Tim Keller | November 23, 1997
This passage tells the story of how Peter and Paul had a confrontation over the nature of the gospel, the essence of the Christian faith, over what a Christian really is. What is a Christian? We’re going to look at a definition in this teaching, a definition that is vast in its implications. Almost any other definition than this one is unbalanced, misleading, and distorted.
Becoming good is a result of being a Christian; it’s not the essence of becoming a Christian. When you become a Christian you are justified. It doesn’t mean you suddenly stop being bad. It means you’re no longer viewed in the same way. It means your sins can no longer bring you into condemnation. It means you’re righteous in God’s sight.
This Month's Featured Book
In this new book by Tim Keller and his son Michael Keller, you’ll discover what our culture's stories promise and whether they actually deliver. It will help you to see them through the lens of the gospel story—the only story where deep hope, true meaning and lasting joy can be found.