1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” Romans 4:1-8 (NASB)
Not long ago in a Bible Study class we got into a very tense discussion about how to share the Gospel. Some in the class were more for just inviting those they were concerned about to come to church with them. Others wanted to make friends with them and ease them into becoming Christians. I sat there for a while with my hand raised being ignored by the leader. He had a smile on his face because he knew that when he called on me I was going to cause a fuss.
He called on about four of five other people who said pretty much the same thing then he called on me. I said something like, “I’m confused, how are these people going to know they are sinners and that they need a Savior unless they are given the Law first then the Gospel?” It got real quiet. Then a few others who had remaind quiet earlier got involved and agreed with me, but then said that you have to do it in a way that doesn’t hurt people’s feelings or offend them. Yeah, they said that. I turned around and asked if any of them had read Peter’s sermon in Acts 2? Yeah, it got quiet again. It seems that people in our churches are uncomfortable obeying the Great Commission because to do so requires us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus.
On the other hand, in our churches we should never place demands of perfection on other believers. None of us are perfect and none of us can stand before God and say we deserve salvation. Also, all of our spiritual growth since our salvation would not have happened outside of God’s grace. Our spiritual gifts are just that, gifts. None of us deserve this salvation. Our good standing before God is a gift from our Heavenly Father that not one of us deserve.