You Don't Have to Defend Yourself

I am naturally defensive. That is because when my character is questioned, I want to make sure it’s defended. And underneath that, it’s because I think I’m a good dude who is being misunderstood. If I can explain enough, you’ll see I’m blameless.

This is bad theology.

This is what the Bible says:

The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately sick;

who can understand it?

– Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

Desperately sick people have symptoms of their sickness. And in the same way, we sin because we’re sinners.

Martin Luther said we are simul justus et peccator. This is a Latin phrase which means we are, at the same time (simultaneously) justified and sinful. We have a hard time holding these two things in tension, but if we are to understand — and live by — the gospel, we must.

In Christ, we are declared justified. He has fulfilled the requirements of God’s law and He has paid the penalty for our transgressions. This is different from someone who is released from prison under our justice system, where the idea is this: your sentence is complete, but you better act right or we’ll bring you right back. In Christ, we have permanent expungement and permanent immunity from our sin. It’s done.

The problem is — as Paul explains in Romans 7:7-25 — we still sin. And our sin is still a grievous evil, offensive to God and hurtful to ourselves and others. 

Something must be done. 

The first option is to realize this is a problem and to try to deny or explain it away. You were harsh with your kids because you had a bad day at work and they’re acting a fool. You lusted after another man’s wife because your marriage is rocky. You cut corners on your taxes because the government is corrupt. This is not the way of godliness.

The second option is to admit your sin and repent (turn). This is the sane option, and this is the option which the cross of Christ affords. This option allows us to experience a new color in God’s palette of grace, a specific forgiveness and absolvement not previously experienced. We nail our sin to the cross and marvel — Jesus paid for this, praise His name!

So here is the way forward: instead of being defensive in conflict, let’s be curious. Let’s learn the posture of humble openness, truly seeking to learn more about the ugly aspects of our character that we might crucify them. In so doing, we are made more like Jesus.

The next time you are accused, confronted, or criticized, don’t put up your guard — ask questions. Know Jesus has done the work of justifying you. Know you are still sinful and still need His help. And know this: He who began a work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). The work will be complete upon His return, and for now the Spirit will shape you through repentance.