If we are not going to the Bible looking for rules to obey, what are we looking for?
Orientation
Many approach the Bible as a rulebook, imagining God's approval is secured through our own effort and law-keeping.
- This focus on rules leads to self-effort and undermines assurance.
- It is a path of self-deception that rejects the sufficiency of Christ.
- The Bible's purpose is not to give a checklist, but to reveal God's finished work.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)
— Romans 1:16-17
Clarification
The Bible reveals the Gospel of grace, where Christ's righteousness, not our own, is the sole ground of acceptance, assurance, and inheritance.
- Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.
- Christ Himself is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
- The believer's status is that of an heir and co-heir with Christ, received by faith.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
— Galatians 2:16
Structure
The biblical logic moves from the problem of self-effort under law to the solution of justification by faith, securing an inheritance in Christ.
- The law exposes the futility of works for justification.
- Faith in Christ receives a righteousness from God, securing salvation and assurance.
- This justification makes us heirs, granting the inheritance of Christ Himself.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)
— 1 Corinthians 1:30
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is that the Bible is the revelation of the Gospel of grace, not a rulebook. This Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, revealing the righteousness of God from faith to faith. Justification is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Any resort to law-keeping is an attempt to be made right with God through works, which Paul declares results in no justification. The positive outcome is that faith in Jesus yields justification and a righteousness from God. This righteousness is Christ Himself, given to us. This justification establishes our status as heirs and co-heirs with Christ, receiving an inheritance not by merit but through union with Him. Living by faith in Jesus, not self-effort, pleases God and receives His blessing freely. The Pauline categories are clear: law versus grace, works versus faith, self-righteousness versus the righteousness of God in Christ.
Integration
Your assurance rests entirely on Christ and His finished work, not on your effort or understanding. He is your righteousness, your sanctification, your redemption, and your reward. You are an heir because God says you are in Christ. There is no pressure to advance or perform to secure what is already freely given. The inheritance is yours. Rest in the confidence that your relationship with God is secured by His grace, revealed in the scriptures. Look to the Bible to see Christ, not rules. This is your landing place.