing of sin, which they use to excuse their “petty” sins as opposed to everybody else’s “major” sin. When the truth is, God doesn’t rate sin as bad-worse-and worst; sin is sin – period. Which disqualifies us from eternity with him if we fail to recognize the soul-saving work of Christ. Here are a few examples to ponder: Have you ever lied? Then you are a liar. ( Colossians 3:9) Have you ever stolen anything? Then you are a thief. ( 1 Corinthians 6:10) Have you ever lusted? Then you are an adulterer. ( Matthew 5:27,28) Do you swear, using God’s name in vain? Then you are a blasphemer. ( Matthew 12:36,37) Have you ever hated anyone? Then you’ve shown utter disregard for them and committed spiritual murder. ( Matthew 5:21,22 & Ephesians 5:4) Do you covet, desiring who or what is not yours to have? Then you are greedy and jealous. ( Galatians 5:20 & Ephesians 5:5) Have you ever disrespected your parents and elders. Then you are in danger of losing your inheritance in the Lord. ( Ephesians 6:2,3) Has anything ever taken precedence over your commitment to God and your worship of him? Then you are an idolater. ( Exodus 34:14 & Colossians 3:5) Any single one of which condemns us before God, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:13 God’s expectations – or the law – being delivered as a package deal. If you break any of it – it‘s all broken. (See also Matthew 5:21-23 & 27,28 on the importance of keeping our minds from sinful thoughts as well.) Feeling guilty yet? Good! Now you’re ready for Jesus!
For, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17 So now, “…with regard to your former way of life,… put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;…be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created in Christ Jesus to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
* Some resource material obtained from Ray Comfort’s taped sermon, “Hell’s Best Kept Secret.”
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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