There are times when it needs to be pointed out that a statement is completely at odds with Almighty God – – indeed, that it is liable to judgment. Tim Keller appropriately made this point while preaching on the Sermon on the Mount.
The title to this post points to one of the most despicable uses of language in our culture. People are all too willing to casually assign something to perdition without thinking about the reality of what they are saying. For something to be “damned” means it is an object of the wrath of God. If we have even a trace of wisdom, then we ought to tremble at the thought (Proverbs 9:10).
Flippant references to the condemnation of Almighty God demonstrate a disregard for the idea that we are accountable to our Creator. (Here I point to Joe Thorn’s recent series of articles on Hell.”
Having said that, there are times when it is appropriate to carefully notice that something is a direct affront to God. Being careful means making sure that those who hear know that what is said is meant seriously and in keeping with the truth of Scripture.
During sermon preparation today, I can across this appropriate use of the phrase from Tim Keller:*
Jesus Christ said, “I have utterly fulfilled the Sermon on the Mount. Therefore, when you believe in me, not only does everything that you deserve come onto me, but everything I’ve done comes onto you.” That means that when God looks at you, Christian friends, He sees someone who is beautiful as the person who does the Sermon on the Mount every day. Absolutely every day. That is high. That a higher view of the law. Jesus Christ says, “I take the law more seriously than any religious person! The religious person says, ‘Do your best.’ I say, ‘No, you have to be perfect!’ Absolutely perfect! I’ve been perfect for you.” That great hymn writer John Newton has these words: “To see the law by Christ fulfilled and hear His pardoning voice, transforms a slave into a child and duty into choice.”
So what does all this mean? First of all, by the phone booths and bus stops all over New York, there’s an ad showing a beautiful model in undergarments which says, “Inner beauty only goes so far.” I’m going to say something to get your attention so you can say you heard a Presbyterian minister say it. “That’s a damned lie.” Damned? “Absolutely!” It’s making fun of the values of the kingdom of God. You will never have the upside-down kingdom—where instead of looking for power and success and approval, you live a life of sacrifice – – unless you have the inside-out kingdom. The inside-out kingdom says that what really matters is who I am to Jesus and who I am in my heart, and not whether I look right. The wealth I need, the reputation I need is all wrapped up in Him. That makes Christians radically free. We’re not self-conscious. We’re not scared about our bank account. So you can never have the upside-down kingdom unless you have the inside out kingdom.
Don’t buy the world’s despicable lie that appearances and externals are what is most important. Rather, understand that if you turn in repentance from your sin, and put your faith in Christ, then there is now no condemnation for you. Rather, you are a new Creation (2 Cor 5:16-17).
* “The Inside-Out Kingdom,” by Timothy J. Keller, in The Journal of Biblical Counseling, Vol 19, Number 2, Winter 2001, page 48.
