Suffering is the stripping of our hope in finite things, therefore we do not put our ultimate hope in anything finite.

It is inaccurate to think the gospel is what saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our minds, hearts, and lives by believing the gospel more and more deeply as life goes on.

Religion makes us proud of what we have done. The Gospel makes us proud of what Jesus has done.

Jesus is the only Lord who, if you receive him, will fulfill you completely, and, if you fail him, will forgive you eternally.

The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.

The world says you are loved because of what you do. Jesus says you can now do all things because you are loved.

The more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you.