"God, I thank you that I am not like other men…” (Luke 18:11)
This pretty much is the attitude that professional Athletes, Politicians, Philosophers, and Religious people should strive NOT to have, at least in a public forum like news interviews, books they write, or church services.
When we truly come to understand who we are it HUMBLES us. Why? Because we learn to admit our flaws and imperfections.
It is most important for Christians, in my opinion, to understand that a person’s salvation is not the result of deciding to accept an OFFER from God, but a decision BY GOD HIMSELF to save UNRIGHTEOUS sinners. A salvation (from staying dead) based solely on a Father’s Love and Grace…to be done for all mankind. In the moment I came to understand and believe this, any pride left was gone as I realized I was not loved more than any other sinner…we will all be saved by the GRACE of our SAVIOR GOD. Paul expressed this best when he said under inspiration from God….
“The GRACE of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG with the FAITH and LOVE that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE SINNERS (not offer to save them)—of whom I AM THE WORST. But for that very reason I was shown MERCY so that in me, the WORST of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an EXAMPLE for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, THE ONLY GOD, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:14-17)
So what about the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life”? Remember, Paul had already said God saved the WORST sinner as an example to all sinners that Christ Jesus came to SAVE them. So it is obvious to me that what he meant by the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life” was that only those who believe that they have been saved as SINNERS can embrace the JOY and KNOWLEDGE that they will have eternal life. It is NOT because they BELIEVE, as if salvation is their choice, but because GOD SAVES SINNERS…His choice. Paul expressed this when he said in his first letter to Timothy….
“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
Being proud we are not like other sinners because of our wise choice, or our faith, or our concern and love for others, etc. is the problem I see with popular Christian apologists like Joel and Victoria Osteen. Their enthusiasm and positive message and appearance is infectious. However, it is boasting and subtle way of saying “we are not like other men”. That said, however, I do prefer their positive attitude toward life than the opposite extreme…the “turn or burn” negative attitude of some notable Christian fundamentalists.
This pretty much is the attitude that professional Athletes, Politicians, Philosophers, and Religious people should strive NOT to have, at least in a public forum like news interviews, books they write, or church services.
When we truly come to understand who we are it HUMBLES us. Why? Because we learn to admit our flaws and imperfections.
It is most important for Christians, in my opinion, to understand that a person’s salvation is not the result of deciding to accept an OFFER from God, but a decision BY GOD HIMSELF to save UNRIGHTEOUS sinners. A salvation (from staying dead) based solely on a Father’s Love and Grace…to be done for all mankind. In the moment I came to understand and believe this, any pride left was gone as I realized I was not loved more than any other sinner…we will all be saved by the GRACE of our SAVIOR GOD. Paul expressed this best when he said under inspiration from God….
“The GRACE of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG with the FAITH and LOVE that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE SINNERS (not offer to save them)—of whom I AM THE WORST. But for that very reason I was shown MERCY so that in me, the WORST of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an EXAMPLE for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, THE ONLY GOD, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:14-17)
So what about the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life”? Remember, Paul had already said God saved the WORST sinner as an example to all sinners that Christ Jesus came to SAVE them. So it is obvious to me that what he meant by the phrase “who would believe in him and receive eternal life” was that only those who believe that they have been saved as SINNERS can embrace the JOY and KNOWLEDGE that they will have eternal life. It is NOT because they BELIEVE, as if salvation is their choice, but because GOD SAVES SINNERS…His choice. Paul expressed this when he said in his first letter to Timothy….
“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)
Being proud we are not like other sinners because of our wise choice, or our faith, or our concern and love for others, etc. is the problem I see with popular Christian apologists like Joel and Victoria Osteen. Their enthusiasm and positive message and appearance is infectious. However, it is boasting and subtle way of saying “we are not like other men”. That said, however, I do prefer their positive attitude toward life than the opposite extreme…the “turn or burn” negative attitude of some notable Christian fundamentalists.
“…everyone who exalts
himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:14)