'There is a way which seems right unto a man, but its end is the way of death.' When it comes to our eternal salvation, it appears that, throughout history, the way which has seemed right to most men is for us to do something to merit salvation. This is the root philosophy for the natural man, and a presupposition for every world religion. In this passage, Paul drives a stake thru the heart of the Vampire Legalism, by explaining that we are justified by faith alone, that ours is an imputed righteousness, and that we are, as Luther declared, simul iustus et peccator, simultaneously just and sinner. But this vampire is not dead. He lurks, not in church cemetaries, but in church pulpits, looking for the opportunity to suck the life blood out of the unsuspecting. There is only one thing he fears, the cross of Jesus Christ. Does this vampire have you in his clutches? Do you think that, all things considered, your good works outweigh your bad, and you are therefore deserving of heaven? Then the Vampire Legalism not only has you in his clutches, he has his fangs in your neck. You have only one hope. Lay hold upon the cross of Christ. Let go of all else. Hold the cross of Christ before the Vampire Legalism. 'Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.' Acknowlege your desperate need, and cry out to the Lord, 'God be merciful to me, a sinner.' |
