Taken from Challies.com on the post, The Badder The Bad.
“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever say, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?” – John Piper
… But the gospel reaches its ultimate offense when it tells us that we are utterly unable to do anything about all of this. None of our deeds, however noble and good, are able to make the least dent in the debt we owe to God. Furthermore, none of us would pursue any kind of reconciliation with God were it not for his prior action in our hearts. We are, in our heart of hearts, God-haters. Without God’s grace we are helpless and hopeless.
When someone and myself say, ‘I really ain’t that bad. I don’t hard others. I am a good person.’
That’s when righteousness is reflected to myself instead to the One that truly deserves it. That’s where faith and religion parts. The former focus on God. The latter focus on me (self-righteousness).
Since my class on Sat, I have been reflecting the Sermon of the Mount as a prophetic message. It is beautiful passage depicting God’s Sovereignty, God’s deliverance and God’s mercy to us.
And this is where I have joy. Joy that God, through thousands of years, continue to be the same. Continue to be active and continue to give grace.
