It is the statement of Scripture that when we were helpless and unable to do anything to save ourselves, God intervened and sent His Son to pay the entire price for all our wrongdoing (Romans 5:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24,25; Colossians 2:13-15). This is not something we work for or earn or produce, but simply receive through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-9; Romans 4:4,5; Galatians 2:16). Now the result of trusting in Christ is that we begin, although imperfectly, to live a new life based on His principles (Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:12-14). But this does not depend on us, but on God’s power working in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 1:29). This is motivated, not by a desire to earn something from God, but by love and thankfulness to God for the salvation we have already received (1 John 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; 1 Timothy 1:12-16). Then ultimately God will one day transform us and the world around us to do away with sin and death and all the troubles connected with them (Romans 8:19-23; Philippians 3:20,21; Revelation 21:4). We need a God big enough and great enough to accomplish these things. What we need is not what I would call (following C. S. Lewis) a tame God. A God who sets things in motion, lays down a few moral principles, and may be there to help us when we really get in trouble. We need the true God who can deliver us from sin and death and hell.
Professor Erich's Take


