Prior to the Fall, Adam and Eve were unconscious of their nakedness. They had an intense awareness that they were “clothed” with the approval of God, and nothing else mattered. Sin “stripped” their sense of acceptance leaving them only with shame, guilt, and fear. So what did they do? They covered up with fig leaves. But those “leaves” did nothing to realign them with God.
The Fig-leaf fallacy still lives. Much of what passes for preaching is little more than manipulating people with guilt causing them to “cover” themselves by establishing some form of self-righteousness.Abstaining from wrong behaviors, mastering a theological system, being faithful, landing a good job, getting a PH.D., or being a model parent can all be cover-ups when they become an end in themselves. Insecure people look to establish their worthiness by doing things that make them feel they are better than others.
Churches are full of guilt-ridden members who are repeatedly challenged to attempt another “deed” to compensate for their inadequacy. When the response time at the end of a message amounts to little more than a self-empowered resolution, it is not gospel preaching. Attempting to “cover ourselves” instead of resting in the only sacrifice that covers sin is merely an extension of the fig-leaf fallacy.
The only remedy to this is the GOSPEL. It is truly Good News to learn that Jesus took upon Himself our transgressions in order for us to be “clothed” in His righteousness. The perfect covering is not improvement on our part, but the putting away of our sin on the Cross. And it’s not merely putting away sin, but the abiding of God’s Spirit within.
“What can take away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
So, forget about the “leaves”, and make your way to the Tree that was planted at Calvary. Here you will find not only a covering, but an abundant, daily supply which alone sets you right with God and man.
Harold Vaughan
The Gospel is a message of Rest! Praise God for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. The Gift is given, the work is done, May we boldly preach the truth of what God has done and call people to repentance and belief in Christ finished work for us.
1Ki 8:56
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
Heb 4:10-11
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Mat 11:28-29
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Amen, Calvary covers it all
Amen brother! Sad to know so many churches today are no longer preaching the Gospel, sin, hell and repentance! Appreciate your faithfulness!!
Love this! Let’s stop shuffling fig leaves in an attempt to gain acceptance for God and others and rest in our acceptance in Christ (Eph 1:6).
In Him, Your Irish brother, Kevin