CHAPTER 1: UNSEARCHABLE RICHES

“I know God loves me, but sometimes I wonder if He likes me.”

In this chapter, Jerry Bridges begins by pointing out that live is hard. There is suffering and trial, disappointment and heartache. Worst of all there are the ravages of sin. He explains:

Why do so many believers, including those deeply serious about their Christian commitment, live lives of quiet desperation? One answer is that we have a truncated view of the gospel, tending to see it only as a door we walk though to become a Christian… Another reason for our quiet desperation is that many people have a utilitarian view of the gospel. What can the gospel do for me?

In these views, we fail to see the gospel as the solution to ou greatest problem—our guilt, condemnation, and alienation from God. Beyond that, we fail to see it as the basis of our day-to-day acceptance with Him. As a result, many believers live in spiritual poverty.

But this is not how believers are called to live. Paul refers in Ephesians 3:8 to “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” These riches, the truth of the good news that is the gospel of Jesus Christ should radically alter the way we live.

We can begin each day with the deeply encouraging realization that I am accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.

The gospel tells us that Jesus Christ paid our debt, but it also tells us far more. It tells us that we are no longer enemies and objects of His wrath. We are now His sons and daughters, heirs with Jesus Christ of all His unsearchable riches. This is the good news of the gospel.

Only those who understand to some degree the enormity of their spiritual debt can begin to appreciate what Christ did for them at the cross.

Some questions for consideration and discussion:

• How confident are you in God’s love for you?  Do you think God likes you?  Why or why not?
• What’s wrong with a utilitarian approach to the gospel that focuses on solutions to personal problems, a more successful life now, and assurance of going to heaven?

Categories: Summer Reading '07, five15 blog