What is your identity?

Miles Stanford once wrote: “Let the facts of your position overwhelm the feelings of your condition.” This may sound a bit abstract, but it is a deeply practical and liberating truth.

What did Stanford mean by this? He was drawing a distinction between two realities: the facts of our position and the feelings of our condition. The former refers to our unchanging spiritual status in Christ—our positional truth. The latter refers to our experiences in life—our conditional reality, which can vary from day to day.

Stanford’s encouragement was simple yet profound: anchor your mindset and assurance in the objective truths of Scripture, not in the ever-changing tides of circumstance.

This perspective is deeply rooted in the teachings of Paul. For example:

• We are justified freely by His grace (Rom. 3:24).
• We have been crucified, buried, raised, and seated with Christ (Rom. 6:3–11; Eph. 2:4–6).
• We are complete in Christ (Col. 2:10).
• We are accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).

These facts are true regardless of how we feel on any given day.

Our condition—emotional state, mental struggles, physical hardships, or even our failures—may not always reflect these truths. That’s why Stanford’s message is so vital: don’t judge your spiritual identity by your current feelings or performance. Instead, reaffirm what is eternally true because of your position in Christ.

This message challenges a common error in Christian living. Many believers tie their assurance and joy to how well they’re doing or how much fruit they’re producing. Stanford offers a different alternative where growth flows from resting in our position in Christ rather than striving to earn or maintain it.

So how do we apply this?

• In times of failure, remind yourself: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
• When you feel unworthy, remember: You are accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).
• When discouraged, rest in this truth: Your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).

So, in the midst of weakness, failure, or emotional turmoil, anchor your heart in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. You are not what you feel—you are who God declares you to be in Christ. Let the unshakable facts of your position in Him rise above the instability of your condition. For in Christ, your identity is settled, your acceptance is secure, and your victory is already won.

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

Where Are You Looking?

If you want to be distressed, look within.

If you want to be defeated, look back.

If you want to be dismayed, look ahead.

If you want to be discouraged, look around.

If you want to be delivered, look to Christ.

If you want to be delighted, look up!

 

Who are you?

The Biblical Resource Group of Ethnos360 is probably the best-kept secret in our organization. A few weeks ago, I sent an email to all members of Ethnos360 USA, highlighting some of the doctrinal resources available on the Ethnos360 Members’ Hub. I received one reply with a simple question: “Who are you?”

You might be wondering the same thing—who is the Biblical Resource Group of Ethnos360? Here’s the answer.

The Biblical Resource Group was established by the Ethnos360 leadership team in fellowship with Global Partners. Its members include current and former educators, missionaries, and theologians who provide biblical and theological clarity on issues relevant to our mission and fieldwork.

You might also be wondering about Global Partners. Without going into a lot of detail, Global Partners is the parent organization of Ethnos360 USA.

Another related question is, “What does the Biblical Resource Group do?”

The Biblical Resource Group functions at the discretion of the Global Partners board, under its oversight and direction. Its primary purpose is to offer insight into doctrinal issues that impact the ministries of Global Partners and to provide theological resources that address these issues—helping to maintain the integrity of the Global Partners doctrinal statement. In addition, the Biblical Resource Group serves the Global Partners community by curating and supplying other valuable theological resources to support and strengthen ministry efforts.

In a nutshell, that’s who we are and what we do.

We are currently working on several projects. One of them is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet about the Biblical Resource Group. We certainly appreciate your prayers, as we have several irons in the fire right now.

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

God’s Herd of Cows

Shortly after the Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924, it almost folded into bankruptcy. All the creditors were ready to foreclose at noon on a given day.

That morning, the founders of the seminary met in the President’s office to pray that God would somehow provide. In that meeting was a man named Dr. Harry Ironside. When it was his turn to pray, he said in his refreshingly candid way, “Lord, we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are thine. Please sell some of them and send the money to us.”

Just about that time, a tall Texan wearing cowboy boots and an open-collar shirt strolled into the school’s business office. “Howdy,” he said to a secretary. “I’ve just sold two carloads of cattle over in Fort Worth. I’ve been trying to make another business deal go through, but it just won’t work. I feel God wants me to give this money to the seminary. I don’t know if you need it or not, but here’s the check.”

The secretary took the check and, knowing of the nature of the business that day, went to the door of the President’s office and timidly knocked. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, the founder and President of Dallas Theological Seminary, answered the door and took the check from the secretary.

When he looked at the amount, it was for the exact amount of the debt. Then he recognized the name of the cattleman on the check, and turning to Dr. Ironside, he said, “Harry, God sold the cattle.”

The Dangers of Bootstrap Christianity

I recently wrote an article titled “Bootstrap Christianity: Denying the Power of the Gospel.” What is Bootstrap Christianity? It can be summed up with clichés such as: “God helps those who help themselves,” “If you’re not living it, you never really believed it,” and “You must make Jesus Lord of your life in order to be saved.” These ideas might sound spiritual, but they gut the gospel of its power and replace grace with self-effort—pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.

Bootstrap Christianity reminds me of an old joke. Ole had just purchased a brand-new chainsaw that was advertised to cut two cords of wood per day. A few days later, frustrated, he returned to the hardware store. “This saw is defective,” he complained. “I worked as hard as I could, but I could only cut one cord in a day!”

The salesman, puzzled, took the chainsaw, pulled the cord, and the engine roared to life. Startled, Ole jumped back and exclaimed, “What’s that noise?!”

The punchline is simple, but the point is profound: Ole had been trying to do all the work on his own, never realizing that the saw had a power source that would make the work not only possible but effective.

In the same way, when people deny or neglect the power of the gospel—the finished work of Jesus Christ and the enabling of the Holy Spirit—they are left to rely solely on their own efforts. They may labor hard, sincerely, and even with great determination, but it will never produce what only God’s power can accomplish. As Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel doesn’t assist us in saving ourselves—it saves.

Trying to live the Christian life apart from that power is like trying to cut wood with a chainsaw that is not running. It may be sincere effort—but it’s the wrong method. We’re called not to perform but to believe, not to strive but to trust in the One who has already done the work.

The only cure for Bootstrap Christianity is to return to the clarity and simplicity of the gospel Paul preached: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The gospel is not a call to self-improvement—it is a declaration of what Christ has accomplished. Any message that shifts the focus from Christ’s finished work to the believer’s ongoing effort robs the gospel of its power and leaves people either unsaved or unempowered. It is the gospel itself that is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” We must never be ashamed of its simplicity—or its sufficiency.

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

Christian Growth

One of the great secrets of growth is looking upon the Lord Jesus as gracious. How strengthening it is, to know that He is at this moment feeling and exercising the same love and grace towards me as when He died upon the Cross for me. —John Nelson Darby

What Is Inclusivism?

This month, the Biblical Resource Group of Ethnos360 is revising an old paper about inclusivism. What is inclusivism? I’m glad you asked.

There are four basic views regarding how those who are spiritually lost may be redeemed. They are exclusivism, universalism, pluralism, and inclusivism.

Exclusivism – Salvation is found only through faith in Jesus Christ. A person must consciously believe in His substitutionary death and resurrection to receive eternal life. We believe that this is the view taught in God’s Word when understood in its plain sense (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Universalism – All people will ultimately be saved, regardless of their beliefs or actions. This view contradicts Scripture (John 3:18, 36) and undermines the necessity of faith in Christ.

Pluralism – Many religions provide valid paths to God and salvation. This unbiblical view denies Christ’s exclusive role as the only way to eternal life (John 10:9).

Inclusivism – Jesus’ atoning work is the only means of salvation, but explicit faith in Him is not always necessary. Some might be saved through general revelation or sincere faith in another religion. This view diminishes the necessity of personal faith in Christ and is not supported by Scripture (Romans 10:9-17).

Most conservative Christians reject universalism and pluralism. However, some conservative Christians embrace inclusivism. The paper we are working on addresses the problems of inclusivism.

Inclusivists argue, “People groups unreached by the Gospel who have never heard about the Person and work of Jesus Christ do not need to actually hear and believe the Gospel. They can be saved by a sincere reception of whatever revelation they have such as conscience and creation.” 

They claim that a person is only responsible for the light they have. But if this were true, then the less light they have, the better. Why?

Because once they are presented with the light of the Gospel, they become responsible for accepting that light. If they reject it, they are condemned. But if they never hear the Gospel in the first place, they would not be guilty of rejecting it.

This is an extremely important topic as it relates to missions because our understanding of inclusivism directly impacts evangelism, the urgency of sharing the Gospel, and our obedience to the Great Commission.

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

Hanging in There

 

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl.

One was a wise and cheery soul;

The other one took a gloomy view

And bade his friend a sad adieu.

 

Said the other frog with a merry grin,

"I can't get out, but I won't give in!

I'll swim around till my strength is spent,

Then I will die all the more content."

 

And as he swam, though ever it seemed,

His struggling began to churn the cream

Until on top of pure butter he stopped

And out of the bowl he quickly hopped.

 

The moral, you ask? Oh it's easily found:

If you can't get out, just keep swimming around.

 

Hang in there!

 

 

Finding Assurance in God's Unfailing Love

We often hear that nothing in life is guaranteed. The Scriptures prove that to be untrue. God guarantees that if we trust Christ, nothing on earth or in heaven will change our eternal destiny. We are His forever.

Sadly, for the first 10 years of my Christian life I struggled with doubts about my salvation. I doubted the promises in God’s Word that He forgave me of my sins.

I am reminded of the story of Joseph and his brothers. After their father Jacob died, Joseph’s brothers feared that Joseph would seek revenge for the wrongs they had done to him. They sent a message to Joseph, begging for his forgiveness, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” When Joseph received their message, he wept.

Joseph’s heart broke because his brothers doubted his forgiveness and love for them. He had already assured them of his forgiveness, yet they still feared retribution. This story mirrors our relationship with God. When we doubt His promises of eternal security, it breaks His heart. Just as Joseph’s forgiveness was genuine and complete, so is God’s forgiveness through Christ.

God’s promise of eternal security is not based on our performance but on His unchanging love and the finished work of Christ.

For years I was on the treadmill of performance. I felt like I had to strive to perform in order to be accepted by God. But by God’s grace, I began to realize that my position in Christ is the only solid foundation for assurance of salvation.

When we trust in Christ, we are assured of our salvation, and nothing can separate us from His love. Let us rest in the objective facts of God’s Word and trust in His promises, knowing that we are eternally secure in Him. Miles Stanford put it this way: “Let the facts of your position overwhelm the feelings of your condition.”

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

The Quality of Faith Versus the Object of Faith

By George Cutting

How may I be sure that I have the right kind of faith?

Well, there can be but one answer to that question, namely, Have you confidence in the right Person?—that is, in the blessed Son of God?

It is not a question of the amount of your faith, but of the trustworthiness of the person you repose your confidence in. One man takes hold of Christ, as it were, with a drowning man’s grip; another but touches the hem of His garment; but the sinner who does the former is not a bit safer than the one who does the latter. They have both made the same discovery, namely: that while all of self is totally untrustworthy, they may safely confide in Christ, calmly rely on His word and confidently rest in the eternal efficacy of His finished work. That is what is meant by believing in HIM. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life" (John 6:47).

 

No Free Lunch!

Have you ever heard the saying, “There is no such thing as a free lunch”? Have you ever wondered where that saying comes from?

In the mid-19th century, American saloons had a clever way of attracting customers: they offered free lunches. These “free” meals typically consisted of salty foods like ham, cheese, and crackers—designed to make patrons thirsty and encourage them to buy more drinks at double or triple the cost of other saloons. While the lunch was “free,” the cost was hidden in the price of the drinks, leading to the popular phrase, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

Today, people often use the term “free” when, in reality, what is being offered is not truly free. For instance, BOGO (buy one, get one free) is a popular marketing tactic used by stores to attract customers. But if you have to buy one to get the second one free, is it really free? It’s no wonder that when someone offers something for free, people become suspicious.

In contrast, when God offers the free gift of salvation, there are no strings attached. In Revelation 22:17, we read, “And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

The idea that salvation is a free gift is a doctrine known as Free Grace Theology. Some argue that the term “free grace” is redundant because, by definition, grace is inherently free. However, it can also be argued that, in a sense, the Apostle Paul coined this term. He effectively conveys the idea of free grace in his writings. In Romans 3:24, he says that those who have trusted Christ for salvation have been, “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Here, Paul underscores that justification—being made right with God—is a free gift of grace, not something we can achieve on our own.

In Romans 6:23, Paul writes that, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The use of “free gift” reinforces the idea that salvation is not something we can buy or earn; it is given to us freely by God’s grace. The term “free grace” emphasizes the nature of grace as a gift that cannot be earned or deserved. It serves as a reminder that God’s grace is given to us without any strings attached.

Blessings,

Bob

* * *

Keep the Gospel Clear

Keep the issue clear:

The issue is sin, and Who is going to forgive it.

Keep the direction clear:

It is from the Giver to the recipient. The gift of righteousness is given when you believe.

Keep the requirements clear:

It is salvation through FAITH.
There is nothing more!

―Dr. Charles Ryrie