“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
The gospel is the center of the Christian faith. It is the good news that though each of us is separated from God because of our sin (Romans 3:23), God the Father sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for our sins and to restore us to God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 4:25, Romans 5:8). By faith in Christ alone—not by our works (Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:9)—our sins were laid on Jesus, and His righteousness was given to us.
The truth of the gospel indicates that we are fully dependent on God. Our willingness to go to Him in prayer is the outworking of that reality. “Prayer is an open admission that without Christ we can do nothing” (John Piper, 1986).
My preference, like that of most other people, has been to believe that I am in control of all aspects of my life and that desired outcomes depend solely on my efforts. But this is counter to the wonderful gospel story. Because we believe in Jesus, gratitude for this amazing and complete dependence upon God permeates every aspect of our lives, including prayer.
The truth of the gospel indicates that we are fully dependent on God. Our willingness to go to Him in prayer is the outworking of that reality. “Prayer is an open admission that without Christ we can do nothing” (John Piper, 1986).
My preference, like that of most other people, has been to believe that I am in control of all aspects of my life and that desired outcomes depend solely on my efforts. But this is counter to the wonderful gospel story. Because we believe in Jesus, gratitude for this amazing and complete dependence upon God permeates every aspect of our lives, including prayer.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Insight
“Dependency is the heartbeat of prayer.” (Paul Miller, 2009)
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 3-4
- Psalm 62
- John 2-3
