If you have not read the first post from this series, you can do so by clicking here. I ended by asking how God can both punish and pardon sin. Here’s the answer.

Our God Pardons Sin by Punishing Evil

“At the cross, all the attributes of God win.” That is how Tim Keller describes the meeting of God’s justice and mercy in the blood-drenched cross of Calvary. What’s terrible and beautiful about Jesus hanging on the tree is that the living God punished evil as a holy judge and displayed His abundant mercy by pardoning the sins of those who believe in Christ. God maintained the integrity of His justice and poured out His steadfast love when the Savior stood in our place. Christ “fell into the hands of the living God” so that we could be embraced tenderly by those same hands. Hallelujah, what wonderful news! This is the gospel of God’s grace. We are saved from His wrath by His own gracious substitution.

What’s at Stake Here?

You may be thinking to yourself: “Why is any of this important?” If so, let me affirm the validity of your question by offering three reasons grasping the tension of God’s justice and mercy is critical:

1. The Bible is at stake. As I’ve tried to briefly demonstrate, the Biblical witness puts forth a God who is both the punisher and pardoner of sin (see Rom. 3:26). If we fail to maintain both of those attributes, we are contradicting what God has said about Himself in His Word. When we throw out the Bible, we reject the very resource that He has given us to know Him truly. It is important to let our view of God be shaped by the whole of Scripture and not cultural norms, which are ever-changing.

2. God’s character is at stake. It is crucial that God cast judgment upon sinners. If He does not, then He is wicked, just as the police officer who lets the criminal get away without attempting pursuit. We cannot believe in a God who will continue to let evil flourish. There must be a day of reckoning for all of the wrongs that we observe and experience in our world. The goodness of God depends upon it.

3. The gospel is at stake. If we don’t really need to be saved from God’s righteous judgment, then why did Jesus come to earth at all? Throwing out God’s wrath makes all of Christ’s agony for us irrelevant. How tragic it would be for us to rob ourselves of God’s greatest expression of love toward us. Instead, may we embrace the wonderful reality that God would be without fault to eternally punish us for our sins, but He pardons them by punishing Jesus in our stead.

(by Dustin Smetona)

The glory of the gospel is this: the One from whom we need to be saved is the very One who saves us.
~Mike Bullmore, teaching from the book of Zephaniah

Rob Bell was torched and esteemed by many in the evangelical blogosphere back in March 2011 for his controversial book on hell, Love Wins. Though the controversy has settled down, there are still references being made to the significance of Bell’s treatise on the eternality of hell, post-mortem salvation, and the very character of God. It’s that third one, God’s character, that is most compelling to me. In his promotional video, Bell contests the idea of a God who is like the one Mike Bullmore describes above. He asks, “But what kind of God is that that we would need to be rescued from this God?”

Bell’s question is a rhetorical device, but it holds enough weight to warrant some examination. If we believe God exists, then we must come to conclusions about what He’s like. Should we love Him or fear Him? Is he merciful or just?

A Just God Punishes Evil

Imagine a highway patrolman watching a car drive by at 120mph, and deciding that it’s too much effort to pursue. If you observed an officer doing that wouldn’t you be offended? That’s because humans have a godly impulse that drives them to resist reckless law-breaking. We know deep down inside that having an ordered society requires judgment. That impulse gives witness to our role as image-bearers of God. Because He is good and because He is just, God punishes evil. In fact, He is now and will be forever worshiped for judging those who transgress. Consider the angel in Rev. 14:7 who cries out, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come…” Just as we praise the police officer who catches the criminal, so we praise God who punishes the wicked.

A Merciful God Pardons Sin

If I stopped writing after the previous paragraph, we should all have cause for concern. If God was only defined by His justice, we would relate to Him as guilty criminals before a righteously condemning judge. That would be horrific.  It makes me tremble to consider, but many will have that kind of relationship with God — consider Rev. 6:16. Fortunately for us, God is characterized by more than justice. He is characterized by mercy. “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ps. 86:15). This merciful God expresses that mercy by pardoning our sins. As Micah 7:18 reads, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.” This judge, obligated by his own righteous justice, punishes sinners for their sins. And yet, He is also merciful, forgiving the guilty and passing over their sins. How can this be?

Stay tuned for part 2.

(by Dustin Smetona)

It’s difficult to explain how wonderful The Gathering Conference was this past Saturday. I’m going to give it a quick attempt, knowing that I won’t do it justice. If you did attend, I hope these few observations encourage you and help to memorialize the great things God accomplished in your heart at the conference. If you could not make it, then I pray that you’ll be encouraged and strengthened by these few reflections offered here.

1. The Sinless Savior Died and Rose Again

The greatest reason to sing and rejoice is the glorious gospel of God’s grace. The controlling aim of The Gathering Conference was to renew our pleasure in the good news of all that Christ has done for us.  This was accomplished in the singing, teaching, seminars, and fellowship. The Gathering Conference has me rejoicing because my heart cried out, over and over again, with hundreds of other saints: “Hallelujah, all I have is Christ!”

2. God is at Work in Southern CA

The conference actually sold out the week leading up to it. This was a surprise since it was hosted by a church made up of just under 100 people. The place was packed! Around 575 people, representing over 80 local churches attended. These people were hungry to hear Bob Kauflin explain how the gospel shapes our meetings and to engage in corporate worship with hundreds of other Southern Californians who see the gospel as the centerpiece of their entire existence. We must take a moment to recognize this as a mighty work that God is doing in our hearts. The Lord is here, moving in such a way that many are compelled to see and savor Jesus Christ. What cause for celebration!

3. Singing Together is Better than Singing Alone

If you read this guest post by Bob Kauflin, you’ll see him make reference to the importance of tuning our attention to others as we worship. He goes so far as to instruct us to look around at others while we’re singing. I put this to practice while at the conference and found it to be incredibly edifying! Seeing others transfixed with the Savior made me desire to offer praise to Him even more.

4. There is More Yet to Come

One of the NT passages that we lean on to encourage one another for corporate gatherings is Hebrews 10:24-25. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The Gathering Conference was an expression of this encouragement from Hebrews. As great as the conference was, we are convinced that God still has many great things in store for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9). And we pray that He brings those things to pass in His sovereign, perfect timing.

(guest post by Bob Kauflin)

This is the second post in a three-part series. The last post was about Singing to Each Other.

Peter tells us that we have been saved “that [we] may proclaim the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness and into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). We’re meant to fulfill this command both in our meetings and in our lives.

But why is proclamation important? Because we forget. We lose track of who God is and what he’s done. Proclamation helps set our minds and hearts right. It reminds us of the convictions and realities that should guide and govern our daily lives. It draws our hearts back to God’s greatness, what he has accomplished, and all that he has promised. We all need to be reminded, and proclamation helps us remember.

People come into our churches proclaiming all sorts of things with their words and actions. Through close-fisted giving, some are asserting how much their own personal wealth matters. Others, by their complaining, are declaring that personal comfort matters. Teens in the latest fashions may be proclaiming that being cool matters. Others confirm through their smiles or frowns that their musical preferences matter.

But we want each of them to leave proclaiming this: The gospel of Jesus Christ matters.

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Want to learn more about why we sing to proclaim the gospel? Register today for The Gathering Conference, January 28th in Huntington Beach, CA. Hosted by Sovereign Grace Church with Bob Kauflin, Enfield, and in partnership with Sovereign Grace Music.

This article was adapted by Dustin Smetona from pg. 129-130 of Bob Kauflin’s book, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God.

(by Dustin Smetona)

One of God’s most important qualities—especially for sinners like us—is His forgetfulness. Where would we be if God were not a forgetful God?

Our Unintentional Forgetfulness

We use the word forget to refer to something we lose track of unintentionally. In 3rd grade I competed in a spelling bee at the new school I had started attending that year. In the later rounds as the numbers were whittling down, I was starting to feel confident that I might be able to win. I came up to the mic and the judge said, “Please spell the word forgetful.” I began to spell, “F-R…” and immediately stopped as the auditorium erupted in laughter. I was devastated and embarrassed, but I’m better now. That mental spasm demonstrates precisely what we mean when we say “forget.” We don’t typically desire to forget things, but we do because of our lack of capacity to remember.

God’s Intentional Forgetfulness

God, on the other hand, only forgets when He intends to. This is because His capacity to remember is infinite. He can’t forget anything! That is, of course, unless He means to.

So if God can only forget on purpose, what does He forget? Consider the following three verses:

Isaiah 43:25
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

Jeremiah 31:34
“And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Ezekiel 33:16
“None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.”

The only thing that God willfully forgets is sin. But how does He actually do that? If His capacity to remember is infinite and infallible, how can He make something disappear from His memory?

He does not magically wish our sins away. Instead, He “remembered” your sins on Christ, and as a result He “remembers” Christ’s righteousness on you! This forgetful act on our behalf is the supreme display of His abundant love. It is incalculably wonderful to consider and to savor.

Heading into 2012

Since we are at the very beginning of a new year, I’m convinced this truth has special significance. I don’t know what 2011 was like for you. My guess is that there were some monumental achievements and some crushing defeats. If you are beginning 2012 with any guilt from sins committed this past year, I hope you will embrace the gospel again and be renewed. God has removed 2011′s sins “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps. 103:12) and you have complete assurance of that reality because they were nailed to the cross back in the 1st century. Find freedom, joy, and comfort knowing that God delights in you as a father does his precious child. His plans for your this year are for His glory and your good. Trust your loving, forgetful God as you move ahead into 2012.

Jonathan Edwards’ Resolution #18

Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.

In other words: Love the gospel, love heaven, and never get over them. This is the call that all children of God should challenge themselves with and seek to obtain. Daily do I and all others (from our sin nature) not live our lives as if we had the clearest notion of the gospel at all times. Daily do I find myself thinking why did I act in that manner in that situation. Or why did I think that particular thought at that time. So the question I asked myself after pondering this resolution is how? How do I live everyday as if I am in my most devout frame; on fire for Christ and always have the gospel and heaven at the forefront of my mind?

The answer, I believe, starts with Him—Jesus Christ. A small but critical challenge I have for all is to start out each and every day with Christ. Ask Him to focus your mind and heart on Him. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30) is a verse I constantly repeat to myself , it keeps me humble and helps me remember to not be consumed with the “here and now.” It also keeps me passionate for the gospel and desiring to live my life so that He will be most glorified through it. Plead with the Almighty to keep His grace steadfast on you so the gospel and the hope of eternal life would be clear in your soul. May it penetrate you every thought so all that we do, we do with faith in Christ Jesus.

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night (Psalm 63:5-6)

[This article is part of an ongoing series on the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.]

A brilliant post from Joe Thorn:

There is more in God’s word than the gospel. God has given us his law to show us the way, uncover our corruption and condemnation, and point us to our need of redemption. There are commands to be obeyed, there is wisdom to learn and practice, and affections to feel and be moved by. But, the law itself is unable to create within us new hearts, or empower us to obey its demands. So let me say it this way: The gospel is the main thing, it is not the only thing. However, it is the only thing that brings life, power, and transformation. The gospel isn’t everything, but it does connect to everything, and preachers and teachers in the church must be able to show that connection lest we allow the church to drift (or even be led) into various kinds of hopeless, powerless legalism.

Read the whole thing.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
(Romans 1:16)

This has always been one of those verses that calls for a particular pause in my life. I know the God I believe in, and I am overwhelmingly thankful for my new life in Christ. And yet there is often a conviction in not responding to others in a way that truly reflects the joy that has welled up in my heart. I mean, the power of God saved me! Spending a bit of time in this text, however, has been most encouraging.

Not ashamed

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel”. What a peculiar statement to start with. After Paul’s lengthy introduction in Romans 1, that is what he says: I am not ashamed. Why would Paul say he is not ashamed? We generally don’t defend a position this way unless there are accusations from those who may not like what we have to say. If we take a look at Romans 1:14, we see that the gospel is for the Greeks, the Barbarians, the Jews, the Gentiles. These are the philosophical and learned, the social outcasts, the religious elite, and the worldly. Sound familiar with our culture today? Paul may have been addressing the Romans, but God is surely addressing us. In verse 16, the God of grace reminds us that the gospel is not one to be ashamed of regardless of how others respond!

Some mocked… some believed.

In Acts 17:32, we are given an account of Paul’s message with two completely different responses: “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, ‘We will hear you again about this.’ So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed…”

Some mocked, some joined Paul and believed. Same message, two completely difference responses. Paul was faithful to the gospel message. He wasn’t ashamed.

Why was Paul not ashamed? Because he just didn’t care what others would think of him? No. Was it because he felt obligated to preach the gospel? That’s not what the text says. Paul wasn’t ashamed of the gospel because “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”! It is a regenerating power, a transformational power, a resurrecting power. It is the power that changed Paul and every other believer. God’s power is the means of salvation.

It’s not about you or me

Proclaiming the gospel boldly has nothing to do with our personality nor is it related to how fascinating our particular life story is. The story of the 6-year-old child conversion is just as amazing as the 40-year-old man that was saved after a life of drug abuse. Why? Because the gospel is about the power of God. It is about the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and what He has accomplished. It is not about our message. It’s about God’s message—the message of his sovereign grace and power to save sinners. And that is a message to never be ashamed of.

The implications of this perspective are far reaching as our message will never change, regardless of the responses we receive. Some of us will want to to change the message in order to reap a certain response. Don’t. Let us remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some will mock. Let them. Others, however, will receive the words of eternal life. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in “accountability groups” where there has been little to no attention given to the gospel whatsoever. There’s no reminder of what Christ has done for our sin—“cleansing us from its guilt and power”—and the resources that are already ours by virtue of our union with him. These groups produce a “do more, try harder” moralism that robs us of the joy and freedom Jesus paid dearly to secure for us.

….

Christian growth…does not happen first by behaving better, but believing better—believing in bigger, deeper, brighter ways what Christ has already secured for sinners. I need my family and friends to remind me of this all the time.

The bottom line is this, Christian: because of Christ’s work on your behalf, God does not dwell on your sin the way you do. So, relax and rejoice…and you’ll actually start to get better. The irony, of course, is that it’s only when we stop obsessing over our own need to be holy and focus instead on the beauty of Christ’s holiness, that we actually become more holy!

Read the rest.

The gospel is for all of life, not just the point of conversion. We are saved through the gospel, we are sustained through the gospel, and we are kept eternally secure in the the gospel. The good news is about Jesus’ efforts, not ours. And when he said, “It is finished,” you better believe he meant it. It would do us a whole lot of good if we preached this message to ourselves, and each other, daily. Never forget it.