Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: — Matthew 7:13

Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists more than 30 years ago for preaching a “carrot-stick gospel” that was more about the reward than the lordship of Jesus. Jesus tells us, especially in Matthew 7, that grace doesn’t mean we don’t have to be disciples, and mercy doesn’t mean we don’t have to truly repent. We gladly accept the grace that God gives us through Jesus, and we really let Jesus rule our lives. It’s not a case of either/or, but a call from God to do both. We are saved by God’s grace, and we obey Jesus as Lord. Because God took us in and made us part of his family, we obey and serve him. We don’t do good things to earn salvation. Instead, we do them to thank and honor God for being so good to us and saving us through his mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

 

Thought

Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists more than 30 years ago for preaching a “carrot-stick gospel” that was more about the reward than the lordship of Jesus. Jesus tells us, especially in Matthew 7, that grace doesn’t mean we don’t have to be disciples, and mercy doesn’t mean we don’t have to truly repent. We gladly accept the grace that God gives us through Jesus, and we really let Jesus rule our lives. It’s not a case of either/or, but a call from God to do both. We are saved by God’s grace, and we obey Jesus as Lord. Because God took us in and made us part of his family, we obey and serve him. We don’t do good things to earn salvation. Instead, we do them to thank and honor God for being so good to us and saving us through his mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

 

Prayer

Almighty, holy, and powerful God, I know I will never be good enough to deserve your grace. I know that it’s easy for my flesh to get off the path of discipleship. So, please help me as I try to follow the Good Shepherd on your way to salvation. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.