Passive vs. Active Righteousness

Over the past week I have been studying Martin Luther's Introduction to his commentary on Galatians. I've enjoyed reading Luther's commentary and feel many convictions that I'll share with you here. Please take time to read and comment as I would like to hear what you think!

ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS

Webster's Definition of Active and Passive
Active- engaged in action; characterized by energetic work, participation; involved in physical effort and action.

Passive- not participating readily or actively; inactive; not involving visible reaction or active participation.

Luther's explanation of active and passive Righteousness
Luther states that most Christians have a hard time understanding passive righteousness, to which I shout, "AMEN!" But, I must admit that I do not fully understand nor grasp the full concept of passive righteousness. If I did, my life would look completely different - ALL the time.

Active righteousness is just as the definition states, it is identified by YOU, US, WE, ME, I. What I mean by that is active righteousness is my doing; it is my physical effort, energetic work, or participation that makes me righteous. I would normally stop here and think to myself about the many religions and people who are trying to please God with their actions, their good works, their righteousness. Groups that come to mind are mormons with all of their striving and trying to attain a position or follow an estate (right path), catholics with their worship towards Mary and good deeds, and muslims with their peaceful bowing and reverence towards Allah. What I have realized is that I often participate in active righteousness.

I'll let Luther explain passive righteousness, also titled Christian righteousness: But the most excellent righteousness of faith, which God through Christ, without any works, imputeth to us, is neither political, nor ceremonial, nor the righteousness of God's law, nor consisteth of works, but is clean contray to these; that is to say, it is a mere passive righteousness, as the others are active. For in the righteousness of faith, we work nothing, we render nothing unto God, but we only receive, and suffer another to work in us, that is to say, God.

A little later Luther continues...
I seek not active or working righteousness, for if I had it, I could not trust in it, neither dare I set it against the judgment of God. Then I abandon myself from all active righteousness, both of my own and of God's law, and embrace only that passive righteousness, which is the righteousness of grace, mercy, and forgiveness of sins.

On the next page Luther offers what I would call a pattern for evangelism and/or a call to fellow believers to continue in the gospel that was taught to them: righteousness by faith. Since Luther's commentary is on Galatians his writing concerns the latter more than the former, but can still be applied (Maybe a future blog post!).

Luther continues explaining Christian righteousness as us doing nothing. At church we are studying God's Plan for Salvation. The statement that God saved us not because he looked down the corridor of time and saw that we would "accept" him and be of value for his kingdom, but in spite (in disregard of our doing anything), he saved us.

Luther: Why, do we then nothing? Do we work nothing for the obtaining of this righteousness? I answer, Nothing at all. For this is perfect righteousness, to do nothing, to hear nothing, to know nothing of the law, or of works, but to know and believe this only, that Christ is gone to the Father, and is not now seen; that He sitteth in heaven at the right hand of His Father, not as judge, but made unto us of God, wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption; briefly, that He is our high priest intreating for us, and reigning over us, and in us, by grace. In this heavenly righteousness sin can have no place, for there is no law; and where no law is, there can be no transgression. (Romans 4:15)

Christian/passive righteousness brings peace. Why? Good question! It brings peace because we have no part in it! Our conscience does not fear and will not become depressed, because it is NOT of us! Luther explains it better: Although I am a sinner by the law, and under condemnation of the law, yet I despair not, yet I die not, because Christ liveth, who is both my righteousness and my everlasting life.

Brian's final thought
As I continue to preach the gospel to myself and realize that my position with God is not based on what I do, but what Christ did, I move towards a better understanding Christian righteousness. Both Christian (passive) righteousness and active righteousness will remain while I live here. I'm not out to find a happy medium because passive and active are at separate poles. When the law creeps into my conscience, overstepping its bounds as to intice me towards active righteousness, my prayer is that through reading, studying, and meditation, I might be able to rise against and say: conscience, you do guide my behavior, but you are not my Savior and Lord, for HE is my righteousness and peace.

HE...CREATED

HE...DIED

HE...LIVES

HE...SAVES

HE...IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Wednesday's Word

Today as I reflected upon what Christ is doing in my life and all around me, I was speechless. For what He has done, what He is doing, and what He has yet to reveal, He is: INDESCRIBABLE

Wednesday's Word

"There is one free thing in the world, and that is the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ."

"Capitalism is the only market system that recognizes our sinful nature"

"All of us are born sinful, greedy, and want to do whatever it is to please ourselves, that is what sinful nature is"

"The Bible is TRUE; for the love of money is the root of all evil."

-- Economics Professor Stephen Happel
Fellow Partaker in the Gospel and Grace of Jesus Christ

Hump Day Updates

Updates...

School - ASU Rocks! I love my professors and one of them even laid out the gospel in 5 minutes during a lecture! I have new experiences everyday and pray that God uses me at ASU this semester (read salvation:redemption poem post below).

Wednesday's Word - new weekly posting where my goal is to get people thinking about the quote or phrase. Hopefully more than just thinking will take place, but meditation and maybe even be moved into action.

Welcome New Blogger - If you haven't had a chance to, welcome Jonathan Schultz to the blogging world. There is a link on my page or click here: Jonathan Schultz

Mill Avenue - I may do a complete post about this later, but for now, a blurb. I was at the Border's on Mill today buying books and that is an interesting place! Last time I was there, there was a female prostitute feeding her bird in the men's restroom. This may be one reason Border's has privatized their restrooms; now a token is necessary for entrance. Today I saw a homeless man sitting on the curb and with Starbucks in hand I took a seat next to him. I said "Hello, how are you today?" To which he replied, "Not so great." Our conversation took off from there and no, I did not get to share the gospel with him, but did get to develop a relationship and give him some lunch money. After the discussion I sat in the cool shade and pondered, "Could revival on Mill start with the homeless?"...just a thought

And Finally - Hope you all have a great week at school or work or wherever.
1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

Wednesday's Word

If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Salvation:Redemption Poem

Let me give you some quick background information to lead into the poem and why I wrote it. As many of you know I am a talker, not a writer. So when the assignment came up to write a poem about a certain event or time in my life that has significant meaning to me, I wrote about God giving me the beautiful gift of salvation. What's even better then getting to write about this topic just to turn it in, was to share it with the entire class. I am not into writing poetry, but this is my attempt to capture the greatest event in my life. Here goes...

The back pew
So comfortable and safe.
I hear of a savior
Who came to take my place.
I’ve heard of him throughout my life,
Yet my selfishness continues to be my vice.

Thirsty for acceptance,
Alcohol satisfied.
With beer in hand
Relating became a breeze.

Sunday came, Sunday went.
Sunday came again and
Brought meaning to this life.

Hung over and tired
I go to check a box.
Head splitting the car comes to a peaceful stop.
There’s always another Sunday, I thought.
The Bible in the passengers’ seat sits idle
Piercing directly into my heart the word became alive.

Being exposed, these words came to my lips,
“I’ve lost control!!”
I scream “give it back to me!”
Oh what a hypocrite I had become
Looking just like the world,
Although I had heard of the ONE.
I recant my previous words, saying
“I had control and look at where it got me,
Right here in this mess.”
Now I plead, take control
And deliver me!

REDEMPTION

Here it comes...A Beautiful Collision

In a couple of days over 52,000 students will converge on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University. There will people of every race, creed, and religion. There is going to be a great diversity at the University. Why a beautiful collision one might ask as the title states.

I have been thinking about the converging among all people groups, classes, races, religions on campus that will happen on Monday. I thought about my brothers and sisters in Christ and the temptation, ridcule, and total opposition we may face. I began to pray that God would band us together and ASU students would see true unity between Christians. The unity spoken of in Acts 2:44-46, Acts 2:32-35, and Philippians 2:1-8 (all of which are written out at the end of this blog).

Then a scripture came to mind...the Christian man or woman is to be a light to an utterly dark campus. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Then the thought of "how can one person's light be seen in such a dark place. It is like glow stick when a maglite is needed." God has us Christians at ASU for a reason. We have been placed at ASU for a definite cause and if you are thinking it is to get the degree and get out, you're severely wrong. Our light comes from the fact that we have a Savior whose love transforms sinners into saints who love God and other people.

A Beautiful Collision - God placing Christians at ASU to be lights to a dark campus colliding with unbelievers and pointing them towards Christ.

Acts 2:44-46 44And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32-35 32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Philippians 2:1-8 1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

"For everyone whose [school] mascot is the devil, you need Christ!"

Campfires vs. Forest Fires

Today in my Equipped to Serve class at East Valley we learned about and discussed gray areas when it comes to Christian freedoms. I could write a 10 page blog explaining the scripture that was discussed and freedoms such as movies, music, dancing, alcohol, etc. Rather than explain what I learned, I would like to give your mind something to wrestle with. The instructor made this very true and convicting statement: Christians are too focused on putting out the campfires, while behind them the forest is ablaze!

Are we too concerned about our own freedoms that we neglect to share Christ with the world that is burning up all around us?

Praise Father, Son, and Spirit

Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,to the praise of his glory.

Praise the Father who elects
Praise the Son who redeems
Praise the Spirit who seals us!

Jesus, NOT programs

This blog can be summed up in one sentence, so here goes. Jesus SAVES, programs don't!

Lately I have been convicted that instead of sharing Jesus with people, I have been sharing programs. Programs don't save!

Take for example an unbeliever at work. He says, "so you attend East Valley Bible Churh." To which my quick reply is "yes!" and then I dive into what areas of ministry I am involved in at EVBC. He was not asking me to explain what attending a service would be like or what ministries I am in. Yes, his statement "so I hear you attend East Valley Bible Church", does allow for conversation, but as a believer the answer that needs to be given is: Yes, I attend East Valley Bible Church, let me tell you about Jesus who is at the core of our church and the reason we have the ministries I am involved in.

Programs and ministries get people in to hear and learn about Jesus, but programs don't save! Jesus does!

Believer - are you taking the opportunity to tell your unbelieving friends about Jesus or are you stuck in a rut of telling them about programs that provide fun and friends but not salvation?

Security Checkpoint

Do you find comfort in the title you are given, the sport or instrument you play, or in the grades you achieve?

Where do you find your security? In a job? In a girlfriend/boyfriend, husband or wife? In how many friends you have?

Too many people define their life by what they achieve here. Their job, their grades, their relationships. TOTAL FOOLISHNESS!

I challenge you to think radically, friends! What if the worldly item you place your security in was gone? What if you got in a car accident and could never be the athlete you currently are; what if the person you love and care for died? Would your world fall apart? Would you be shaken or would you be in total despair?

If your security is not in Christ and Christ along, my prayer is the Lord would open your eyes to your idolatry and focus your eyes on him, true security. The Lord is my strong tower!

Update: A Slight Problem

God has done great things!

Last Thursday after the anxious wreck of a blog I wrote, I opened my Bible and began studying Philippians 4. Why Philippians 4 you might ask. It was by the providence of God that I began studying Philippians a couple of weeks ago and last Thursday I was on Chapter 4. Stopping at verse 7 I realized that my anxiousness about school was more than just anxiouness; it was worry. Worried about not having the full 15 credits I want to take and that all the classes I need to register for are full. Worried about not having the exact funding for the next two years and fretting about having to take out a student loan. Anxious to go back to part-time work, yet again worried about finances. God's word opened my eyes to my sinfulness and complete lack of trust in His wisdom, His timing, His power, and His sovereignty.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4: 6-7

Meditating on God's word calmed my anxiety and made me realize that God is in full control. He has the reigns and I am thankful for that!! Thank you God for making peace with me, a sinner by sending your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins.

A Slight Problem

As I glanced at the calendar today I noticed something...exactly one month from now I will be getting for school that begins the following day; getting my backpack ready, clothes laid out, pencils sharpened...YA RIGHT!!! I am a little overwhelmed because I'm only signed up for 9 of 15 credits and simply can't get a good schedule. Also I have started thinking aloud, "Where has the summer gone?"

With only 30 days of summer remaining...Off to make the best of it!!

Ready to Go

Warning: Reading this blog can have harmful effects on the way that you view Brian. Just remember that he is a depraved human saved by God's grace.

Let me give you some background information to help jusify my actions....Three summers ago I took a week and a half long trip to California with some friends. There were both formal and casual events that we attended and to my recollection there were many more casual functions than formal. However, when preparing to leave for the trip I thought we would be in more formal settings. To make a long story short I ended up wearing my casual clothes for days in a row. Looking at pictures from that trip, people will say to me "Wow, you must only own one outfit!"

To this day packing for a retreat, vacation, or a simple three day weekend I am reminded of the horror of my California trip. The thought lingers in my mind, "What if I go to this place or that place, then I better pack some more!"

Tonight as I was packing to leave for California I thought I could conquer my fear of packing too little, but I caved in. Besides what I am wearing tomorrow I packed 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 t-shirts, 1 button up shirt, 1 pair of boardshorts, 1 sweatshirt, 1 pair of flip-flops, and 1 pair of tennis shoes. And to think that list doesn't even include boxers, socks, or toiletries! Then in the backpack I have my Bible, four books, my iPod, digital camera, and writing journal. I should probably tell you that this is only a 3 day trip. I am looking for a cure to my sickness, but I know that I might just have to deal with it.

With practically the entire house in my suitcase...it is off to Cali for some cool weather and ocean breeze.

My First Blog

I decided that I should finally try this whole blog thing out. The purpose of my writing madness will be to explain the many experiences of being sanctified. My biggest desire is to glorify God in this dark, yet very useful place called cyberspace.

Besides studying God's word I enjoy studying economics, business, politics. Besides writing about the radical transformation God has caused in my life, I desire to write about movies, economics, societal issues, and books I am reading.

My prayer is that this blog will:
- Encourage others to think deeper
- Encourage others to know that they are not alone in their pursuit of God

Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 which he lavised upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)

This is redemption - that Christ would die for me.