Get documents about "Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel
Description
FREE Report, "Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West & What to Do About It" presents the 3 Biblical reasons why the gospel is hindered in the western world, and what the Bible says to do about it. A number of excerpts taken from Amazon''s #1 Bestseller in Christian Apologetics, CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED.
Shared by: JonCardwell
-
Stats
- views:
- 16
- posted:
- 12/7/2012
- language:
- pages:
- 37
Document Sample
by Jon J. Cardwell
http://justificationbygrace.com
Anniston, Alabama
©2010-2012
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
CONTENTS
Treacherous Times 2
Treacherous Hearts 6
Gospel Obstacle One 6
Gospel Obstacle Two 10
Gospel Obstacle Three 14
Training in Righteousness 17
What to Do About This 1 17
What to Do About This 2 18
What to Do About This 3 20
Trusting in Christ Alone 23
Glorifying God 24
Enjoying Him Forever 27
Trinkets for Growth in Grace 31
1
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Treacherous Times
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith…
1 Timothy 4:1
AVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED why some
churches, most especially a huge number
of them in the United States, must struggle
from time to time to come up with
something more exciting, more interesting,
and more attention-grabbing than the
Sunday previous? Why is there sometimes heard among
preachers, an air of bragging, quite frankly, over how many
baptisms were performed by their church, or how many souls
were reached with the gospel? When you heard pastors and
preachers say something like this on the radio, television or the
Internet, did it sound to you like Jesus Christ was exalted?
Although there are exceptions (and I thank God for that), many
times when I hear some preacher going on about how many
letters to the ministry he has received, how many baptisms he has
performed, how many new members his church has received,
etc., it most often grieves my soul to the core. Where is the honor
and glory unto Christ?
The apostle Paul warns the young pastor, Timothy, that there will
be an occasion, “the latter times,” when there will be a departure
2
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
from the faith. What does that mean? Will people stop believing?
No. Men and women have and will always believe in something.
It may not be the Lord Jesus Christ, but there will be a trusting
faith upon something. What the old apostle was speaking about,
however, was the kind of departure that Jude writes to the church
about: a departure from “the faith, which was once delivered unto
the saints” (Jude 1:3). The faith is the truth of redemption in none
other than the Person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Most
specifically, this departure will be a departure from the eternal
gospel truth of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy;
having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy
4:1, 2
A departure from the faith will mean that men will give “heed to
seducing spirits.”The vanity of pride, the exalted heart, will be
lured away by doubts about God’s Word. The subtle and enticing
“Yea, hath God said,”1 uttered by the serpent in the Garden of
Eden, will cause men to doubt the truth of Christ’s sufficient
sacrifice and the power of His resurrection.
Further, a departure from the faith will mean that men will give
“heed to... doctrines of devils.” The double-minded man, being one
who is unstable in all his ways,2 will want his spiritual cake and
eat it too. The doctrines of devils are filled with half-truths,
mimicking that which was said by the dragon in Eden of old:
1 Genesis 3:1
2 James 1:8
3
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye
eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil.3
“Ye shall not surely die” was a half-truth. Adam and Eve certainly
did not die right away physically. Adam lived to be 930 years of
age, but they did die immediately spiritually. That is evident in
Adam’s and Eve’s actions: attempting to hide their shame
through their own efforts; and hiding in the trees, attempting to
run from God when they heard the voice of God walking in the
garden in the cool of the day.
“That in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye
shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” was another half-truth spun
by the serpent. Adam’s and Eve’s eyes were opened to their sin,
to their shame, and to their disobedience to God. When losing
their innocence and falling into unrighteousness, although they
could tell the difference between good and evil, their rebellion
against God fractured their relationship with God; and so being
dead in trespasses and sins,4 they had no power to carry out that
which is good, holy, and righteous.
The divided heart of the covetous will fall prey to demonic
teaching, which goes beyond merely doubting the truth of the
cross of Christ, but will minimize the truth of its sufficiency.
These devilish doctrines will paint Christ as a good teacher, but
deny His righteous perfection as a man. They will teach that Jesus
Christ was a mere example as a martyr, yet deny the sufficiency
and excellence of His substitutionary atonement.
3 Genesis 3:4, 5
4 Ephesians 2:1, 5
4
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Finally, in the latter times there will be an outright denial of the
cross of Jesus Christ― reprobates “speaking lies in hypocrisy; having
their conscience seared with a hot iron.” This is that defiant heart of
rebellious creatures, “who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified,
an unholy thing” (Hebrews 10:29).
Understanding the kind of times in which we live, and having
briefly considered the three basic behaviors prevalent today, we
may now examine the three primary obstacles to the gospel of
Jesus Christ in the western world.
5
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Treacherous Hearts
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked: who can know it?
Jeremiah 17:9
E ARE DESCENDANTS of our fallen father,
Adam, so in our flesh dwelleth no good
thing.5 We have a sinful condition with a
tendency toward an exalted heart (pride), a
divided heart (idolatry and covetousness),
and a defiant heart (adultery and
uncleanness). These are the three basic obstacles or hindrances, if
you will, to the gospel. John, the beloved apostle, writes it in this
way:
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust
of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world. 1 John 2:16
OBSTACLE ONE. The lust of the flesh is the defiant
heart, which is that rebellion against God,
against His Christ, and against the work of
Christ upon the cross. This is the first obstacle
to the gospel of Christ. Paul says, “For the flesh
lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are
5 Romans 7:18
6
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would” (Galatians 5:17).
The blessed spiritual is not compatible at all with the fallen
creation. They are in direct opposition to one another. They are at
odds and in constant conflict. This lends to us a foundational
understanding of the economy of heaven as it pertains to those
things spiritually applied on earth.
AN OBSTACLE TO THE UNSAVED HEARER
The lust of the flesh is that condition akin to the defiant heart.
John Bunyan, the author of the popular allegory, The Pilgrim’s
Progress, refers to this state of the unbeliever, or temptation to the
Christian, as adultery or uncleanness, in his treatise Christian
Behavior. This sinful condition or temptation is adulterated
because the lust of the flesh is impure. It is fallen since we are
descendents of disobedient Adam; and therefore, as his children,
we carry his corruptions. The scriptures tell us that no flesh will
glory in God’s presence.6 It will not glory in God’s presence
because it cannot glory in His presence.
The lust of the flesh is an obstacle to the gospel among
unbelievers because those with such behavior are walking in
defiance against God, loving not God, but those things in the
world, or even in the spiritual realm, that can feed the fleshly lust.
The truth of the gospel is spiritual truth and must be received by
revelation from the seat of heaven, by the Son of heaven, and
through the Spirit of heaven. Again, in another place, Paul tells
6 1 Corinthians 1:29
7
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
us, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). In other words,
the good news of Jesus Christ must be announced in the power of
the Holy Spirit; it must arouse the soul through the power of the
Holy Spirit; and it must arrest the soul by the power of the Holy
Spirit. The lost soul is deaf the call of the Spirit of Christ, blind to
the truth of the Spirit of Christ, and dead to the life and love of
the Spirit of Christ.
Because he is natural, he must, by the Spirit, be made alive
because he is dead in trespasses and sins;7 he must be made to
hear because he is deaf and uncircumcised of ear;8 he must also be
made to see, because he is blind and uncircumcised of heart.8, 9
Now, that is certainly an obstacle and we realize that it must be
overcome by the Spirit of the Lord; yet, if God has ordained the
means, method and manner to proclaim the gospel of His
crucified and risen Son is the foolishness of preaching by
wretched sinners redeemed by God’s grace, then it would seem
that those He has called to preach and proclaim His gospel might
recognize this:
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom
knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching
to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
7 Ephesians 2:1, 5
8 Acts 7:51
9 Matthew 5:8
8
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have
not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they
have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is
written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the
gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But
they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord,
who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:13-17
AN UNDERSTANDING FOR THE SAVED WITNESS
How does this truth affect the preacher, teacher, herald, and
witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
It tells us that, although He has ordained to use fallen souls such
as you and me, we must rest in Him for power and rely upon
whatever the results.
We must be submissive to God in every bit and every whit of the
promulgation of the gospel; therefore, prayer prior to preaching,
teaching, sharing or just talking about Christ, not only empowers
us to do so, but comforts us to trust in a good God, who is always
good and will always do the good, wise and glorious thing
according to His eternal plans and holy pleasure.
AN OBSTACLE FOR THE ONE PREACHING
The lust of the flesh is an obstacle to the gospel among believers
who are presenting, promoting or proclaiming the gospel because
those with such behavior, like the unbeliever as mentioned
9
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
earlier, are walking in defiance against God, loving not God, but
those things in the world, or even in the spiritual realm, that can
feed the fleshly lust. Such a one behaving in accordance with and
craving the lust of the flesh may be saved or unsaved.
If he is saved, this lust of the flesh is an area in that person’s life,
and whenever it creeps in, it lusts against the spirit in that soul
and wars against the fruit of the Spirit to bring him to submit in
favor of his fallen flesh, rather than the grace of God in the love of
Christ. There’s so much more that I would like to bring forth
concerning this, however, we just don’t have the time and space
within this report. Nevertheless, we can see how all the means
that God has ordained for our Christian walk, Christian work,
and Christian witness, have been appointed for our benefit in
private, family and public practice: prayer, meditation, baptism,
and the Lord’s Supper, etc.
OBSTACLE TWO. The lust of the eyes is the
divided heart. This is the second obstacle to the
gospel of Jesus Christ in western civilization
today. Now, this isn’t merely the physical eyes
with which we have our sight, but it speaks of
the eyes in a metaphorical sense, which is connected to the
condition of man’s heart, the seat of his character and
understanding. Unto character we have this truth from God’s
word: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew
5:8).
The lust of the eyes as the condition of man’s divided heart also
pertains to the seat of our understanding; and basically, it refers
to our perception and apprehension of truth, as Jesus says, “By
10
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see,
and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time
they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should
understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal
them” (Matthew 13:14-15).10
AN OBSTACLE TO THE UNSAVED HEARER
The lust of the flesh is that condition akin to the divided heart.
Again, looking to Mr. Bunyan, he refers to this state of the
unbeliever, or temptation to the Christian, as idolatry. This sinful
condition or temptation is idolatrous because the lust of the eyes
dismisses, even in part, the exalted glory, excellence, and
sufficiency in God alone through Christ alone. It is a
compromising act, word or thought that doesn’t deny God
outright, and may even acknowledge Him and have an esteemed
place for Him, yet, the sinner’s soul esteems and values some
other thing as equal to or greater than God.
Jesus presents the glory and estimation of God and His Christ at a
point in His ministry when multitudes followed Him. He turned
to them and said:
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother,
and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his
own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth
not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:26-27
10 Isaiah 29:13-14
11
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Anything or anyone that competes with interest in God through
Jesus Christ should be esteemed as hated in comparison. The
Master illustrates it by taking the most precious relationships we
know on earth, and tells us that they must be utterly hated and
cast off if they hold a place in our hearts equal to or greater than
God in Christ.
AN UNDERSTANDING FOR THE SAVED WITNESS
How does this truth affect the preacher, teacher, herald, and
witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
This is an obstacle to unbelievers because they find satisfaction in
those idols they value; yet, because idolatry certainly cannot fill
the vast void that is made by spiritual death that comes by
trespasses and sins. It could be said that the sin, or temptation, of
the lust of the eyes is similar to the old saying that one wants to
have their cake and eat it too. They want fire insurance, so to
speak. They want to escape the flames of hell while enjoying the
pleasures worthy of condemnation, never realizing that the
flames of hell are the righteous wrath of God passing judgment
upon the hatred against God and the rejection of Jesus Christ.
This is why there can really never be any such thing as one who is
a “carnal” Christian, so-called. True Christians do engage in
carnal sin because of their weakness in flesh,11 but they are
repentant of their deeds with godly sorrow, and do confess those
sins by the grace of God.12 As there is no such thing as a “carnal”
Christian, then one who confesses Christ, yet walks in a manner
11 Romans 7:18-20; 1 Corinthians 3:1
12 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:7-10
12
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
of worldly carnality can only be one of two things:
(1) a backslidden Christian, who must repent of his sins
else he will have no peace until he does;13
(2) a false confessor of Christ who will receive eternal
judgment except he repent of his sins and believe with
trusting faith upon Christ alone for salvation.14
AN OBSTACLE FOR THE ONE PREACHING
The lust of the eyes is an obstacle to the gospel among believers
who are presenting, promoting or proclaiming the gospel because
those with such behavior, like the unbeliever as mentioned
earlier, are walking the fence in some areas of life with regard to
God.
Likewise, as with the previous obstacle being the defiant heart,
the divided heart, the lust of the eyes, will distract the preacher of
the gospel form a focus upon Christ alone. The only remedy is the
prayerful submission to the truths of God’s Word to exalt the
Person of Christ and the work of Christ above all else by the
means of grace mentioned with regard to putting away the lust of
the flesh.
OBSTACLE THREE. The pride of life is the exalted
heart, which desires heavenly blessings, but
doesn’t want them God’s way, that is, through
Christ’s atoning death. This is the third obstacle
to the gospel in the western hemisphere. Pride
13 Luke 22:32, 61, 62
14 Matthew 7:21-23; Acts 8:20-24
13
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
also wants God’s power and God’s approval without a desire for
God Himself. Pride desires the rewards of heaven without the
redemption in Christ, neither a true, honest, and humble
relationship with Christ. Simply, the pride of life is esteeming
oneself with greater honor than is due— basically, it’s pride, and
pride is the selfish heart.
AN OBSTACLE TO THE UNSAVED HEARER
This sinful condition or temptation is idolatrous, but in this case,
it is self-idolatry. It is a compromising act in the same way as the
lust of the eyes; yet, it exalts self rather than something or
someone else. Again, as with idolatry, it may not necessarily deny
God outright, and may even acknowledge Him and have an
esteemed place for Him, yet, the sinner’s soul esteems and values
himself as equal to or greater than God; or esteeming oneself with
a value that is different from what God says in His Word. Pride
not only says, “I know better than others…,” it also says, “I know
better than God.”
As with the illustration in the second obstacle, the same scripture
addresses this issue of pride as well as Jesus said:
If any man come to me, and hate not… his own life also, he
cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his
cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26,
27
Therefore, it is not merely anyone or anything that competes with
interest in God through Christ, it also includes self; and we
should lament that condition if pride snatches us away from
14
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Christ. The unbelieving hearer must have as much of the power
of God’s Spirit to overcome pride, as much power as to overcome
the previous two obstacles to the gospel.
AN UNDERSTANDING FOR THE SAVED WITNESS
How does this truth affect the preacher, teacher, herald, and
witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
This is an obstacle to unbelievers because pride says, “I’m right
and you’re wrong; I know and you don’t; it’s my way or no way.”
The selfish heart finds gratification and satisfaction in oneself,
and therefore, if the message of the gospel doesn’t appeal to what
such a person believes to support his own views, and especially
his own view of himself, Christ becomes an inconvenience at best,
and an offense at worst. To this type of heart, Jesus Christ is not
all important. To this kind of soul, Jesus is merely a resource, not
the Redeemer; He is just an aid to success and not the Author and
Finisher of faith; He is only a help for an inconvenient
circumstance and not the Holy One of Israel.
AN OBSTACLE FOR THE ONE PREACHING
The pride of life will be an obstacle to the gospel among believers
who are presenting, promoting or proclaiming the gospel because
those with such behavior, like the unbeliever mentioned earlier,
will have trouble following apart from the perceptions of his own
esteem. Pride keeps him from submitting to the Holy Spirit. Pride
keeps him from submitting himself to other believers. Pride keeps
him from submitting fully to the truth of God’s Word.
15
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
These are really the three basic sins and temptations from which
all other sins stem: uncleanness, idolatry and pride; or as John
presents them in his epistle— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life.
During these last days, the sins that spring from these three main
obstacles to the gospel are easily dismissed by so many that
profess a saving faith in Jesus Christ. This, my brethren, ought not
so to be. And when we dismiss sin, any sin, lightly, we bear
witness at how superficially we trust in the glorious Sacrifice of
Christ.
So what do we do about it? What can be done?
Many will immediately answer: PRAYER. Yes, we most certainly
need to pray; nonetheless, let us prayerfully consider this three-
fold training in righteousness from God’s Word.
16
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Training in Righteousness
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
ECAUSE THESE SINFUL TEMPTATIONS so
easily beset us, we need to cling to the
cross and cleave to Christ; we need to
embrace God’s grace and keep the truth of
Christ crucified as a reality in the depths of
our souls.
On several occasions,15 the Lord Jesus gave the disciples specific
instruction in order to handle the three basic temptations
common to man: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me”(Matthew 16:24).
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS 1. Let him deny
himself. This would be the first thing we want to
see spring for from our redeemed lives.
Selfishness, fullness of self, is the ultimate
defiance against God. Self-fullness is
exemplified in the indictment against Satan through Isaiah:
15 Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34;
17
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the
morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst
weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will
ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of
God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in
the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the
clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:12-14
A true denial of self cannot defy the living God. Worldly interests,
which are found apart from the grace of God in Jesus Christ, will
appeal to and encourage self in some way, shape or form. Satan’s
wiles and devilish deceptions will do the same. I will ascend
opposes God’s grace. I will exalt my throne opposes God’s
sovereign order. I will sit also upon the mount opposes God’s
authority. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds opposes God’s
judgments. I will be like the most High opposes God’s holiness.16
To deny self would be to act according to the essential heart of the
truth that John Baptist had spoken concerning himself with
respect to Jesus Christ: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John
3:20).
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS 2. And take up his
cross. One of the most significant characteristics
surrounding idolatry and the people of Judah in
the days of old was that they still maintained all
the externals of worship unto Jehovah God.
16These are not the only things the “I wills” of Lucifer speak upon in the passage from
Isaiah 14:12-14. Additionally, disagreement may arise as to what each Satanic statement
implies; however, we will be unable to cover this topic in depth within this treatise
without taking away from the point at hand, Christ crucified. May this suffice us for the
time being.
18
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
They were as James calls “double minded… unstable in all [their]
ways” (James 1:8). These are they that are “like a wave of the sea,
driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:6). Speaking of the people
in the northern kingdom of Israel, Hosea says, “Their heart is
divided” (Hosea 10:2). The Lord Jesus said it like this in the
Sermon on the Mount:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise
the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24
The divided heart is subdued by the gospel of Christ crucified
because it takes up the truth of Christ’s cross as a personal
possession.17 This is not a life, action or attitude of self-sacrifice.
Surely, certain things will be eliminated from the Christian life;
and certain things will be sacrificed. Yet, self-sacrifice is never the
essential center of this truth. When we present our bodies a living
sacrifice unto God, we do so by His mercies.18 Therefore, as
taking up our cross has its source in God’s mercies, then taking
up our cross has its origin in Christ crucified― the ultimate and
eternal expression of God’s mercy for mankind.19
17 Possessing the cross is examined more closely on pg.92 of the book, Christ and Him
Crucified, in the subsection titled, “Our Pilgrimage with the Gospel.”
18 Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
19 Some may oppose this view that the cross we are to take up his the truth of Christ’s
cross. The argument that will most likely be used is that this could not possibly be the
context by which Christ’s disciples understood His statement because He had not yet
been crucified. To that we must remember that Jesus said many things that would not
be understood by His disciples until after His crucifixion, and after the Holy Spirit had
been given, who will guide us into all truth. John, the beloved evangelist, comments
upon that very thing: “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified” (John
7:39).
19
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
It is only at the cross of Jesus Christ where a divided heart may be
transformed into a heart devoted unto Jesus alone. It is only at the
cross of Christ where the instability of life may be rooted and
grounded upon that solid Rock of ages. It is only at Calvary’s tree
where covetousness can be cast down and all our idols upon the
high places torn from our hearts.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS 3. And follow me. The
prideful person, the haughty heart, can never
follow Jesus Christ. Arrogance will never allow
anyone else to take the lead. This is why God
opposes the proud.20
The very opposite of pride is humility; and it takes a divine and
supernatural humility to follow He who is the most humble of
men that ever walked the face of the earth: Jesus Christ, the
Righteous.21
With regard to humility, God’s Word provides us specific
instruction on that: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and
he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).22 This is an interesting statement
that should be considered from two important points: first, as a
commandment of God unto His people; and second, in its
promised reward as a result of obedience to the commandment―
our lifting up, or as Peter says in his epistle, that God “may exalt
[us] in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
To the first point, as a commandment from God― it would seem
20 James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
21 Philippians 2:7, 8
22 The same thing is said very similarly by Peter in 1 Peter 5:6.
20
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
an incredible thing to suggest that this is some kind of “how-to
live the Christian life” when surrounded by and living within the
context of God’s grace. You may be thinking, and rightly so,
“Wouldn’t my obedience in efforts to be humble somewhat cross
the line into legalism? Wouldn’t my efforts to be humble suggest
that God’s grace needs help to be real through my humility?”
That would seem to humbly and gently place us upon the horns
of a dilemma, wouldn’t it? Let’s take a look at the second point of
humility first, in God’s exalting us who have humbled ourselves
in His sight― then we can more readily answer the first point, of
the commandment of God to humble ourselves.
When we have humbled ourselves, it would seem rather an
oxymoron to think that the reason we are humbling ourselves is
so that we might be lifted up, exalted as Christ, and lavished with
honor, as if we did something apart from the grace of God. No,
that’s not it at all. Although it is true that when we are glorified,
we do receive an amazing and incredible honor when this mortal
puts on, by God’s grace, immortality and incorruption; and that
shall be our exaltation in due time.23 Yet, in the meantime, while
we are being sanctified, transformed from glory to glory, and
being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, gradually by God’s
grace, when there is true humility in the presence of God, He lifts
us nearer Himself, nearer to Christ― and with that greater
illumination of the majesty of the Master, nearer that
unapproachable light, we are further humbled, bowing down in
our hearts, as we receive an increased glimpse of the eternal
splendor and infinite holiness of our Redeemer: “Holy, holy, holy,
is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”24 Then in
23 1 Peter 5:6
24 Isaiah 6:3
21
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
abject humility and in honesty stripped bare we utter, “Woe is me!
for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the
midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the
LORD of hosts.”25
Understanding this, the commandment of God to humble
ourselves is, therefore, a response to the initial revelation of the
unbridled majesty of Christ crucified, risen, ascended, and ruling
and reigning upon His throne— high and lifted up.
25 Isaiah 6:5
22
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Trusting in Christ Alone
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none
upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my
heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and
my portion for ever.
Psalms 73:25, 26
S THAT ALL there is to it? Is there anything
else we can do? Actually, I believe that
there is.
Recognizing that it is by God’s sovereign
will that a soul is saved according to His
plans and purposes, which are in His good pleasure, and that He
has ordained the foolishness of preaching as the primary means
for the gospel to be conveyed to a lost and dying world, we
should also recognize that we can no more manipulate a soul into
heaven by our preaching than we can coerce God to bend His will
by our praying. Yet, embracing the very core of that truth, we are
not fatalists; neither are we cold or callous over the condition of
men’s souls. No. We are passionate to see God receive great joy
over one sinner that cometh unto repentance. And neither are we
pragmatists, suggesting that these things mentioned earlier, and
the things to be mentioned to close this, are works required for
salvation or sanctification. We desire to see God glorified with
every breath, every action, every word, and every thought of our
23
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
lives. This is really nothing more than trusting solely and wholly
in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Still, you may be asking, “Well, what more is it that we can do?”
For the answer to that I must take you to the first catechistical
statement of Charles Spurgeon’s A Puritan Catechism:
Q1. What is the chief end of man? ANS. Man’s chief end is
to glorify God,26 and to enjoy Him for ever.27
I would like to suggest applying these two elements for a
practical, joyful, empowering, daily worship of our God through
Christ.
GLORIFYING GOD. The purpose of man is two-
fold: (1) to glorify God; and (2) to enjoy Him
forever. Let’s look first at how to glorify God.
Our scripture proof for the answer to our first
catechistical question is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31,
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all
to the glory of God.
Eating, drinking and whatsoever we do about covers every
situation and circumstance you and I would encounter on this
planet. We exist to bring God glory. How, then, would we go
about to bring God glory? I’m so glad you asked. Let me tell you.
26 1 Corinthians 10:31
27 Psalms 73:25, 26
24
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
At the very beginning of that the letter in which Paul writes these
words above, he writes to the believers at Corinth:
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
It is in Christ Jesus, by whom He is and all He has done, that God
is most glorified— He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. God’s
purpose in Christ is summed up in the statement he makes a few
verses afterward,
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
The apostle condenses the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection,
ascension and return of Christ in one expression: Jesus Christ, and
Him crucified. This is the sum of the gospel. The cross of Jesus
Christ is the greatest manifestation in the entire eternal universe
of God’s purpose in Christ; yet, it will not be fully realized until
the return of Christ, which will reveal the effects of God’s eternal
plans and purpose in Christ by the cross. Then, what is the
purpose of the cross? It is simply this…
The purpose of the cross is for the entire universe, for
all eternity, to find glory in God through Christ; and to
glorify God in Christ.
Let us, therefore, begin with the cross of Christ in our prayers, our
meditations in scripture, our fellowship and interactions with
25
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
believers, and our witness to the world in our behavior and
conversation.
And as our prayers, meditations and all other graces begin at
Christ crucified, may our thoughts, words and good works also
spring forth from the divine truth of the gospel of Christ
crucified; may its blessed truth permeate our considerations and
contemplations; may it capture our every conversation and
discourse; may it empower every deed, duty and action.
When we teach, may our doctrine overflow from grace
abounding by the atoning Sacrifice of Christ.
When we preach, may our proclamation ascend to the throne of
grace because of the mercy received by the precious blood spilled
at Calvary’s tree.
When we discipline for growth in grace and strengthening in
faith, may it be seasoned with the salt and light of Christ’s
propitiation.
When we discipline for correction in Christ’s church, may it be
full of mercy because of the offering made by the soul of the Son
of God at Golgotha.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord;28 but let our praise be
unto God through Jesus Christ, whose soul was offered a sacred
Sacrifice, who shed His precious blood for the remission of sin,
who paid a debt He did not owe for a debt we owe and could not
possibly pay, who received in the perfections of His person, the
28 Psalms 150:6
26
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
unrestrained wrath of God as that glorious propitiation. Praise ye
the Lord! Hallelujah.
ENJOYING HIM FOREVER. The second part of the
catechism’s answer says that, not only were we
created for the purpose of bringing glory unto
God, but also to enjoy God forever. We are
created to find our good pleasure in God by and
through Jesus Christ, just as God has created us for His good
pleasure in Jesus Christ. Our scripture proof for this was sited at
the beginning of this chapter, Psalms 73:25-26,
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon
earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth:
but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalms 73:25-26
To enjoy God forever is certainly not divorced from who Christ is
and what He has done. It is quite the contrary. Christ is our
portion, our inheritance. If we have not Jesus Christ, we have
nothing.
Additionally, to glorify God in Christ, to glory or boast in God
through Christ, and to find glory in God by Christ, is to rejoice
with eternal joy by the good news of whom we have in heaven,
which we would not have at all except God became a man in the
incarnation, lived a righteous life that you and I cannot possibly
live, to die the death of the cross, buried, risen, ascended and
seated at the right hand of the Father until He come again. Does
not this make all other joyful pleasures insignificant in
comparison?
27
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
When was the last time you broke out in spontaneous praise unto
God just because your soul was overjoyed with the goodness that
is God?
When was the last time you just stopped and prayed; not because
you had a petition to bring before the throne of grace, but instead,
just because you do take pleasure in spending intimate time with
your heavenly Father?
When was the last time you just sat in prayer and reflected upon
the glorious communion of the Trinity praying with you, and
interceding for you?
When was the last time that you just opened your Bible to read,
not out of duty to get your portions in and done, not out of
necessity because you had to prepare for a lesson, but just
because you wanted to enjoy sitting at the feet of Jesus so that the
Spirit of Christ may whisper with a still small voice the blessed
truths and exalted excellencies of Christ found in the scriptures?
If you’re a preacher, whether open air or before the assembly of
believers, do you take pleasure in that blessed calling; that the
lips upon your face, which at one time blasphemed God with the
most vile offenses, but now, since you have been saved and the
grace of heaven has been poured upon you, do you rejoice with a
shout that those same villainous lips are allowed to proclaim
Christ, and Him crucified?
We often become so busy with the work of the ministry or the
how-to-do-its of growing in grace that we seldom take the time to
just open up the Bible for the joy of reading it; praying just for the
28
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
joy of telling the heavenly Father that we love Him; to utter
Christ’s name in praise just because we can.
Perhaps I can illustrate a bit better with a story that Corrie ten
Boom used to tell when she was a “tramp for the Lord.” Here’s
my paraphrase of that story I heard her tell long ago.
Corrie was scheduled for a series of meetings in
Germany to speak of the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
At one point during those meetings, she met with many
of the pastors and professors from the churches and
seminaries taking part in the meetings. When she came
in to meet the ministers, she gave them a box of
chocolates from Holland, which they were grateful to
receive, and delighted to eat right away.
The ministers predominantly discussed many
academics issues, scholarly perspectives, and deep
theological concerns. At a moment when the
conversation waned, Corrie finally spoke. She asked,
“Did you enjoy the chocolates?”
“Jah! Jah!” was their gleeful response.
“That’s good,” she smiled with that familiar twinkle in
her eyes. “I see that you did enjoy them. When you ate
your chocolate, none of you asked me how it was
made. No one asked about the ingredients or how long
it took to cook the recipe; you just ate them. You need
to do that with your Bibles! Read it!”
29
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Now, certainly Tanta Corrie wasn’t telling them to get rid or
doctrine, theology or scholarship. She did this to emphasize that
they shouldn’t exalt one at the expense of the other. Their studies
in theology should have brought them the same kind of joy in just
reading the Bible for the joy of reading it. I believe that this
happens when the truth of Christ crucified is not the heart and
soul of our doctrinal Christianity, our experiential Christianity,
and our practical Christianity.
Well that’s it. I hope this has been a blessing to you. Most of what
you have read has come from excerpts of Chapter 8 in my book,
Christ and Him Crucified. There have been several changes and a
great number of things added, and I have just paused to pray…
that this has ministered to you with blessing, edification and
encouragement.
Please take the time to read the next section which will
encourage you with more upcoming FREE eBooks and
reports, as well as specials on items, and other great resources.
30
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
Trinkets for Growth in Grace
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
F YOU HAVE RECEIVED this free report by
responding to an ad or clicking on one of
my Facebook pages, you have already
signed up to receive my newsletter.
Now, you can unsubscribe or “opt-out” at
any time, but if you’re passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ,
I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO KEEP YOUR SUBSCRIPTION… and if
someone has sent this Free Report to you, please subscribe to my
new eNews, “Preaching Christ Crucified.”
Go to this link if you have a Facebook account,
https://www.facebook.com/Christ.Crucified/app_153502018052890,
or go here if you’re not on Facebook,
http://justificationbygrace.com/gospel-obstacles/index.html
I respect your privacy and will never sell, give away or in any
way divulge your email address or personal information.
31
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
SPECIAL FREE GIFT. If you have subscribed to
my eNewsletter, you may have already received
a special free gift, a PDF eBook of Christian
Behavior (cited in this report), by John Bunyan
and edited in modern English by me. The
paperback book is on sale at Amazon.com and is
listed with a retail value of $12.95. I want you
to have this wonderful treatise absolutely free.
SURPRISE BONUSES! Additionally, over the
next few days, you will receive some other free eBooks and
resources from the eNewsletters you receive. You’ll just have to
wait and see what they are as you open your email when it
comes.
CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED! If you do not
have a copy of Christ and Him Crucified, I
strongly recommend that you get one.
The book is available at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1468029576
I believe that it is an incredible resource to
encourage you to remain in the grip of grace
and the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Needless to say, your purchase helps to further our ministry to
proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A Kindle
Edition is of Christ and Him Crucified is also available.
32
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
CHECK OUT THESE SPECIAL OFFERS…
Ready for the Kudos & Huge
Profitability of Being a
Published Author?
Step-By-Step Guide Explodes Publishing Myths
And Reveals a Simple Method to Earn from
Publishing Your Own Physical Books
http://bepublishednow.com
33
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
The Ultimate Guide to Unleashing
Your Inner Author !
Learn the Little Known Tips on Becoming a Master Author... and
Discover Tools to Create Excellent Results with Your Writing!
http://mastermegawriting.com
34
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
A NEW FICTION SERIES FOR TEENS
YOU KILL’D MY PAHDER, FREFARE TO DIE
The Continuing Saga & Delicious Misadventures of
Wilmer P. Cohen: Pilgrim, Patriot, Just Plain Joe
http://youkilledmypahder.com
35
Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel in the West
JustificationByGrace.com
If you have been blessed by this report, could I impose upon you
to share these links on your blog, website or social network?
This link for your friends on Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/Christ.Crucified/app_153502018052890,
or this link for your friends not on Facebook,
http://justificationbygrace.com/gospel-obstacles/index.html
Thank you so very much,
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ shine upon you.
Jon Cardwell
36
