Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God.

Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (Full Version)

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[Poll]

Agree. Please see my comments.

66% (20)

Disagree. Please see my comments.

23% (7)

Not sure. Please see my comments.

10% (3)

Total Votes : 30

(last vote on : 8/26/2008 11:53:03 AM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

Covaan_Meshuga -> Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 6:18:22 PM)
This signature was at the bottom of someone else's posts. quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Let's talk.

my quivers full -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 7:38:47 PM)
There is a certain amount of freedom, I feel, that comes from knowing you can't please God, but I feel that that freedom actually comes from the other side of the coin in kowing that I am already accepted by God. To see both sides helps me to realize that my efforts to please God are religeous and binds me in obediance to the law. I please Him because of the faith I have in His Son Jesus and even this faith was a gift from Him to me. I have no claim on it. To add to it, Freedom also means knowing who I am in Christ. His death and resurrection did indeed free me from slavery to sin and subjection to eternal death, but much more was added to this life I have been given, that we don't hear enough about in the church. If I don't know what I have in Christ, I can't walk in it, or even choose to believe in it, thus I am not free to be all that Christ died for me to be. Freedom is progressive. These are my thoughts. MQF

bzirk -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 7:41:27 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga This signature was at the bottom of someone else's posts. quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Let's talk. It really depends on how it's meant. If it means free to rely on the Lord and not ourselves, and in that we take up the Lord's yoke that's easy and light instead of laboring under a misguided notion that we're more in control than we are, then I agree with the statement. If it means something else, I might not.

jbow -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 8:16:05 PM)
What a horrible thought. I am good enough for God, my Father, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and His work! It is the very heart of the Christian faith.. I am good enough for God, so are you if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord... in that case you are justified, made right with God, good enough for God. Julien

SonInMe1 -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 9:01:51 PM)
Freedom is the acceptance of more responsibility, not less. In Christ we have a standard...Jesus Christ. That is the highest standard possible. A standard...that is so high it is...without Him...unattainable. Knowing the standard is knowing that by your own power, you cannot attain it. Just look around....there are no perfect people. Our peace comes when we know the author of all things good...and that ain't yourself.

Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 10:36:02 PM)
It is good to see different thoughts on this, varied by experience, without bowing to the influence of others' thoughts. When I first saw it, I was taken aback. It was only upon further thought that I found it to be both profound and relevant to me. I desire to obey Him, to do my best, to repent of those things that do not please Him, to do be all I am supposed to be in Him. But I am so imperfect! Still, while He knows I can never be "good enough," He loves me, carries me as the shepherd does that crippled or tired lamb, holds me close to His heart. I used to struggle, trying to be "good enough," living in my failure. I don't anymore. Where I am not good enough, He is more than sufficient.

colliefan -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 11:00:30 PM)
Freedom is found in knowing who I am in God. I cannot merit His favor or His love. None of my actions on my own make me "good." It is in keeping in step with the spirit that I find perfect peace.

LCannon -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/19/2008 11:04:05 PM)
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot-

Liveloved -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/20/2008 12:16:59 AM)
quote: This signature was at the bottom of someone else's posts. quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Let's talk. I said agree. Many who know and agree with the gospel truth still work and work and work to please God. They think it is what obedience is all about. But they are never good enough. They are never obedient enough. There is always more. They are always lacking something. They are in bondage to the burden of being good. So, yes, there is definitely freedom to be found in finally giving up the effort to be good. But true freedom is ultimately found in abiding in His love, knowing it, believing it and living in it. Yes, until we truly live loved we are in some form of bondage.

Annie64 -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/22/2008 1:43:28 AM)
I said disagree because I saw it as meaning something totally different than what other people saw. Other people saw it as meaning freedom from trying to attain righteousness on our own, and of course we can't do that. But what I thought of when I read it was that the person saying it may have been thinking they were free from the responsibility of persuing righteousness at all, the idea that it doesn't matter how I live, God will always forgive me anyway, so I might as well sin if I feel like it. I think that's what the Bible calls presumption.

Annie64 -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/22/2008 1:45:34 AM)
Please don't think I am trying to say anyone who agrees with the statement is being presumptuous. If I saw it the same way other people did, I'd have agreed with it, too, because they're right, too. I was just saying what I thought when I read it.

BibleL7 -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 12:15:43 AM)
In a sense I would say that until we realize that we can not be good enough for God we don't really have reason to fully trust in Jesus for what He did for us. Just the way I saw it when I read it.

rcjames -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 8:31:30 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: jbow What a horrible thought. I am good enough for God, my Father, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and His work! It is the very heart of the Christian faith.. I am good enough for God, so are you if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord... in that case you are justified, made right with God, good enough for God. Julien I concur jbow. What is our value to God, are we good enough for him? He equates ones value to equal the value of giving HIs Son to die on the cross. That seems as great value to me. Now when we are saved (by His Grace through the faith He has given us) are we good enough for God; absolutely, or we would not be offered salvation. Thanks RC

Liveloved -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 10:44:39 AM)
quote: What is our value to God, are we good enough for him? He equates ones value to equal the value of giving HIs Son to die on the cross. That seems as great value to me. Now when we are saved (by His Grace through the faith He has given us) are we good enough for God; absolutely, or we would not be offered salvation. RC, I don't think you can know this, until you know that 'you' can't be good enough for God. Jesus Christ would not have had to die for my sin and yours if I could be free apart from His work on Calvary. If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 God's word finds no place in a heart that does not receive Christ. So until you know your own need, your own 'ungoodness', you cannot know Him and be set free. And then, we are worth Jesus to God. Hallelujah! LL

slushie -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 11:12:48 AM)
I do believe that we ARE not good enough for God - we're sinful people. We need to know that. I also believe that Jesus died for our sins and put himself in our place. We need to know that, as well. I believe the statement is a bit incomplete - it's knowing we're not good enough, but it's also knowing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins to place in us our worth.

bluestone -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 11:13:00 AM)
my righteousness is filthy rags to the Father. However, I am a new creature in Christ. When I fail, I am not condemned all over again. It is under the atoning blood. I take great comfort in this.

JesusFan -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 12:41:35 PM)
This frees me because I know I can't be good enough on my own, so I don't have to keep TRYING to "be good", instead I rely on Christ to impart His righteousness to me. [sm=icon_smile_bow.gif]

aspnet -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 12:51:11 PM)
quote: It seems that believe in God is on the increase. Lots of people I meet believe in God, have faith in the existence of God, but are not children of God because their faith is not saving faith. The distinction lies in the nature of faith ------------------------------------------------------------- AspNet Christian Drug Rehab <a href=" http://www.christian-drug-rehab.org">Christian Drug Rehab</a>

rcjames -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 1:53:09 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: slushie I do believe that we ARE not good enough for God - we're sinful people. We need to know that. I also believe that Jesus died for our sins and put himself in our place. We need to know that, as well. I believe the statement is a bit incomplete - it's knowing we're not good enough, but it's also knowing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins to place in us our worth. I agree that as non-Believers we are sinful people and are not good enough, but even in that state God says; (Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Eph 2:5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) So before salvation we were sinners and God loved us enough to want to save us and offer Christ for that opportunity. Now that we are born again Christian Children of God and not sinners and expected to be; (Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Eph 2:5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Then as Believers we should be "Good enough". If one feels they are saved but not good enough; then they should go back to the Scriptures reread Eph 2; (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Then you will know you are supposed to be good enough, if not then read; (Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Mat 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Mat 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. and weep. Jesus said; (Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? So if you think you are saved, but do not do as Christ instructed; sorry. Thanks RC

LCannon -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 2:08:25 PM)
quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. That describes our condition before we were redeemed and come into His obedience. After we've appropriated His sacrifice/obedience we become saints of Jehovah through the blood of Jesus and partakers of His Holy Spirit. That implies our dual roles of privilege and responsibility to that same sacrifice and Victory.

blue1914 -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 2:22:51 PM)
Luke 17:7-10 7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' " I was reintroduced to this passage just a few days ago (I've read it in the past but it never struck me the same way it did when I was reintroduced a few days ago). I love the way Jesus puts this all. In the first part of the passage, He lets us know exactly what our relationship is-that of a servant to a master. Once established, He shows us that as a relationship, our place is one of service. Finally, he tells us what that means-and how our demeanor SHOULD be-very BIG distinction here. Jesus lets it be known that we deserve NOTHING that we are given, but not to far along later He helps us to see that HE desires to bless us so much more than we deserve!!! WOW-what an amazing Lord! What an incredible love of our lives! As I've come to realize the full impact of that, I realize that I wrestle with this as a concept and I've been shown to an extent why-part of it is general pride-especially the inflated American sense of importance that I carry around which tells me that I am an important part of the world, that what I feel matters, that what I have to say is (or should be) important. All of that appears (at least to me) to run counter to exactly what Jesus was saying above(and in so many other places in scripture-blessed are the meek anyone?). Another part is the fact that embracing this as a truth means that I must embrace my own utter depravity-which returns me to the aformentioned sense of importance, etc. Finally, to fully embrace this as a truth means that I have to give up TOTAL control-it means that I acknowledge that there is NOTHING that I can do, period (act "rightous", do the right thing, etc.) that will show me as "approved" before God. In other words, there are truly no "righteous" people at all (even those who go to church, etc.) including myself. Instead, anything that I do that is the right thing to do is merely a response to an inward conviction. The flip side of this all-when I DO accept this fully, I can run jump and shout because I will no longer be bound by attempting to "act" one way or the other, instead I will understand that regardless of how "good" I act, I am not better or worse off than an ax murderer-or "gasp" a HOMOSEXUAL-my "good" acts will be all about drawing closer to the true lover of my soul, not about a set of rules at all.

HisCovenant -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 5:25:51 PM)
Agree... but would add two things: 1. because I know God has made a way for me to be good enough (by trading places with Christ.) 2. because I understand that since I have accepted His way for reconciliation, that I am more than "good enough..." I'm an adopted daughter who can claim every spiritual blessing. I would disagree though if that phrase was used to beat someone down without the good news of the gospel... but I think it's beneficial to look back and remember where we came from and how we were just like the other sinners before God's grace. We shouldn't think more highly of ourselves than we ought and should treat them graciously.

URForgiven -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 6:04:25 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga This signature was at the bottom of someone else's posts. quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Let's talk. There is only One who is good. As Christians we derive goodness from His indwelling Spirit. Goodness never originates with us, only with God. Any good that one sees in me, is Christ's goodness, for I have none to give. This is why Jesus says what He does in John 6:28-29... *Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe* in the one he has sent." God alone IS Good, and only God can produce good works in and through us. Our part is to believe [cleave to, trust, rely] on Him. ...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.** Philippians 2:13 Freedom is knowing that my Creator loves and accepts me just as I am, it is entering into His rest, where I am freed from self-effort by the working of His Spirit within me. Not inactivity, but Christ activity in and through me. Peace

SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/23/2008 6:07:33 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga This signature was at the bottom of someone else's posts. quote: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Let's talk. I would disagree. Freedom to me is knowing that while I can't possibly be good enough for God, He loves me anyway, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Just knowing I can't be good enough for God, without knowing the rest, would lead me down a path of destruction, because if I can't ever be good enough for Him, and don't understand that I don't need to be, then I would lead a self indulging life of sin. The freedom comes in knowing that our penalty has been paid for by the blood of Christ, and that we are then to lead good and fruitful lives as a way of showing how grateful we are to Him. Hope this makes sense.

bzirk -> RE: Freedom is knowing I can't be good enough for God. (6/26/2008 3:34:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BibleL7 In a sense I would say that until we realize that we can not be good enough for God we don't really have reason to fully trust in Jesus for what He did for us. Just the way I saw it when I read it. That's pretty much how I saw it.

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