When we realize what we were before Christ and what we deserved in that state, it further magnifies the enormity of the gospel for us.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the transformative power of understanding one's past and the grace offered by the gospel in contrast.
In this quote, Paul Washer emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's former state before accepting Christ and the grace provided through the gospel. By acknowledging the disparity between where one was and the redemption offered, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the enormity and significance of the gospel message, leading to a more profound faith experience and appreciation for divine grace.
In practice
In a sermon about the transformative power of faith, you might quote this to illustrate the importance of recognizing one's past.
We deal five minutes with a person and their conversion and then we spend the next fifty years trying to disciple a goat into a sheep. I'm not saying this because I'm angry. I'm saying this because countless people are being deceived.
Pray for the field. If God calls, then prepare for the field. When it is time, go to the field. A life lost for Christ is a life well spent.
There is no such thing as a great man of God, only weak, pitiful, faithless men of a great and merciful God.
Those who would send out thousands of questionnaires asking the unconverted what they would desire most in a worship service should realize that ten thousand unanimous opinions of carnal men do not carry the authority of one jot or tittle of God's Word.
The evidence of conversion is not a decision card filled out, it's a life being lived out.
Repentance is simply giving up to stop fighting against God and to stop attempting to gain your own salvation through your own works; to literally give up and fall upon Christ. That is salvation.
Charity should be spontaneous. Calculated altruism is an affront.
I long for the days of disorder. I want them back, the days when I was alive on the earth, rippling in the quick of my skin, heedless and real. I was dumb-muscled and angry and real. This is what I long for, the breach of peace, the days of disarray when I walked real streets and did things slap-bang and felt angry and ready all the time, a danger to others and a distant mystery to myself.
All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.
And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.
An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy. If a man's mind is open on these things, let his mouth at least be shut. He can say nothing to the purpose. Outside the Tao there is no ground for criticizing either the Tao or anything else.
Remove Christ from the Scriptures and there is nothing left.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.