Reconciled by Christ's Obedience

"The rich young ruler understood that. It’s why he walked away from Christ in shame (Luke 18:18–30). When Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give everything to the poor, He wasn’t offering the young man salvation by works. The money itself wasn’t the point—it was a question of his willingness to do whatever the Lord told him to do. What would he give up for the sake of his eternal soul? It was a test of his obedience and what he valued most in his heart. And he failed miserably. Reconciliation to God doesn’t happen on our terms, according to our schedules, when it’s convenient for us. It’s a radical redemption and transformation, and it requires us to be penitent, submissive, and completely sold out for God’s purpose and work. Nothing less is acceptable" - Excerpt from Reconciled by the Response of Obedience

I recently read an article from a well known ministry titled  "Reconciled by the Response of Obedience"  I was saddened by reading it and also very grateful. My distress came from thinking about genuine Christians who endeavor to live their lives in obedience to God, yet are harboring a secret suspicion that all is not well with their soul. Their eyes are not turned towards their merciful High Priest but instead to their own sincerity and willingness to obey. They are told over and over again that salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone, yet the implied definition of faith in articles like this is expanded to include a willingness to submit, to obey, or surrender all. I remember being in this mindset as well. I remember the confusion, the unrest, and the suspicion. I remember my self righteousness in thinking that I did satisfactorily submit enough to be assured of reconciliation. I also remember the despair in discovering that I didn't. The collapse of the definition of faith vs. the fruit of faith produces mind torture for Christians who are consistently aware of  their weakness and sin. 

I am also very grateful. I am grateful to be acquainted with some of the Reformed confessions that have clarified what was once confusing. Suspicion and despair have given way to freedom and rest. I want to clarify two things with this post: 

1. The definition of saving faith does not include obedience, willingness, submission, or surrender. 

2. Christ's obedience ultimately reconciles us to God. 

1. The definition of saving faith does not include obedience, willingness, submission, or surrender. 

The Reformed tradition determines saving faith has three elements: knowledge, assent, and trust. I love the way the Heidelberg Catechism defines true faith: 

What is true faith? 

True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These gifts are purely of grace, only because of Christ's merit (Heidelberg Q&A 21) 

Knowledge - In order to believe the Gospel, I must have knowledge and awareness of  the historical and redemptive works of Christ as revealed in Scripture 

Assent -  I must agree that the redemptive works of Christ are true

Trust -  I must trust that the redemptive works of Christ are not only true for others but also for me - what does this entail? He has forgiven me of my sins and has granted me eternal life through the satisfaction and works of Christ on my behalf.  I must believe that these facts are true for me. 

I remember the first time I heard true faith described in this manner.  I felt relieved from the weight of confusion and doubt that came from defining my faith by my obedience. Faith is an empty hand that receives Christ and all of His saving benefits. Trusting that He has granted to us forgiveness of sins and imputed righteousness, unites us to Christ and saves us from both the penalty of sin and the power of sin. We don't trust Christ only for justification, but also trust Him for sanctification. By faith we can be assured that nothing can separate us from the love of  God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). By faith we can be assured "that although our consciences accuses us that we have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them, and are still inclined to all evil, yet God without any merit of our own, out of mere grace, imputes to us the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ" (Heidelberg Q&A 60) By faith we can be assured that He grants to us the "perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ as if we have never had nor committed any sin, and as if we had accomplished all the obedience which Christ rendered to us" (Heidelberg Q&A 60) Isn't that wonderful life giving news? 

2. Christ's Obedience reconciles us to God 

How did Christ objectively reconcile us to the Father? Jesus Christ, the Father's only begotten Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. His conception covered our sin in the sight of God by His innocence.  He lived a human life, bearing the weight of perfect, personal, and perpetual obedience to the Law in our place. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was slain to satisfy divine justice in absorbing the Father's wrath on the cross. He was buried and three days later He rose from the dead for our justification. He ascended to heaven and is now seated at the Father's right hand, making intercession for us. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.  Clothed in His righteousness, we can look forward to that day with great joy and expectation because He will bring with Him our vindication and the full consummation of our redemption. Christ is forever and always the Mediator of  God's word of forgiveness and mercy for us. It is His works that merits our reconciliation with God. It is His faithfulness that defines us. 

The assurance of these facts as true for us fuels the beginnings of new obedience.  As we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, we are humbled that it is “God who works in us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13) We can look back to the historical objective works of Christ knowing that even our willingness to obey was merited for us by His death and resurrection.  Our sanctification is always grounded and effected in Christ. The Lordship of Christ is actually good news for us because what we lack in ourselves, we can always find in our Savior.  Our responsibility is to consider the exacting nature of God's law and to always consider Christ crucified for us for the forgiveness of sins and Christ raised for our justification. What God commands, He freely gives to us in Jesus.

I am so very grateful for the life giving clarity of terms found in the Heidelberg Catechism as well as other Reformed confessions. They have helped to remove the clouds of confusion and despair that shrouded the comfort and joy in resting in Christ alone. I am reassured that in life and in death ,"I am not my own but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ" (Heidelberg Q&A 1). I have learned that this  truth ought not to be feared, but should be received as a balm and consolation for our souls. 

."The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.." (1 Timothy 1: 15) 

"And, you who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross"    (Colossians 2:13-14) 

"Moreover although we do good works we do not base our salvation on them; for we cannot do any work that is not defiled by our flesh and also worthy of punishment. And even if we could point to one, memory of a single sin is enough for God to reject that work. So we would always be in doubt, tossed back and forth without any certainty, and our poor consciences would be tormented constantly if they did not rest on the merit of the suffering and death of our Savior" (Snippet from Belgic Confession Article 24 - the Sanctification of Sinners) 

(PS - I am including a wonderfully helpful and comforting podcast episode from White Horse Inn called Sanctification and Assurance)