Being a Christian involves more than putting our faith in Jesus at the moment of salvation. It is about actively pursuing holiness and godliness. Yet, how do we strike the right balance between God’s role and our own part in this walk of faith? I believe that true progress in our Christian lives can only be made relative to a right understanding of the relationship between God’s grace, and our responsibility. Without it, aren’t we subject to such spiritual wanderings, and harassments? This is an excerpt from “The Discipline of Grace” in which author, Jerry Bridges, discusses the nature of the relationship between a guilty conscience and what he calls, “the verdict of heaven.” I think it strikes at the heart of the question that every Christian struggles to understand. How do we rise above a conscience that continually screams, “GUILTY!” and walk instead in the light of the truth of the Gospel?
“There are two ‘courts’ we must deal with: the court of God in Heaven and the court of conscience in our souls. When we first trust in Christ for salvation, God’s court is forever satisfied. Never again will a charge of guilt be brought against us in Heaven. Our consciences, however, are continually pronouncing us guilty. That is the function of conscience. Therefore, we must by faith bring the verdict of conscience into line with the verdict of Heaven. We do this by agreeing with our conscience about our guilt, but then reminding it that our guilt has already been borne by Christ.”
The Discipline of Grace, by Jerry Bridges, (page 54)
This is how I look at it: when satan comes and lets me know how awful I have been, I agree with him: Matthew 5:25 (King James Version) “25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.” I then thank him for reminding me that I really need Jesus. I hope I never forget how awful I was to Jesus, that way I can constantly realize how much I need Him.
God is love, but He is to be feared also. He’s a perfect blend of love and justice. The danger comes when we forget how much we need Him. The kings in the Old Testament were a perfect example of that. A conscience that realizes it is doomed without Him, is the perfect place to be.
Should we allow the memories to beat us up constantly? Of course not, however, without that constant reminder, most of us might forget to keep ourselves Holy. I say a conscience that sharply remembers how bad our behavior once was, is an incredible gift. Now our part becomes turning that memory into a positive action, by thanking satan for the reminder and holding ever tighter to Jesus.
“Should we allow the memories to beat us up constantly? Of course not, however, without that constant reminder, most of us might forget to keep ourselves Holy. I say a conscience that sharply remembers how bad our behavior once was, is an incredible gift. Now our part becomes turning that memory into a positive action, by thanking satan for the reminder and holding ever tighter to Jesus.”
How true. Is 43:25 says that GOD forgets our sins. Us, well, not so much! We still have memories. And, I agree with you in that God would have it that way. I listened to a sermon not too long ago by Voddie Baucham…I think it was called “Brokenness” but I can’t remember. He was talking about the same exact thing. He called it “scar tissue.”
It’s almost like we have to learn how to master making the distinction between “facts” and “Truth.” The facts are the sin that is worthy of judgement. The truth is that Jesus Christ paid the price and that we wear His righteousness!
“I believe that true progress in our Christian lives can only be made relative to a right understanding of the relationship between God’s grace, and our responsibility. Without it, aren’t we subject to such spiritual wanderings, and harassments.”
So true! I would love to read this book. There MUST be that balance lest we err to extremes. On one side there’s antinomianism where we adopt a quietist approach, and sin reigns. Or the other we are consumed with self loathing to a fault and fail to recognize the infinite mercy and power of the blood of Christ. Systematic Theology is an absolute must – and we’re finding more and more that it is being rejected which is where the trouble begins.
So, funny you posted this just now, Christiana as Robert and I are discussing this embalance just now. I’m having him write my next post. Thanks for posting this!
“let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Diane,
I read “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges the first week I got saved. I don’t think I can ever overstate how significant his teaching has been to me. And, it continues to be so. His teachings are classics that just never grow old – no matter how long you’ve been serving the Lord.
So, Robert will write your next post! I will look forward to reading your guest blogger!!!