For SCC - Catch The Wave Of Grace 7-15-07

On Sunday, July 15th Scott Salsman spoke to us about catching the wave of grace. He presented to us in a very clear and thought provoking manner to need for God's grace versus us relying on good works to get us into heaven. He presented the idea of the American work ethic and that America was built by people with a good work ethic. This idea of the work ethic tends to filter over into religion and Christianity. Meaning: Good People = going to heaven. This seems to make sense. It seems to be a fair system, it motivates people to be good, it is consistent with the idea of a good God, and it lends most people to thin that they will make it to heaven , which by the way is whee most people want to go after they die. Makes sense?? There are some pretty clear and understandable problems with the good people make it to heaven concept. 1. There is no clear standard for what is good and bad. Different people, people groups, religions, nations, leaders, even you and I may differ on what is good or bad. Even in different phases of life we may change our mind on what is good or bad as we grow and mature or immature. But the Bible, God's Word makes it very clear no matter what you or I think about being good or bad that everyone has sinned and falls short of the glory of God (Roman3:23) and that there is none righteous, not one (Romans 3:10). So therefore by God's standard good in my opinion or your opinion just ain't good enough. 2. Even if we could be good enough we would not be real clear on just how good is good enough to find God's favor by doing good and therefore make it into heaven. On a grading scale do wee need a 70 or 80 or 65 for that matter. Do we have to make up for the bad. Is the good enough stuff that we do only for a certain amount of time in our lives. Just how good do we have to be? 3. It makes a liar out of Jesus. If good works is the way to heaven and they way to have a relationship with God then Jesus Christ is a liar. Jesus made it pretty clear that even some good people who thought they knew they way of good deeds to heaven may not make it into heaven. He also accepted people as were and did not tell them to be good all the time and that would assure them a place in heaven. In His teaching, living, dying, and being raised from the dead He made it clear to his followers and all that God in His grace has provided the way to heaven. That way is Jesus Christ. Not by good works, but by God's grace and provision for all (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Catch the Wave of Grace. Move past the good works or good deeds syndrome and and enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and be sure of your place in heaven and god's Kingdom because of God' provision and God's plan.

Thanks Scott for the very clear, thought provoking and GOOD message.