This past week we began men's and women's DiG Groups. DiG stands for Discipled in Grace, and doubles as a metaphor for "digging" deeply into the gospel. Anyway, one of the foundational principles that we are working with is the fact that the law-gospel paradigm is a two-edged sword. The law tells me that I am more sinful (and have more of a propensity toward evil) than I realize. On the other hand, the gospel tells me that I am more forgiven, loved and accepted than I even have the capacity to grasp and fully appreciate.

This means two things. First, I should never underestimate the power of indwelling sin. I should not be surprised when I do or say sinful, or just plain sinful things. The sin monster within is a beast. Do not underestimate it. However, second, I also should not underestimate the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This means that I need not despair of my sin, thinking that there is no hope for change when my sin monster raises its ugly head. The Spirit is stronger than the flesh.

My role is to let the two-edged sword keep me humble and hopeful as I rest in the reality that I am no longer under the condemnation of the law, but am safe under the promise of God's grace in the gospel. I am his, and not because I am good. I am his because—and only because—of his grace. Grace that looks me in the eye and reconfirms to my heart every day that God has made a wretch a son by making his son a wretch. This is the good news of the gospel.