The True Gospel

By Caleb Faires

Years ago, shortly after I got married, I got it into my head that I wanted to take up cycling. We lived in a town with lots of scenic country roads, many of which have bike lanes. So, I did what any sensible person would do to guarantee success in my new endeavor. I bought a bike, upgraded pedals, cycling shoes, stretchy pants, and even a vintage cycling jersey to raise the cool factor. So there I was, decked out and ready to begin my adventures as an avid cyclist. I met up with one of my cycling friends, and hit the road—once.

Has this ever happened to you? We’re often sold on the idea that having the special gadget, the newest equipment, the right five-step plan, or the latest diet will somehow transform us from the people we are into the people we want to be. What is true for the outer man is true for the inner man as well. We are tempted by insider knowledge, trade secrets, and all the latest gnostic short-cuts that promise us fulfillment.

But Paul warns us to not be taken captive by such worldly deceit. Human wisdom and philosophy is so palatable to our taste that if we are not on our guard, it can truly take us captive. It always falls short and leaves us empty.  While Paul might have easily focused on all the dismal results of trusting in false hopes and foolish philosophies, he instead directs us to the abundant richness of Christ. Indeed, Christ Himself is the answer to every hope and aspiration of the human heart.

Not only this, but this very Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us now fills us by His Spirit. “The entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ” (Colossians 2:9). Christ, who is God Himself, is ours. If ever there was any aspiration of the human heart, its true answer is found in Christ. In Him, we are purified, freed from bondage to sin and from all its obligations. In Him, we are raised to new life, no longer bound to the futility of death that we inherited from Adam. In Him, we are made new.

The world will always be busy about offering new-hatched solutions and ear-tickling ideas based on the elements of this world, but it is all dust and ashes. The truth is this: we have more than all we need in Christ, who alone has triumphed over the rulers and authorities of earth, who alone buries our sin and raises us up with Him. The vain offerings of this world lose all their luster because we have been given all things in Christ. Thanks be to God!