The Reason for Christ

The Reason for Christ

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe... Romans 3:21-22 NIV

I have written several times about the reason for Christ. In some cases I have railed against the idea that Christ came for us to selfishly acquire riches. But if you have been blessed with abundance, you should honor the Lord with your wealth (Proverbs 3:9). Furthermore, if I have ever said that Christ came to make us good, then please forgive me for this grievous error. I have observed that even with Christ in my life, I am only mildly good; if there is such a thing. But the Bible reminds me that good (or mildly good) is only a fallacy of an arrogant mind. No one is good except God (Matthew 19:17).

So the call to follow Christ is neither an opportunity to gain wealth nor a chance to achieve superior morality. Bonhoeffer said that Christ calls us so that we may no longer be the wicked or the good, but to be the justified and sanctified.

First and foremost, Christ came to reconcile, justify and to save. And for this ministry of Christ, I am most grateful indeed. The Law does not make us a part of God’s family, nor does perceived goodness, but only the blood of Christ.