GraceCreates

By Jon Walker

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV)

If the apostle Paul ever made a New Year’s resolution, I suspect it was similar to the one made here, where he resolved to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.

Paul’s message was radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone.  That means it’s not Christ plus your good behavior, not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study, not Christ plus your tithe, not Christ plus the church you attend.

It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize, not Christ plus your title in the church, not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar, not Christ plus a desert fast – or even a dessert fast!

It’s not Christ plus a good driving record, not Christ plus well-behaved children, not Christ plus your newly shined shoes, not Christ plus the right job, not Christ plus the right spouse, not Christ plus a college education, not Christ plus the latest technology.

It’s simply Christ.  Christ plus nothing.  That’s our message in this still-new millennium, and it’s a message that is as right throughout 2008 as it will be in 2999.  May your New Year’s resolution be nothing but Christ and him crucified.

What does this mean?

• Jesus plus nothing equals salvation.
• Check your beliefs – Is there something you think you need to do or achieve to be fully accepted by God?  Are you adding to that Scripture, changing it to say, “I resolve to know nothing except Jesus and …?”
• Pray through this verse – “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV) Ask God to teach you this year to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2007 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.

By Jon Walker

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalms 51:12, KJV)

Over the years, I’ve misread and misheard Psalm 51:12, thinking it said, “Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.”

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of people mis-live the verse, too.

The difference between ‘my’ and ‘thy’ may seem like simple semantics, but the chasm between them is actually so vast that the only bridge capable of spanning the gap is the blood of Jesus Christ.

“My” salvation means I do it myself. I earn my salvation. I have a right to my salvation. It is mine, and it’s all about me.

“Thy” salvation is about God – his gift, his promise, his sacrifice, his love. It is his to bestow, because it’s not about you – or me – it’s about God and his grace.

This is important, related to the good news of the Gospel: If our joy about Jesus is based on what we’ve done, then we’ll always wonder if we’ve done enough. That joy is only temporary.

But if our Jesus-joy is based on the grace of God, it’s permanent – “it is finished.” (John 19:30)

If you’re struggling to sense the joy of his salvation, perhaps you’re still seeing it as yours and not his: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalms 51:12 NIV)

What does this mean?

• Rely on God’s work – God began a good work in you and he will “carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)
• God’s spirit sustains you – Your ability to walk as a Christian is dependent upon God’s spirit within you and your willingness to stay close to God. It is not based on your strength and efforts. “Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12b, NIV)
• Pray – Father, I pray that you renew a right spirit within me, a spirit not born of fear, or from self-sufficiency, or from an ungodly independence. Fill me with your spirit of love and grace, as I rely upon you to restore unto me the joy of your salvation.

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2007 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.