Promise Keepers Canada’s Men of Integrity

Devotional, published by Christianity Today International.

Human Thinking

Key Bible Verse: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8)

Dig Deeper: Isaiah 55:8-13

How is it that Clay could have missed the gospel? There are many answers, but both Clay and I believe it’s because so many have added human thinking to the gospel message. Such thinking was around even in Jesus’ day. When Jesus first reveals to the disciples that he will go to the cross, Peter feels Jesus needs his help to think more clearly. So Peter rebukes Jesus, “Never, Lord! … This shall never happen to you.” And how did Jesus respond? “You do not have in mind the [concerns] of God, but [merely human concerns]” (Matt. 16:22-23, NIV).

Peter couldn’t bear to think that Jesus would choose the humiliating way of the cross. The cross was an unnaturally cruel death. But it was viagra pharmacy the way God chose to redeem the world. Peter wanted to subtract from the plan of God. We too want to subtract the offense of the cross. We tend to avoid and subtract the messy parts of the gospel about crucifixion, sin, and repentance.

Additions to the gospel are as dangerous as subtractions. Be moral, do good deeds, get educated, become religious, belong to a certain denomination. This is human thinking. We must never add to God’s declaration that we are Christians by faith, not by works (Eph. 2:8).

—J. Mack Stiles in Marks of the Messenger

My Response: Are there any aspects of the gospel I’m nervous or hesitant about believing or sharing? Why?

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