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Study 05 of 18

God's Abounding Grace, Part 4 — Ready When You Are

Perfect righteousness is a gift already given to us in Christ, making us ready for His return the moment we believe.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In this session, Schofield addresses the anxiety many Christians feel about being 'ready' for the second coming of Christ. He explains that the law's requirement for perfect obedience can never be met by our 'filthy rags' of self-righteousness. However, because Christ lived a perfect life in our flesh, we have already lived that perfect life 'in Him.' The gospel is the good news that God credits Christ's perfect history to us as a free gift. Schofield challenges the idea that we need more time to 'get ready'; instead, he asserts that we are ready now if we are in Christ. By believing that God sees us in His Son, we are liberated from the fear of the judgment. This session emphasizes that our standing before God is based entirely on the Father's appraisal of Jesus, not on our own fluctuating performance.

Key points

  • Our own commandment-keeping is described by God as 'filthy rags,' regardless of our effort.
  • In Christ, we have already lived a perfect life of obedience that satisfies the law's demands.
  • God does not change His law to save us; He fulfills the law in us through the life of His Son.
  • We are ready for Christ's coming the moment we receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.

Key texts

  • Romans 5:17-21
  • Ephesians 2:4-9
  • John 14:10

From the book

Chapter 5 · Romans 5 · Read this chapter

  • “The word of God declares that our all righteousness’s are as filthy rags.” (ch. 5)
  • “We, in Christ, have lived a perfect life before God.” (ch. 5)
  • “But what really matters is what God thinks. And friends, get this clear – He thinks of Jesus.” (ch. 5)

Put it into practice

  • Discard the idea that you are 'rich and increased with goods' in your own works.
  • Believe by faith that you have already lived a perfect life in Christ.
  • Stop worrying about 'having enough time' and trust in the gift of righteousness today.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the common fear among Christians regarding Christ's return?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. What does the law require, and whose righteousness satisfies it?

  3. Scripture

    3. How does Ephesians 2:4-9 describe our salvation?

  4. Contrast

    4. Why couldn't God just change the law to save man?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does it mean that we have 'lived a perfect life' in Christ?

  6. Scripture

    6. What is the 'gift of righteousness' mentioned in Romans 5:17?

  7. Comprehension

    7. Whose thoughts really matter in the judgment?

  8. Application

    8. How does the realization that you are already 'ready in Christ' change your motivation for service?