Dependence and the Gospel

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)

*Dependence and the Gospel is part two in the series DEPENDENCE, and holds the greatest value when read in sequence. You can start at the beginning here.*

To rightly begin understanding the Gospel, one must rightly understand dependence. Though it may seem a basic word with far from weighty theological value, dependence is of profound importance to every believer. The Gospel is the beautiful reality of God’s grace returned for man’s rebellion, and it articulates the joy every person may have in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Justin Holcomb explains well that, “Our first parents in the garden substituted themselves for God, and, at the cross, Jesus reversed that substitution, substituting himself for sinners (1 Corinthians 15:45-48).”

My folly had manifested itself time and time again in such a way. I labored in my Christian walk professing Jesus as my Savior, while in reality, I harbored the deep lie that I had to first be “good enough” for God to save. I had no problem speaking the grace of God into others’ lives, but I could not accept it for myself. My pride held the Gospel’s beautiful truth at arm’s length, and refused to ultimately accept that I was worthy of God’s love and grace, exactly as I was.

However, from the moment I woke up in the recovery room after surgery, I saw life in a different light. I couldn’t walk, get up from bed or even use the restroom under my own power. As I lay in my hospital bed, the Lord brought Proverbs 3:5-8 rushing into my mind like a river spilling over its banks. The words, though self-evident, had always eluded me in practice and function. But there, in the hospital, the Lord showed taught me about dependence, and in doing so, opened my eyes afresh to His Gospel of grace.

Slowly read Proverbs 3:5-8 again, maybe even out loud. Ask yourself if you really believe those words. I will leave them to explain themselves, for now I do believe them and have felt their power.