Gairney Bridge

I read a comment by John Stott last week (from his commentary on Galatians) that too many people have a warm and fuzzy view on God that just isn’t Biblical. “God is not a sentimental Father Christmas [I suppose we Americans would say ‘Santa Claus’], but the righteous Judge of men.” This morning, I read a quote by W.G.T. Shedd on the “entitlement mentality” of human beings (interesting, since this was written over 100 years ago) in the area of salvation, which likewise extends from a faulty view of God:

The assumption that God is obliged by justice to offer salvation to all mankind, and to redeem them all, precludes all gratitude and praise for redemption, on their part. Why should they give thanks for a favor that is due to them, and which it is the duty of God to bestow? Christians adore ‘the riches of God’s grace’ because it is utterly unclaimable on their part, and unobligated on His.

This seems similar to Paul’s observations (that salvation extends freely from God’s grace, and is nothing “earned” or even “deserved”)  in Romans 4:

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

May God’s wondrous works of salvation through Christ Jesus be to His glorious praise forever and ever. And may we, who call upon His holy name, come to know Him as He truly is, as He has revealed Himself to us, and never be led astray by the false views of sinful men that seek to creep their way into our hearts.