Michael Reeves, president of Union School of Theology and author of notable works like Delighting in the Trinity, explores the true nature of sin. He dispels the myth that we are basically good, emphasizing the depth of our sinfulness and the necessity of relying solely on Christ for salvation. Reevaluating Luther's insights, Reeves contrasts the views of Erasmus, stressing the need for divine grace and transformation. Listeners gain a profound understanding of sin's impact and the joy of turning to Christ for redemption.
Michael Reeves emphasizes that sin is a profound heart issue that cannot be resolved by mere moral improvement or good deeds.
The distinction between Luther's and Erasmus' views on sin underscores the necessity of relying on divine grace for true righteousness.
Deep dives
The Nature of Sin
Sin is understood to be a profound and deep-rooted issue rather than a superficial problem that can be easily fixed. While Martin Luther recognized sin as a severe problem causing misery and death, he initially believed it was not as deeply ingrained. This perspective is commonly held in modern culture, which portrays people as inherently good but capable of making mistakes. The misconception that humanity can simply improve itself and achieve righteousness through good deeds creates a deceptive optimism that ultimately leads to spiritual enslavement.
Luther's Challenge to Aristotle
Luther confronted the idea that righteousness could be attained through righteous deeds, a notion popularized by Aristotle. He realized that striving for holiness through mere behavioral changes only led to despair and resentment towards God. In a pivotal moment, Luther shifted his understanding, emphasizing that true righteousness is a gift from God that must be received rather than earned. This realization marked a critical departure from the belief that individuals could achieve holiness through their own efforts, highlighting the transformative power of divine grace.
A Contrast in Understandings of Reform
The differing views of sin between Luther and scholars like Erasmus led to contrasting visions of Christianity and the church. Erasmus believed sin was a matter of human effort and moral improvement, resulting in a church likened to an army where compliance is achievable. Conversely, Luther's view depicted the church as a family bound by love for God, stressing that sin reveals a deeper heart issue requiring divine intervention. This deeper understanding underscores the gospel's essential role in radical heart transformation, emphasizing that only through God’s grace can individuals desire true righteousness.
Are we basically good people who occasionally make bad choices? Or does the problem of sin go much deeper? Today, Michael Reeves presents the biblical view of sin, which drives us to rely on Christ alone for salvation.
Get Michael Reeves’ teaching series Reformation Truths on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3660/reformation-truths Meet Today’s Teacher: Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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