a word from the gospel coalition

This morning I was profoundly encouraged and challenged as I read over several documents produced by the "Gospel Coalition." Convinced that you will be equally blessed if you take the time to peruse their web site, I wanted to give you the link so you can check it out:

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/

Below is a brief excerpt from a section of the Theological Vision for Ministry, entitled, "In what ways is the gospel unique?" Several statements here struck me in light of my previous post. For those that might be interested, an earlier section of this same document, entitled, "How should we respond to the cultural crisis of truth?" engages the common accusation of "arrogance" that I recently touched on.

To give a little context, this passage treats, in light of the gospel, the limitations of both religion or moralism (traditions and practices that are not rooted in and flowing from a right understanding and application of the gospel) and irreligion or secularism (a way of thinking and living that excludes God and His revelation). The language is a bit dense, but worth the multiple readings that may be necessary for proper digestion.

The text:

This gospel fills Christians with humility and hope, meekness and boldness, in a unique way. The biblical gospel differs markedly from traditional religions as well as from secularism. Religions operate on the principle: “I obey, therefore I am accepted,” but the gospel principle is: “I am accepted through Christ, therefore I obey.” So the gospel differs from both irreligion and religion. You can seek to be your own “lord and savior” by breaking the law of God, but you can also do so by keeping the law in order to earn your salvation.

Irreligion and secularism tend to inflate self-encouraging, uncritical, “self-esteem”; religion and moralism crush people under guilt from ethical standards that are impossible to maintain. The gospel, however, humbles and affirms us at the same time, since, in Christ, each of us is simultaneously just, and a sinner still. At the same time, we are more flawed and sinful than we ever dared believe, yet we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope.

Secularism tends to make people selfish and individualistic. Religion and morality in general tend to make people tribal and self-righteous toward other groups (since their salvation has, they think, been earned by their achievement). But the gospel of grace, centered on a man dying for us while we were his enemies, removes self-righteousness and selfishness and turns its members to serve others both for the temporal flourishing of all people, especially the poor, and for their salvation. It moves us to serve others irrespective of their merits, just as Christ served us (Mark 10:45).

Secularism and religion conform people to behavioral norms through fear (of consequences) and pride (a desire for self-aggrandizement). The gospel moves people to holiness and service out of grateful joy for grace, and out of love of the glory of God for who he is in himself.