Math was my favourite subject in high school.I've always enjoyed numbers, fractions, and equations. Working with pencil lead and brushing off many pages filled with eraser shavings. I would diligently figure out a solution for each problem printed on black and white pages.
I found great relief in the consistency that each problem had a solution.
I found great achievement in knowing that I could figure it out.
Math allowed me to be the problem solver. The one in control of finding an answer.
Recently, when I travelled here, I heard of an equation from Tullian Tchividjian that would stump the world. As it should, for this would be considered foolishness to them.
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. (1Corinthians 1:21)
This equation could be considered mathematics for the heart.
Gospel Math! A formula for how and why...
Jesus + Nothing = Everything!
Seeing this simple equation shows the Gospel in all it's radical grace. The biggest lie Satan wants us to believe about Grace is that it's dangerous and therefore we need to keep it in check.
Amazing, abounding, prodigious, marvelous, fierce Grace, can be scary. We've been lead to believe that if we give too much, then people won't change.
The irony of Gospel growth is that those who end up obeying more are those that know it isn't based on obedience. We see this as the Apostle Paul marinates sinners with the Gospel truth then says "in light of that... go live in this way".
We can not mess with the Gospel mathematics and rearrange placement, thinking it starts with outward actions. The Gospel always starts with Jesus and the work He does in the heart, I can add nothing to it. It is complete without me, but I get to bask in the freedom as God moves me deeper and deeper into it.
This is God's solution to our problems. One that doesn't require I scribble out factors and endlessly erase answers to try and try, again. I can lay my pencil down, knowing that...
Jesus + Nothing = Everything.
Graced filled math, drenched and purified in Gospel truth.
And daily, I want to live this out. His Gospel. His Grace.
... because ultimately, Grace not only covers me, it transforms me.
Does the audacity and radical nature of God's Grace scare you?
The nature of grace to not only bring us forgiveness, but a way of living in holiness has been totally underrated by the church. Thanks for writing about it!
ReplyDeleteso so so so so so True Manda! It is absolutely outrageous to our minds to comprehend His Grace, but it is so available so endless and so RADICAL! Only Grace can save and change a heart. You are so right xx
ReplyDeleteSo very very well said!
ReplyDeleteah but grace is dangerous...is a very good way...smiles. i like your math...
ReplyDeleteNo. It doesn't scare me. It frees me. Your post reminds me of something I was reading this morning, from Oswald Chambers:
ReplyDelete" ...if all Jesus Christ can do is to tell me I must be holy, His teaching plants despair. But if Jesus Christ is a Regenerator, One Who can put into me His own heredity of holiness, then I begin to see what He is driving at when He says that I have to be holy. Redemption means that Jesus Christ can put into any man the hereditary disposition that was in Himself, and all the standards He gives are based on that disposition: His teaching is for the life that He puts in." (from Oct.6th, My Utmost for His Highest)
This passage goes on to say that our responsibility is to know our need for Him. As you said so well, "Jesus + nothing= everything."
Oh I do indeed LOVE that
ReplyDeletejust shared that with my hubby....such good news needs to be passed on!
love and light
God's grace has been so radically displayed in my life. but it is easy to forget and get caught up in a life that neither clings to grace nor aspires to holiness. i would like to somehow do both and live in such a way that grace overflows, splashing onto those around me.
ReplyDeleteThis is very cool. I've never thought of the Gospel in terms of math before, but this works -- I like the analogy.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I learned that music and math were related and I was so annoyed by that...I hated math and LOVED music!
ReplyDeleteI like this math. I really appreciate your post!
first of all, i really admire that you love math. my hubby is the math guy in the family. i always had to work hard at it. but i understood your equation right away, and LOVED it. how to get this nothing... now that is the question :) how to be satisfied solely with him... oh friend, how i want this. pray for me? and i for you. thank you for this. xo
ReplyDeleteOOOOoooo - I always loved maths at school... and that's the best equation I've ever heard!!
ReplyDeleteI love math too.
ReplyDeletehow cool to read you...
way to go.
math, faith, grace, these are all over the place.
Its taken me so long to read this and respond. Working, getting sick, exhaustion...and then at the kitchen table I pull up my lap top and make time to find this post.
ReplyDeleteJesus plus nothing equals everything.
Brilliantly beautiful. Exquisitely breathtaking.
All I need to do is dive into His infintely gracious arms.
I love yoU Manda.
Thank you for this.