Unlimited: Outside Yourself
Oct 24, 2019 1846
As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2, NIV).
Throughout history, there have been many religious teachers who have tried to find the way to heaven within themselves. Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Tao of Chinese thought are all examples of this.
The idea is that if you look deeply enough within yourself, below the layers of the bad stuff, you will find true goodness. And if you can only tap into that, you will find true life and salvation.
The history of humanity is the story of the failure of people to look within themselves for salvation.
However, the teaching of the Gospel is different. It teaches us that salvation is not within ourselves, but outside of ourselves. Within ourselves is only weakness and corruption.
Lazarus represents all of us (John 11). We were dead in our sins. Lazarus wasn’t saved by anything within him, for in death he was powerless. He couldn’t do anything to help himself. The Saviour was outside and called his name, and he came out of the tomb restored.
Like Lazarus, we respond to the Saviour’s call, and in doing so, we have chosen to live by our response.
We must always remember that we are saved because of what Christ did outside of us at the Cross. Then we will appreciate all the more the work that his Spirit will do within.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection:If you are saved by what Christ did outside of you, then how does that help you find the peace and joy that is needed for inner transformation? How has this played out in your own life?
Jennifer Ashton
Nov 1, 2019
God is love ?? and ablessed god