Is your Gospel “Me” Focused?

“I have often heard it said, ‘If I had been the only person on earth, Jesus would still have died for me.’ Although our Lord could still have given his life for just one person, it most certainly would not have been because the person was so valuable, but because God was so gracious. Such an occurrence should hardly, therefore, be regarded as a source of pride or self esteem. For me to argue that Jesus would have died for me if I were the only one person on earth simply indicates my sins alone, without the rest of you contributing your share, were sufficient to demand the severe punishment Jesus Christ vicariously assumed in my place. When faced with that reality, we ought to weep for the selfless sacrifice of our Lord instead of finding in it one more opportunity for feeling good about ourselves”

-Dan Mtzat-

It’s amazing how a small shift in perspective can change our entire outlook on self and the cross. To think that Christ died because of our innate self worth is abhorrent. Left to himself, man is a repugnant, egotistical, traitor that celebrates his treason against God. The Cross was the capstone of this disloyalty. It is also the one and only act that enables man to mourn over his betrayal and rejoice in the grace of God. If man has worth it is only because the Cross has applied it, and if this is the case it can hardly be called self worth.

So Much for The Gospel of Positive Thinking...

Having friends that are associated with the Crystal Cathedral in one way or another, I want to clarify that in no way am I trying to celebrate a rift between family members or a "church".  I also realize that not all people associated with the Crystal Cathedral proclaim a "Self Esteem" gospel.   However, the reason I am posting this article is because I do feel the "Self Esteem" gospel is heresy and therefore destructive to the Church. 

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2679