Justified by Grace - Linda Bailey
On Sunday Linda Bailey continued our Deeper series with an encouraging message about how we are justified by grace through the work of Jesus. Below you’ll find an audio and video recording of her message as well as a summary article including small group discussion questions.
Linda Bailey recently delivered a compelling sermon at One Church Blackburn, using a simple yet powerful analogy to illustrate the essence of our faith. Reflecting on an experience in her own backyard, Linda shared how two massive gum trees had died, leaving behind logs too large to cut with ordinary tools. Despite her best efforts, the logs remained a problem—until a friend provided access to a log splitter, effortlessly breaking them apart.
This experience, she explained, mirrors our spiritual journey. Too often, we attempt to overcome challenges in our own strength, relying on our wisdom, resources, and abilities. Yet, just as the log splitter effortlessly achieved what she could not, Jesus is the true power in our lives, breaking down the barriers between us and God.
The Foundation of Our Faith
Linda reminded the congregation that our faith is built upon Jesus’ power, not our own. She reflected on how easy it is, even for lifelong Christians, to fall into the habit of self-reliance rather than depending on Christ. The foundation of Christianity is recognising that we cannot remove our own sin or bridge the gap between ourselves and God—it is only through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we are justified and made right with God.
Drawing from Dane Ortlund’s book Deeper, which the church’s current sermon series is based on, she highlighted a crucial truth: justification is not a one-time event to be forgotten, but a reality to live in daily. As Ortlund states, “The gospel is not a hotel to pass through but a home to live in.” Remembering that we are justified through Christ impacts how we speak, how we live, and how we relate to others.
Justification Through Christ: A Story in Exodus
Though justification is often discussed in the New Testament, Linda pointed out that the message is woven throughout the Bible, even in the Old Testament. She drew attention to Exodus 14, where God delivered the Israelites from Egypt by parting the Red Sea. The Israelites did nothing to earn their freedom; God’s power alone saved them. This mirrors our salvation—we are not saved by our own efforts or obedience, but by the work of Jesus.
Tim Keller’s insights into this passage reinforce this truth: the Israelites were saved first, then given the law. In the same way, we are not justified by obeying the law or performing good deeds; rather, we obey because we have already been saved. Our actions do not secure our salvation—Jesus does.
Living in the Freedom of the Gospel
Many believers struggle with self-doubt, feeling they must do more or be better to maintain their standing with God. But Linda encouraged the congregation to rest in the truth that salvation is not dependent on the quality of our faith or our good works—it is entirely based on Jesus.
She posed several thought-provoking questions from Ortlund, asking us to consider where our faith truly lies:
What does my mind drift to when I lie awake at night?
What do I envy in others?
If God appeared today and told me I could never have something I deeply desire, would I still find joy in Him?
These questions challenge us to examine whether we are placing our trust in Jesus or in other things. Our faith must be in Him alone, not in human approval, achievements, or security.
Jesus: Our Mediator and Saviour
The Israelites needed a mediator—Moses—to stand before Pharaoh on their behalf. Likewise, we need a mediator, but Jesus is far greater than Moses. As both fully human and fully God, He bridges the gap between us and the Father. His sacrifice was not simply an act of kindness; it was the necessary payment for our sin, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserved.
Linda concluded with Isaiah 53, a prophecy foretelling Jesus’ suffering. His wounds bring us healing. His sacrifice brings us life. When we grasp the weight of what Jesus has done for us, our natural response is not complacency but gratitude and worship.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
Have there been times in your life when you have tried to handle things in your own strength rather than relying on God? What was the outcome?
How does the story of the log splitter help illustrate our dependence on Jesus?
Dane Ortlund says that the gospel is a ‘home to live in’ rather than a ‘hotel to pass through.’ What does this mean in practical terms?
In what ways does remembering our justification through Christ impact how we live daily?
How does the Exodus story mirror the gospel message? What does this teach us about salvation?
What are some things in your life that may be distracting you from placing your full faith in Jesus?
How does knowing that Jesus is both fully human and fully God shape your understanding of His role as our mediator?
If you fully embraced the reality that Jesus has already done all the work for your salvation, how might that change the way you pray, worship, or make decisions?
Linda’s message serves as a powerful reminder: our faith is not about striving, but about surrender. It is not about our power, but about Jesus’. In Him, we find true freedom.