Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - SEVEN STEPS

SEVEN STEPS

At times, Christianity seems too complicated and oppressive. With about 33,000 different denominations within the overall church, it is evident that there are too many rules, regulations, and restrictions in play. In reality, Christianity should be nothing more than a true relationship between God and man: a direct interpersonal relationship. Thus, there are really only seven steps involved in such a relationship.

First is the awareness that none of us are as we should be.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

(Romans 3:23)

Once we become aware of the inevitability of our sin, the second step is to come to the understanding that the knowledge of such sin comes from the law.

…for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

(Romans 3:20)

And from this is the third step, that we have to accept the fact that, in spite of our best efforts and intents in this world, according to Scripture:

There is none who does good, no, not one. 

(Psalm 14:3 and 53:3) 

There is none righteous, no, not one… 

(Romans 3:10)

And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags… 

(Isaiah 64:6)

[and] the wages of sin is death… 

(Romans 6:23)

Now, since we can do nothing ourselves to right this problem, as the Bible indicates that all our efforts are as filthy rags, we are on our own without much hope. Different religions teach that you get beyond the death sentence by good works - even though the abilities of individuals vary to such an extent that no two can do the same work all the time. Many, however, have faith that this will be enough. Others feel that it makes no difference, for nothing exists outside of this world. Scripture, though, tells us that we need only one thing - that is faith that Christ paid for any sin we might have committed or actually will commit. Just faith. Nothing more; nothing less. For it states that:

…without faith it is impossible to please Him… 

(Hebrews 11:6) 

Therefore,

….the just shall live by faith. 

(Romans 1:17) 

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

(2 Corinthians 5:7) 

Thus…

…we have boldness and access with confidence 

[to the manifold wisdom of God] through faith in Him. 

(Ephesians 3:12)

Having said this, many do not seem to have the awareness of this truth and continue to rely on their own counsel. But as the Bible puts it:

…the world through wisdom did not know God, 

it pleased God through the foolishness of the message 

preached to save those who believe. 

(1 Corinthians 1:21)

And 

…the foolishness of God is wiser than men… 

(1Corinthians 1:25)

Therefore, to understand all this requires a practice the all too few do for…

 

faith [and understanding] comes by hearing, 

and hearing by the word of God.

(Romans 10:17)

Thus, by this people can become aware of the message of the gospel, come to understand it, and hopefully develop an acceptance of what a relationship with Christ is all about.

All just something more to think about.