new theology, new creation, new child. part 2

It's the fourth session of Resolved conference. A conference put on by Grace Community Church comprised of a couple thousand college students, taking a sip out of a a fire hydrant of solid reformed/baptist preachers dishing out solid truth to a generation that needs it. In the past, C.J. Mahaney's messages have been filled with tears, compassion, and one of the most genuine loves for Christ I have EVER seen. I was looking forward to his message this year expecting nothing less! ...I had no idea what was in store for me.

The theme of this year's conference was "Heaven and Hell." When I saw the title of CJ's message was "Knowing God as Father: The doctrine of Adoption" I felt my stomach sink and knew that what I was about to hear had nothing to do with the conference, and everything to do with a divine conversation with God Himself and His confused daughter.

CJ began his message by reading the text (Galatians 1:1-7) and goes on to describe too many genuine believers he has met that are "uncertain of God's love for them. They are suspicious of God...in light of their sin and the holiness of God they wonder if God really does love them. They tend to think of God as tolerating them, frustrated with them...and perhaps this evening you are one of them...If this is you tonight then it is my prayer that this message will be a defining moment for you and alter your view of God and his love for you." (even as I type and relisten to this message, my eyes are full of tears) At this moment I can say with full assurance of faith, God was there. Next to me. Opening my ears. Holding me. My eyes welled up with tears and I began wondering how on Earth CJ got my journal and why is he reading it in from of everyone. I looked around thinking "wait... I'm not the only one that struggles with this? Does he know that he is preaching this message for me only?" I don't remember taking my eyes off of CJ for the next hour of his message.

I will spare you all of the details of the outline of his message and give you the highlights...

1I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

Here is the set up. We were slaves to this world. Slaves to sin. Orphans. But we were not the cute, helpless babies that we so often imagine in orphanages, we were covered in the filth of our sin and loved it. We murdered our adopting parent's son. We laughed and spit in his face.

4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

CJ then goes to explain Christ's sacrifice on the cross. God crushing his perfect son. It says in Isaiah 53 that he was "pleased to crush him." He did this for me. the orphan who spit in His face. the orphan who was reaching back for the filth I once lived in. God KILLED his son. for me. why?
First, (v.5) Christ came to redeem. His brutal death on the cross allows sinners like us to receive divine grace and gives us eternal life. Now that, in and of itself is sufficiently astounding! That is enough for God's people to praise Him for eternity in glory. BUT HE'S NOT DONE.
Secondly, the second part of verse 5 says Christ came to adopt. A-d-o-p-t. to accept me and love me as a daughter. He did not have to. but He chose to. He has chosen to love me. to delight in me. to be affectionate with me. in this act i went from a slave to a son.
what more could God have done to show me His love? how can I read this and not believe He loves me?

6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God

Notice in these verses he says "you." YOU are now sons, YOU are no longer a slave. in the previous verses he does not talk directly to the reader. it is as if God is kneeling down and making eye contact with the listener. "You are no longer a slave to this world but my daughter, my heir." By the way, God didn't need an heir! He had His son, Christ! He chose to make us heirs and members of His family. Also, my love for God is not a root, but a fruit! My love for him proves His love for me! I would not love Him if He did not first put it there.

Just like in the story of the prodigal son, it says that the father felt it in his gut when he saw his boy coming home. he could have made him a slave and been COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED. but he no. he chose to run to him, kiss him, and celebrate his return. how much more is God's love for me? He crushed his son and is preparing a mansions for us to live in forever. to enjoy him for eternity. to be in the presence of our loving, affectionate Father forever and ever amen.