8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, 9 not of works, so that no one should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 MEV
20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace *abounded all the more, Romans 5:20 NASB
*ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō)
Strong: G5248
GK: G5668
to superabound; to abound still more, Rom. 5:20; mid. to be abundantly filled, overflow, 2 Cor. 7:4
We have all heard at one time or another that we can have too much of one thing. Too much cola drinks, too much dessert, too much time devoted to meaningless pursuits. We hear a lot about excess, but we also need to ensure we are getting enough of what we do need.
When it comes to God's Grace have we received it fully? Or have we only received a little? Have we gone far enough with Grace? It seems for some Grace is only for the beginning.
The journey of spiritual growth and receiving Redemption is begun by Grace but "completed" by human efforts and performance. Grace is acknowledged and celebrated initially but the implications of Grace are not fully realized. Jesus paid the price in full, but for so many it's practically seen only as a down payment.
Believers are continually taught that there are more things to do, more conditions to be met, more burdens to carry and more work to complete. For instance, we know salvation is received by Grace through Faith. Upon receiving salvation though, works are introduced as a form of maintaining it or completing it.
This is the error of Hypo-Grace. The Grace that is just enough. Just enough to get one started on their journey with God but not enough to complete it. Hypo-Grace claims one can go too far with Grace. That too much Grace is dangerous and extreme. In light of Redemption, the truth is Hypo-Grace doesn't go far enough.
Hypo-Grace introduces requirements, assigns responsibilities and engages in rituals. All these are designed to perfect the work Jesus began in the believer. These works overshadow the work of the Risen Savior who already paid it all.
Salvation is the first area we see Hypo-Grace complicate. Salvation is received by Grace through Faith according to the Gospel. Hypo-Grace teaches once it's received it must be maintained. Some Hypo-Grace teaching even reject the basic Gospel truth and claim believing is not enough to receive salvation, that first you must turn away from every sin and promise God you will live for Him perfectly. Paul rejects this Hypo-Grace claim.
30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 NKJV
Just believe. That's all that God asks of us to be saved, believe in Jesus alone. Life in Christ flows from that foundation. This foundation is Faith. Grace and Faith are "the how" the believer lives out their life in Christ.
Hypo-Grace claims that's not enough and that there are requirements and responsibilities for believers after receiving salvation. Things such as daily Bible reading, witnessing your Faith, attending church and giving. These turn into requirements and responsibilities assigned to maintain or prove your salvation, removing relationship in exchange for obligation.
This is the failure of Hypo-Grace. It reduces the work of Redemption inwardly and replaces it with performance outwardly. Saying it more plainly, Hypo-Grace is turning relationship into obligation. Spirituality turns into rituals designed to improve your standing with God.
In Christ, under Grace, the Gospel, His life within is expressed through love and Faith. There is a new desire from within to spend time with Him and to get to know Him more intimately.
Bible reading becomes joyous like reading love letters written personally to us. Church attendance is gathering to fellowship with other like minded believers who have tasted and seen how Good this God is. Giving to support the ministry of Jesus, and advancing the kingdom becomes investing in the Gospel and the hope of more lives changed. No obligation, no performance, but genuine relationship.
Hypo-Grace turns relationship into requirements, and treats good works as currency with God. Relationship is turned into a payment plan to pay off the debt Christ made the down payment for. Hypo-Grace engages in rituals designed to be more accepted with God.
Hypo-Grace focuses on outward works such as observing Old Covenant feast days, Sabbath, and special days thinking this makes them more spiritual or more favored with God. Apparently God is not satisfied with Jesus alone. These rituals also include "special" ways to pray, this method or that method, and "special" ways to give.
Hypo-Grace believes there are different classes of Christians. Some are "deeper" than others. Of course, it's others that are supposed to judge whether or not someone is deep spiritually. Hence teachings like the "remnant" Church, the real committed ones God specially favors above others.
Hypo-Grace doesn't go far enough with Grace. It brings only crushing burdens and rules that are lifeless and obligatory. The Gospel of Grace is the only way to walk out Redemption and receive its full benefits. Jesus paid it all and He is enough. Live this Christian life from the place of supply and relinquish religious demands.
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