The fulcrum

On the one side of the see-saw sit the unbelievers. On the other side of the see-saw sit the believers. In the middle is the gospel, the Divine Pivot.

 

To the unbelievers, point them to the gospel - it is the message of total amnesty, because of what Jesus has done for them.

 

To the believers, point them to the gospel - the amnesty is theirs, and it is the only foundation for a good life.

 

Why is it the 'only foundation for a good life'? Well, if the Christian is not convinced he has the amnesty he will do 'good' works to obtain approval from God. If that is so, by nature, these good works are done for the sake of self.

Can a 'good' work that is done for self-benefit be good? No, selfishness is never good. Work done in the name of God but done for self-benefit belies a deceit that automatically disqualifies them as good.

 

It is only when the Christian realises that he has amnesty, that no performance is required (other than the performance of Jesus), can he do a 'good' work that is not self-motivated. The gospel has to sweep away the motivation of self-benefit. Once the gospel has done its work in the Christian's heart, he is only at that point able to do a good work - because at that point the work will be untainted by self-benefit.

Only when the gospel is applied to the heart can a good work be done for the sole reason that it is good.

 

This is why I am convinced that the gospel is the fulcrum of the church. In one breath preach the gospel to unbelievers. In the next breath preach the gospel to believers, that upon it they might build the good life.