I've Got the Joy Down In My Heart

Spring Morning Routine:

6:15-6:45 Hit Snooze as many times as I lack cares for how I will look that day
6:??-7:00 Open my eyes, thank the Lord for the day and plea for strength, muster the will to get up and get ready
7:00-7:15 Drive to BART, don't forget parking spot number..
7:15-8:10 Sit, Instagram, Podcast, Read the Word, Pray
8:10-8:55 **My Favorite Time of the Day** Run the 15 steps from the BART exit to PiQ Bakery
Order a hot coffee for here and some sort of carb-y treat, balance up the stairs to the balcony and settle in with seminary readings for the morning, admire the flatness of this coffee cup

I've had some random ailments the past couple weeks, perhaps revealing the stress in my heart and in my body that I suppress from my mind. The source? Ha, well to be honest I guess it's the realization that I'm not good at everything. This is sort of the only time success has not been handed to me on a silver platter, and while I know, I know that any good achievements of the past have been from the hand of the Lord, I still harbor an ugly pride that rejects the idea that I could be bad at something (besides running and math, I had to give those up a long time ago).

As a result however, I am reminded to be joyful of a few things: flat coffee cups, homeostatic digestive systems, vision, finances, books from the 1800s, loving co-workers, the option for career development, the option for higher education, compassionate parents, and a Father who will not let me go undisciplined. Thank you Lord, that you continue your sanctifying work in us, that You turn us to mortify our sin each day, and slowly refine us toward the image of Your Son. You have truly placed this joy down in my heart, may I be made aware of it each day and may my eyes be fixed upon You.

Rest of TGC and Chicago

So it turns out some of you actually read my blog and are wondering where the TGC Day 2 and 3 reflections are. Haha, yay! In any case here are some additional reflections from the rest of the trip:

one
Thus far I've approached theology by coming across a new concept like God's "tabernacling" or Christ's high priesthood and following that concept throughout the Word, and being amazed! The "No Other Gospel" message I went over in my last post, as well as the specificity with which the early church fathers nailed down the doctrines of the Trinity and Jesus' incarnation have brought me to consider a different approach.

Because everything of God and His redemptive plan are perfect, if we take a single element out, it is no longer orthodox. Consider then for example, if Jesus Christ did not become fully man, if He had been physically man but not tempted by sin because of retaining a divine mind alone, He would no longer be the perfect sacrifice to take God's wrath in our place. Or as Greg of Naz (circa 329-390AD) put it "If anyone has put his trust in Him as a Man without a human mind, he is really bereft of mind, and quite unworthy of salvation."

two
Every believer is in full time ministry. Well, at the conference I was largely surrounded by folks who are legitimately in full time ministry, but being around so many seminarians and pastors reminded me that we are, as God's children, all living each moment for the glory of God. Sure, I go to an office and sell some software for the majority of the day, but every in effort my goal is God glorified. What does full time ministry mean for your complaining heart? After-work habits? Your Saturdays? Your reading lists and personal goals? 

Better put by Calvin in "On the Christian Life": "This is a marvelous thing--we are consecrated and dedicated to God to the end that we might not think, speak, meditate, or act unless it be to His glory. The sacred [that's us!] can't be put to profane use without injustice to God."

three
It brings me to my last point. Meeting so many people who have benefited so by the writings of believers past, I'm inspired to pursue similar relationships. Kevin DeYoung says Calvin has become a most dear conversation partner. John Piper says he loves the Apostle Paul "very much". Haha. And I've expressed my kinship with women like Frances Havergal, but I've so neglected the pursuit of learning from wonderful mentors and the dedicated works they've blessed us with, as they've gone on to dwell with God. In any case, I'm motivated to read, read, read! And so thankful that God so graciously provides learning and fellowship even in this way. 

All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand

I thought I understood the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Spoiler: I didn't.

Digging through Romans in college, I was so carried off by the truth of God's sovereignty in my life that the idea that my own works could contribute anything to my salvation was quickly swept away with an of course not! I can't do anything! And that was that.

But I found myself at The Gospel Coalition conference named "No Other Gospel" going, okay I know the gospel, but what's the deal with these other gospels?

Pastor John Piper and Pastor Sandy Willson faithfully explained through Galatians 1-2.

Why is Paul freaking out about this other gospel that is no gospel? Why is he cursing anyone who proclaims a gospel that is different from the true gospel? What is this other gospel?

The church in Galatia was being told by Judaizers that justification by faith in Christ was great, but you must also be circumcised. Okay, the Israelite people of God were circumcised so I guess it makes sense to also be circumcised once you receive the new covenant of faith given that it's the sign of promise and all.. NO!

Paul is astonished and deeply angered by such heresies, why? Because the punishment for our sin is the holy wrath of God. May anyone who tampers with justification by faith alone be CURSED for that man has seen the divine curse-bearer Jesus Christ and has taken that wrath off of him, and placed it back onto feeble man.

Don't you know? By works of the law no one will be justified. If you claim that we must  bear even one ounce of the burden of the law on ourselves, you imply that the wrath of God for unrighteousness can be borne apart from Christ. You say Christ died for no reason involving you. For if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. 

Foolishness! Friends, it is our joy that we live by simple faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. Do not reject the free gift of grace through faith. To do so is to curse yourself to the wrath of the Holy Father. May no man preach any other gospel but justification by faith alone, for there is no other gospel. There is no other way.

As for me, I shall call upon God. And the Lord will save me. (Psalm 55:16)