Our Only Hope (II): The Gospel is Sufficient

—Chris Krycho

In the midst of struggling to do church well spiritually and practically, we must remember the reason for the church: Christ himself. With this in mind, I'm writing a three-part series, Our Only Hope, focused on the good news that undergirds Pillar on the Rock.

• Part I: The Gospel is Necessary
• Part II: The Gospel is Sufficient
• Part III: The Gospel is All-Consuming
  
• Epilogue: To Pastors and Peers

In the first post in this series, I outlined how the gospel is foundational and central to the life of the church. In this second post, I'm discussing how the gospel is sufficient for the church's work.

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Part II: The Gospel is Sufficient

To say the gospel is sufficient means that we believe that the gospel is up to whatever challenges we throw at it, in any stage of the Christian walk. While most churches understand the sufficiency of the gospel for salvation, I believe many do not understand its power for sanctification. There seems to be a discontinuity when churches transition from conversion to discipleship. I suspect that we stumble at this particular point because we're tempted to think, "We understand the gospel. That's foundational. Now let's start talking about [marriage/abortion/pride/anger/etc]."

As a typical example: Most guys I've met have struggled with lust, so it's a popular topic in the men's discipleship world. The typical answers I've heard—in Bible studies or popular books on the topic—tend to run like this: "Okay, look: this really dishonors God. And you're basically committing adultery—see? You have to stop!" Then he helpfully supplies practical tips for defeating lust.

And this is how we handle discipleship in general! Problems with your marriage? I dare you to rebuild your relationship! Having a hard time figuring out financial priorities? Just act your wage. Trouble with the kids? Remember that bringing up boys is hard work in our culture, and do it well.

Trying to tackle sanctification with nothing but practical advice is like trying to heal a broken bone by sticking a bandaid on it. The attempt is doomed—it would be laughable if it weren't so sad.

Don't get me wrong: I think practical advice goes a long way (Proverbs is full of it). Some people are ignorant of the principles laid out in Scripture, and we should help them live in step with the rhythms of God's world. In the end, though, we're back to that broken bone with a bandaid if we don't deal with the root issues—gospel issues—which cannot be fixed with mere pragmatism. The medicine for our wound is the work and person of Jesus Christ. Sanctification, like salvation, comes by grace alone.

In his discussion on overcoming sin, the apostle John wrote, "Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). Similarly, Paul reminded the Corinthians, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As I see it, there are two points we must take away from these passages:

1. Holiness grows by seeing God as He is—not by our practical steps, no matter how good or how wise those efforts are.
2. Our sanctification is a product of the Spirit's work in our lives, and is not only a result of our own striving.

In my sophomore year of college I spent months trying, and failing, to overcome pride and anger by my own power. Neither being confronted with my sin nor wrestling with it in my own heart produced change, although those steps were important. Seeing Christ—angered by self-righteousness, yet tenderhearted and humble—transformed me. Being confronted by His grace changed me.

We must communicate that Christ's work wipes away more than just our record of sins. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9); He is our sanctification and our wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

Jesus Christ is the salve for every wound and the splint for every broken bone. He is living water and abundant life, and eternal life is knowing Him.