The Good Stuff

My best friend in high school considered herself to be very "religious". She thought if she acted a certain way and did all of the "right" things in life, she was okay in God's eyes. She still hasn't grasped the idea of forgiveness and the true meaning of Christ's death on the cross. I spoke with her the other day for the first time in quite a few months, and I realized just how lost and consumed she is with the idea of living a "good" life in order to earn her way into heaven. I couldn't help but relate this story to part of the introduction of the NIV Commentary. On page 24 it says, "In the religious world, the good news about Jesus Christ is watered down to good advice. People are told to be kind, smile a lot, to love all creatures, to think positively, and to feel good about themselves. But the true gospel about Jesus Christ is far more radical and explosive." The gospel involves my Jesus who offers unfailling love and mercy. The gospel involves my Jesus who bled and was beaten severely JUST to save all of us from the death we so richly deserve. Salvation involves complete faith and surrendering a lifestyle full of sin. I've tried explaining this concept to my friend, but because of her religion, she feels she has to earn every bit of her salvation. It breaks my heart...there's more to it than just being "good." Salvation takes faith and the ablility to step out of the 'number 1' place and let God take over that position in our lives. The message of the gospel is life-changing, and I wish everyone would accept it...