Grace Q & A: Is the Message of Grace a false gospel or false teaching?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

We've begun a new study getting back to the basics of the Good News of Grace. We've seen that in Christ there is no condemnation. We've seen what cheap grace really is. We've answered the question what about too much Grace. 

Today, I sense the strong leading to once again address the objection that Hyper-Grace or Radical Grace is merely a false, end time deception, leading multitudes astray. I have addressed this objection, here, here and here. Just to list a few. It may seem I am belaboring a point but the truth is many are still charging Hyper-Grace as some end time error or falsehood. Also, if you follow the Gospels, Jesus often says to His disciples, the Apostles, "Again, I say to you." It seems He had to repeat things as well, thank God He is patient with all of us as we are all still learning.

True or False Gospel?

  Is the Radical Grace of God, in fact, a false gospel? Are we who proclaim Grace leading you astray? What does God's Word, the final authority, the source of truth say on this subject?

 In previous posts, I have laid out evidence that Grace is not an end time deception but rather an end time awakening. A Grace awakening. When the status quo is questioned, it certainly stands to reason many will get upset and won't like their way of doing and thinking challenged. 

 Let's recap the truths that prove Grace is not an end time deception. First, let's detail once again what the Bible refers to specifically as deception and false teaching.

 Denying Jesus' humanity. (1 John, John 1)

 Denying Jesus' divinity.  (John, 1 John)

 Denying the inerrancy of God's Word. (2 Timothy)

 One claiming to be Christ. (the Gospels, 1 John, 1,2 Peter)
 Denying the physical death and resurrection of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15)

 Altering the Gospel, mixing Law and Grace. (Galatians)

 I don't see Radical Grace in that list. Radical Grace doesn't deny Jesus became a man. Doesn't deny Jesus was God manifest in flesh. Radical Grace doesn't deny the Bible is God's Word, inerrant. Grace would not follow a human claiming to be Christ. Grace surely would never deny the resurrection of Christ. Grace doesn't alter the Gospel, it reveals it.

 We've also seen that some resist Grace because of wrong thinking. Some leaders feel the need to "control" their congregation. They feel strongly if they don't mix a little condemnation, fear, insecurity in their message the people will cast off restraint and pursue every lustful imagination that comes their way. 

 Others resist because they have a poor image of God. He isn't their Father, He is their employer. Why are we here? Oh, we are here to serve our master. We are here to obey His rules. 

 Didn't you know, angels are His servants? He already had angels. If He just wanted servants, knowing He already had them in angels, why create man? Why go through all that trouble of the fall, the Cross, and the resurrection?  They can't grasp that God wasn't looking for subjects but rather sons and daughters. God was looking for a family. 

 Still, others look at their accomplishments and achievements. They cling to their spiritual disciplines that they perceive brought them success. Perhaps some have seen a level of measured success by following strict spiritual disciplines. What is the real cost though? Their drive may have left many others by the wayside in burnout and being worn out trying to perform perfectly.

Two major objections

 What I have seen over an extended time of study and research is at the root of the objection to Hyper-Grace is two major issues. These don't deny the issues I have just raised but better highlights the main objections tradition clings to.

 Eternal Security.

 The first real root issue many of those who object to Radical Grace is their aversion towards the eternal security of the believer. This abhorrence towards the truth that once the believer is saved, he is always saved compels them to reject Grace. It leads them to conclude that Radical Grace is in fact deception.

 The idea of our future sins being forgiven and our salvation unconditionally eternally secure is false teaching in their minds. Does the Bible affirm our eternal security? Does the Word confirm our future sins forgiven? Yes, absolutely.

 12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,  Hebrews 10:12 NASB

What about our eternally secure position in Christ? John 10 clearly proves our eternal salvation in Christ. When we receive Christ, we are not on probation. He hasn't rented a room in Heaven for us until we persevere till the end and then transitions it to ownership for us. 

 Repentance, confession, and broken fellowship.

 There is another group of believers who are still seeing through the eyes of tradition. They do affirm our eternal security in Christ. Their objections are that Radical Grace teaches against repentance, the confession of sins and broken fellowship as the result of a Christian's sin.

 In a nutshell, they're upset because they feel Radical Grace tells people not to tell God "I'm sorry" when they sin. I will readily admit that perhaps we can better convey the message when we speak of repentance and confession of sin. That said it doesn't alter the truth that we have been forgiven once for all.

 What they fail to grasp is that we don't confess in order to be forgiven. We can acknowledge our sin because we are already forgiven. They don't see that. They in a sense define repentance and confession as an apology. But that's not even the definition of repentance or confession. 

 To confess is to say the same thing. Repentance means to change one's mind. As believers, we are eternally forgiven. When we realize we missed it, we can come to God an acknowledge that attitude or action wasn't rooted in love and agree with God about it. What are we agreeing to? That the action was a sin that God has already forgiven, and that we are still the righteousness of God in Him. 

 As for broken fellowship, tradition sees our future sins as some kind of judicial forgiveness but we must still confess our sin to experience a "familial" forgiveness. This is a serious error. God is a loving Father. He isn't breaking fellowship over our actions. Also, God isn't into religious double talk. You're forgiven but not really. In Christ, we are forever forgiven, and He already declared He would never leave or forsake us.

 The Radical Grace of God is not a new trend. Hyper-Grace is not some new fad sweeping through the Church. Grace isn't something we instituted to irritate the religious tradition-minded among us. The amazing Grace of God isn't a craze or a message. Grace is the Gospel! It is the Good News of Jesus Christ. It's the truth that heralds freedom for the captive, and deliverance to the oppressed and brings eternal life and forgiveness in Christ to those who receive it. 

In summation, is Hyper-Grace some end-time deception? Is Radical Grace some false Gospel message? No. It is the Gospel of Jesus. It is the truth that uproots error and turns over the tables of religion and tradition. Receive it and relinquish religious tradition and find true freedom and peace in Christ Jesus. 

SaveSave

Grace Q & A: Too Much Grace?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB






 We've begun a new series of study getting back to the basics of the Gospel of Grace. We're simply asking questions about Grace and seeing the answers from God's Word. So far we've seen what Grace is. We've addressed the issue of No condemnation. 

 Today, I sense the leading to address a question or rather a concern about Grace. Is there in fact too much emphasis on Grace? Can focusing so much on Grace really be dangerous? Is it really being out of balance to teach so much on God's Grace?

 If you've listened to Christian radio and podcasts or watched Christian TV, or read any Christian periodicals over the last few years you might think too much Grace is in fact dangerous. Not all ministers and ministries share this sentiment but there are in fact some who seem to be "ringing the alarm" about Grace. To them, this is a major crisis affecting the Church.  

What I am not saying

 Let's clarify our terms so as to bring better understanding. I don't like to be misunderstood if I can help it. If a minister or ministry only preaches say one subject and neglects other truths like the Christian model of marriage and family or principles of prayer, or how to have peace in this troubled world or sharing the love of God I would agree that Christians need a balanced diet of truth. 

 That said, we must also realize there are truths of the Word of God that apply to all of these areas. Faith for instance. It takes faith to show love. It takes faith to forgive others. How so? Well God says He loves that individual and has a plan and purpose for them. Faith agrees with God and not any contrary circumstances. What if I fail to do this consistently? Now we see why Grace is also a truth that applies to all areas of our life and relationship with God.  So is there really too much Grace?

 Let's be honest, when tradition raises "alarms" about too much Grace, is it because they are concerned we aren't also teaching enough about prayer, marriage, and family, or walking in love? No, they are concerned because of an "overemphasis" on Grace. Tradition really makes some strange almost contradictory statements when they raise these said "alarms."

 "I am a big believer in the Grace of God..."

" God's Grace is of course extreme..."

"Yes, certainly, salvation is by Grace, we could never earn our salvation in any way..."

 Great, we agree, Grace is over the top, amazing. Oh, wait there is a but coming.

 "But Grace is just the beginning."

"But we shouldn't be extreme about Grace. To say He forgives us of all sins is extreme."

"But once we are saved our works show that we are saved. It shows we love God."

 These paraphrased statements made up of many quotes I've seen over the years from tradition truly reveals just how much tradition misunderstands Grace.

But what about the Law and the commands of God?

 The main issue many bring up is that too much emphasis on Grace deemphasizes the Law, and the many commandments we see throughout the Bible. My question when I hear these concerns is, what portion of the Law is applicable to Christians? Is it the command to not wear mixed garments? To abstain from eating rare steak?

 Think I am over exaggerating? One of these tradition-minded preachers sounded the "alarm" about Grace by saying, these Grace people believe certain portions of the Bible no longer apply to them. Well, if all of the Bible applies to us, then we best get busy gathering wood to build a tabernacle and collect spotless lambs to begin to sacrifice. Any reasonably minded believer understands portions of Scripture written specifically to Israel don't apply to the Church. 

 Why do tradition-minded make such outlandish comments? Because they haven't fully accepted the Good News. They are still unconvinced our salvation and relationship with God is apart from all effort and is freely given and simply freely received. They feel deeply that there is still something that is required of them to procure it in their life.

 Compounding this effort rooted and performance-based faith is their reactionary theology. They become aware of a Christians moral failure. They seek to understand why it occurred. They see that the person adhered to the message of the Radical Grace of God. So they figure, that's it. That's why they failed. 

 Of course, it had nothing to do with the enemy tempting them. It had nothing to do with the fact, that this may be an area of particular weakness with that person. Certainly, all other areas where they had matured and began walking in victory is ignored. The focus becomes the message of Grace and nothing else.

 Tradition reasons then too much Grace is dangerous. What is conspicuously missing, is the fact that Christians had moral failings long before the message of Radical Grace gained such attention. I recall a particular famous minister many years ago who experienced a moral failure. He was a staunch holiness preacher. He preached against everything. What I noted was his teachings and theology was never questioned. 

Too much Grace?

  The real reason for the charge of too much Grace is because too many are tradition-bound and they still seek to mix Law with Grace. They still seek a place to merge the Old Covenant with the New. They actually stand by this claim that too much Grace can be dangerous.

 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

 Listen, Grace came through Jesus. How can something that is brought by Jesus be overemphasized? Too much Grace is, in essence, saying we can have too much Jesus. It's utter foolishness from the tradition of men.

 Tradition views Grace as something that begins our relationship with God. After we are saved, Grace isn't important, it's all about keeping the rules, and submitting to God as the "master". They readily say salvation isn't by works but then preach strongly the need for Christians to get busy working. Salvation then is "God starts it and we finish it."

 The real reason Grace seems dangerous is that it breaks the controlling yoke of religion off God's people. It opens the eyes of the blind and causes them to question the traditions of men. It changes the dynamics of relating to God from servant to taskmaster to a child and their Father. It forever removes the fear of loss of sonship, fellowship, right standing and the free gift of eternal life in Christ. 

 In summation, we can never have too much Grace. Grace and the Finished Work has application to every single aspect of the Christian life and relationship with Father God. What about the commands and the Law? Tradition likes commands and rules because it doesn't take much faith to live by rules. 

 Grace brings us into truly living by faith. We receive the Savior and He comes to dwell within us. His Spirit leads and guides us, and we know the Spirit would never lead us into immorality. Therefore the only commands we have in the New is to believe in Jesus and walk in the love of God. That is living by Grace through Faith and that leaves no room for the traditions of men and discourages self-efforts, strivings and a performance-based faith.

SaveSave

Grace Q & A: Cheap Grace?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB



  We've begun a study getting back to the basics of the Good News of God's Grace. So far we've seen what Grace actually is. In our last study, we saw the truth that under Grace there is no more condemnation for the child of God.

 Today, I sense the leading to address a rather controversial aspect of the Grace of God. There is a concept being used heavily by many churches and ministries. This idea that the Radical Grace of God, this "Hyper-Grace" is really a substitute "cheap Grace". That it's not the real Grace of God. Is this right? Are we proclaiming a knock-off, cheap Grace?

To answer, we must define this terminology. What is cheap Grace? I can look through the Scriptures and can't find the phrase "cheap grace." So where does it originate? Not to disparage a fellow brother in Christ, who was in a sense martyred for taking a public stance against evil, but this phrase was coined by man, not God, a man, a German theologian. 

 This theologian wrote a book on something he called costly grace. He wanted to express that there is a cost to becoming a believer in Christ. If one wasn't paying any price, then is that conversion to Christ sincere? 

 Is this debate new? No, this is the same issue we have today with Lordship Salvation and Free Grace. What's at the heart of the debate? Would you as a Christian, a believer in Christ, a child of God, like to see more commitment from your leaders? Fellow believers? How about in your own life?

Costly Grace, Cheap Grace, or Free Grace?

 Sure, we can all agree as Christians, we desire to honor the Finished Work. Look, the Radical Grace of God isn't a humanistic philosophy that follows the sole commandment "do whatever thou wilt, regardless if it hurts you or harms others." As much as that is true, sometimes I do what I want and sadly I don't care if it harms others or mars my witness at that moment. 

 Now I am not talking about felony criminal activity, obviously. I'm speaking about that jerk in traffic, he deserved me getting angry and yelling at him and throwing all kinds of hand gestures. That slow cashier, it's her fault I am losing my patience, didn't they know I'm in a hurry? The person with me may stumble because I choose to enjoy a drink in public? Hey, I work hard, I deserve a break. 

 See the real world situations I am speaking of? We all have the flesh to contend with, that is that wrong thinking we acquire from living in a fallen world. So how do we address that? Tradition has got a solution. It's costly Grace. It's Lordship Salvation. 

 The German theologian defined this "cheap grace" as a forgiveness without repentance, that is without a complete turning from all sin. It's a grace we give ourselves, as an excuse to pursue sin or stay in sin. It's coming to Christ without commitment. Is this, in fact, cheap grace?

Not Cheap Grace but Cheap Law

 When researching this lesson, I came across a wonderfully written article based on another good theologian refuting this idea of cheap grace. They coined the phrase cheap Law and it exploded in my spirit. This is the solution to cheap grace accusations.

 Tradition wants to eliminate the wrong choices, the wrong thinking which produces wrong actions by supplanting God's free Radical Grace with a more works centered Gospel approach. They mean well, but in exalting performance and commitment, all they have done is cheapened Law to a place where man can keep it and practice it and diluted the Grace of God.

 When we supplement effort and personal performance with God's Grace we have cheapened Law. The Law is an impossible standard not designed for us to keep perfectly but to stir up sin and thus reveal to us our glaring shortcomings which then leads us to Christ, the Savior. 

 I want you to see the definition of supplement;

Supplement: something that completes or enhances something else when added to it. 

 Now armed with this understanding, tell me what can complete or enhance the Grace of God? Does our promise to do better enhance His Grace? Does our obeying perfectly every statute or command we can possibly find complete His Grace in our life? Let's see Paul's definition of "costly grace" and "cheap grace."

6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:6 NKJV

see this same passage in another translation

6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans 11:6 NLT

Cheap Grace?

 Paul so masterfully defined Grace and perfectly contrasts works and Grace in Romans 11.  If we believe, no matter our motive, that we can supplement Grace with anything Grace no longer becomes Grace, it instantly transforms into works. What is cheap Grace?

 Grace isn't cheapened when we declare it's free and completely unmerited. Grace is cheapened when we dilute it down to a place where man can enhance or complete it by their works, their commitment, their performance or ability to remain steadfast and faithful. If Grace is anything but unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor and received freely, it is not Grace but works. 

 Grace is cheapened when we shorten its power to totally forgive. When we say Christians are only forgiven up to the point of conversion and from that point, onward, forgiveness is achieved only by personal repentance and confession of sin we are cheapening Grace. Grace forgives us once for all time. We are forever forgiven, past present and future. 

 Grace is cheapened when we declare it can't completely save us. When one proclaims Christians can lose or forfeit their salvation they are proclaiming potential life, not eternal life. They are treating Christianity as a probationary period until we finally persevere until the last day. This cheapens His Grace. Once we are saved, we are eternally saved. 

 In summation, accept no substitute. Only His Grace alone will satisfy. His Grace will lead us to bring forth fruit. His Grace will correct our times of disobedient behavior. After I "flesh out" it isn't long before I hear, "you're better than that." "That's not who you are." "I have so much better for you." 

 Supplements of performance, promises to do better, to be more committed only cheapen Grace and actually dilutes it from leading and guiding us. Why? Because Father God is upset or turned away from us? No, its because we are saying we can complete or perfect what He is doing in our strength and our efforts.

 In Him, we are accepted. We are loved unconditionally. We have a bright future, and He has great plans for our life. Don't accept tradition's lie that we are promoting a cheap grace when we speak of the Finished Work. Remember they are in reality promoting cheap Law and are deceived into thinking our labor completes what's already be Finished and completed by Christ Jesus, the person of Grace. 

SaveSave

Grace Q & A: No Condemnation?

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB



  We've begun a new study, getting back to the basics of the Gospel of the Grace of God. Answering the basic questions that arise concerning the Radical Grace Gospel. Even though you may have heard these things before, it is good to go back to the truths that first set you free from tradition and unlatched the shackles of religion that kept you bound. 

 Just how good is this Good News? Just what is this Gospel of Grace? Is Grace a license to sin? Does Grace equal once saved always saved? Does Grace do away with the Law? Does Grace mean we never do anything? What about works?

 Let's take our time and revisit the basics and strengthen our understanding of Jesus and His Amazing over the top Grace. Today, I sensed the leading to answer the basic question, what is condemnation? As believers can we really expect to never be condemned again? No matter what?

How Condemnation comes

 Condemnation arises against us in many forms. The most obvious is when we miss it or blow it. When we give in to temptation, the enemy, the very one enticing us to blow it, immediately rushes in bringing words of condemnation accusing us. 

"You call yourself a Christian?"
"Brother or sister so and so would never mess up like you did!"

 More often condemnation comes from the lies we have believed from religion. Sometimes the enemy sits backs and through religion allows us to simply condemn ourselves. How do we do this? It's very subtle. 

1. Comparing ourselves to others
 Often we find ourselves comparing our lives to this person or that person. 
"They are prettier than me." 
"That person is in better shape than me."
"Their house is much nicer than mine."
"They must be more spiritual than me, their Bible is way more highlighted than mine." 
"The Sunday School teacher called on them and not me to answer. They must know I haven't been as spiritual as should be as of late."
 The list can go on endlessly. When we compare ourselves to others we will only focus on our shortcomings and receive condemning thoughts about ourselves.

2. Not following the rituals and regulations and rules of our religious sect, church or denomination.  
 Depending on the group you may follow, you may find that you break the rules so to speak. Some groups frown on women wearing makeup or even wearing a red dress. With all the rules of religion, it is easy to see how we can condemn ourselves for not lining up perfectly with all the rules. 
 I am not even referring to committing actual sins. I am speaking of people breaking the rules of their denomination and such. For example, your church group may think it's sinful to own a TV. So when you visit a relative for the holidays who isn't a part of this group who owns a TV, you feel guilty because you were around a TV.
 We may laugh it off, but sadly, this type of condemnation is all too real for some Christians. To those in strict religious groups, they really feel they are letting God down. If they let their commitment to the rules slip they can be overwhelmed by thoughts of condemnation.

3. Having a performance and self-effort rooted faith.
 This is not the same as following a list of demands given by a religious church. This is self-inflicted rules we sometimes convince ourselves that God requires of us. How does this manifest? 
 Wrong thinking like attributing our goodness or faithfulness as the root of God's goodness or blessing in our life. God blesses us because He is good not because we are. As another example, many still think under this New Covenant, it's our tithing or giving that opens the windows of Heaven, not realizing it's the Blood of Jesus and the Finished Work that brought us a perpetual open Heaven and free access to our Father's presence. 

 What is the answer to condemnation? What about all these areas of condemnation? Does Grace really cover all of them? Is there really no more condemnation? Hear God's Word on this issue.

8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NASB

No condemnation? Is it really true? The answer is clear in Scripture. God said it and it is settled. No more condemnation. Even if I blow it too much? There is no clause. In Christ, there is no more condemnation. 

 Do you belong to God? Have you received the free gift of righteousness and eternal life? Then no longer is there any condemnation towards you ever again. In Christ, you are condemnation free for all eternity. 

17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 NASB

 In Christ, we must receive of this free gift of righteousness. Don't just receive this Grace and perfect right standing before God. Open the gift. Take that gift of no condemnation and reign victorious over the lies of the accusing enemy of religion, tradition, performance-based faith and the religious regulations of man. No longer can the accusative words of condemnation affect our walk in Christ. 

 Receive the abundance of Grace. Even when you blow it, remember there is no condemnation in Christ. No longer compare yourself to others, receive the truth of what God your Father says about you. You are unique and highly valued to Him. Follow the leading and guiding of His Spirit and relinquish the regulations of man. Rest in His Finished Work and not your performance. When you receive of the gift of righteousness and His abundant Grace condemnation falls by the wayside and it is easier and easier to clearly recognize it for the lie that it is.

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Grace Q and A: What is Grace?

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NKJV







  In our last two studies, we examined the place that the Old Covenant has in the life of the New Covenant Christian. This was in direct response to the backlash that arose when a well-known minister dared suggest we unhitch our faith from the Old Covenant. The outpouring of wrath against the minister made it quite clear that many in the Church still have no concept of Grace. 

 Many apparently are still linked to the Old Testament, looking for daily guidance and growth from the Mosaic Law. During my research, I was astounded how some fringe Christian groups even denied the New Covenant Epistles as being Scripture. This led me to seek the Lord about what more to share. I sensed His leading to just get back to the basics and go line upon line of what the Gospel of Grace actually is. 

 So let's begin a study of what Grace is. Let's just ask questions and see what God's Word actually says about Grace. You might be tempted to say "I already know all this." Hebrews and 2 Peter have some good advice we should all heed.

 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 NASB

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 2 Peter 1:12 NASB

 What is Grace?

 Here we go, how do we define Grace? Is Grace simply empowerment? I have heard several definitions of Grace when I was in Word of Faith charismatic circles. I heard Grace defined as God's ability gift. I heard it defined as God using His ability on your ability even though you don't deserve it. Is this accurate?

 I have used this illustration before, but it bears repeating. How do you define an airplane? You may answer it's a flying vehicle that takes people or cargo from one place to another. Is that the right definition? Nope. That just explains what it does, what its function is, not what it actually is. An airplane is a powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings. Its function is to fly people or cargo from one destination to another. 

 The point of the illustration is for you to see the difference between what something is and what it does. So many define Grace as mere empowerment. Why is this a problem?

 When we define Grace as simply empowerment we leave the door open for different interpretations. Empowered to do what? Is Grace empowerment to now keep the 613 commands of the Mosaic Law? That has actually been taught. 

 When they cite that passage in Matthew that Jesus said He didn't come to destroy the Law, some tradition-minded interpret that to mean God's New Covenant is simply a renewal of the Mosaic covenant. That Grace now empowers men to do what they couldn't do before, that is to keep the Law and commandments. 

 Another interpretation comes from the performance-minded leaders. Empowerment to them means all the particular rules and regulations their particular religious sect clings to are still in effect but Grace gives people the empowerment to keep them. If you don't measure up, it's because you haven't tapped into Grace. 

 These Law minded and performance driven views are not the Good News of the Gospel of the Grace of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So how do we define the Grace of God? According to Strongs Grace is the divine influence of God upon our hearts. It's His acceptance, divine favor, and benefit to us. 

 Fully defined, we see Grace as God's unmerited, undeserved, unearned divine favor and when received His divine influence upon our hearts produces an empowerment to live victorious in every area of life. It's His goodness on our life. It's His loving kindness toward us. Grace is God stooping down, entering our life with His redemption, righteousness, and favor bestowed toward us, apart from any personal goodness, performance, or merit. 

 This is the Grace of God. This isn't a message or a movement. This is the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept no substitute. If one comes preaching Jesus plus your performance or ability to be faithful brings about righteousness, redemption, victory or blessing, know that is not the Good News, that is not the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of the Grace of God. 
Image courtesy of Pansa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Welcome to the New: Hitching our faith to the New Covenant

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

  In our last study, we addressed the issue of Grace and the Old Covenant. This was in response to the volley of vitriol spewed forth toward a minister in America who dared suggest Christians should unhitch their faith from the Old Testament. Even more recently this minister has addressed his critics. He clarified his view. 

 He made it clear that the whole Bible is God's Word. It is inerrant and was given by inspiration of God. As Christians, we should rightly agree with that. Where contentions begin is the place that the Old Covenant has in the life of the Church. 

 The minister clarified that the Church is not to mix Law and Grace or blend the Covenants together. This should be a cause for rejoicing. More and more people are celebrating the New Covenant. Sadly, some in the Church are still debating the place of the Old in their lives.

 I believe in response to the clear message of Grace, the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, religious tradition is in a frenzied panic. Religion is about control. Grace removes control from men and puts the emphasis back on Jesus, the center of the Gospel. 

 Because Grace is uncontainable by man-made religion, it seeks to find ways to "balance" Grace. In this pursuit, many look to bring the Old Covenant into a blended mixture with the New. Many who years ago would've never said we look to the Law for righteousness, today often say we should follow the Ten Commandments or look to the Law to see what we define as sin.

  The stronghold of religion must be cast down from the thinking of believers. Rightly dividing the Word and renewing our mind to the understood Word brings this freedom. Knowing when the Old ends and the New begins is paramount.

 Tradition props this passage up and use it to suggest that the Church is still under portions of Law. Jesus words in Matthew 5  are interpreted to mean Christ desires us to continue in the Old and follow the Law. Some even suggest that when He expounds on the true nature of the Ten Commandments, such as adultery is defined as simply looking at a woman with lust, that Jesus is showing Grace has a much higher standard. 

 No, that isn't rightly dividing the Word. What Jesus did was show the Hebrews what the full weight of the Law's requirements really was. The religious leaders had diluted the Law and commandments so people could easily fulfill them in their own might. Again people aren't rightly dividing the Word. 

 First, when did the New Covenant begin? With the birth of Christ? No, the New Covenant began with the ascension of the resurrected Christ and the coming Holy Spirit and birth of the Church. When Jesus was born He was born under Law, not Grace. 

 Secondly, the fault with the Old Covenant was the truth that people couldn't meet the standards of a perfect and holy God. Religion had diluted the Law to such a place, the commandments were manageable in the people's strength. Jesus came and showed the full weight of the Law's requirements revealing the true purpose of Law. To stir up sinful desire and therefore reveal the need for a Savior.

Welcome to the New

 So let's look at the New and answer once again religion's objections to Grace along the way. 

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 
Hebrews 8:7, 10-12 NKJV

 This is the New Covenant. God lives within us and He gives us the guarantee that our sins and unrighteousness will He remember no more. This is where religion goes haywire. The idea that our sins and unrighteousness He remembers no more. That He makes us righteous apart from performance. That even when we fail He isn't accounting our sins against us. God repeats this good news in case some don't get it in Hebrews 10.

 Religion would still find an objection saying see it says He puts His law in our hearts. So they reason, we need to look to the Old Covenant for guidance and living. Listen, the laws written on our hearts are not the 613 commandments of the Mosaic Law. 

 When we make this bold proclamation religion gets angry and accuses of antinomianism. That is in their view that we are presenting a life of lawless, licentious living. What they don't understand is that Radical New Covenant Grace isn't lawless. We just aren't bound to that Old Covenant Law. What laws are written on our hearts then?

 Paul declared that the Laws "written in stone" are the ministry of death and condemnation. We don't have death and condemnation written upon our hearts. We have the Law of Christ, the royal law of love, the law of faith written on our hearts. We do have commandments under Grace. These Laws and commandments are so clearly summed up by John. 

23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23 NKJV


 Grace isn't some "higher standard" than Mosaic Law that religious tradition wields over believers, creating commands that appeal to their particular traditions. The truth is Grace is a "better standard" than the Law. Not suggesting that Law is bad or faulty. Paul declared the Law is good and perfect.

 The problem was the Hebrews weren't perfect and the Law had no power to make them righteous. If Law couldn't empower Israel to keep its impossible standards what makes us think Law will make Christians righteous? The truth is Grace is a "better standard". Under Law it says don't commit adultery, don't even look at a woman with lust. 

 Grace brings a better way. Instead of just don't lust, it says do walk in love. Love your spouse. The Law doesn't say love your spouse. It just said don't cheat on them. Well, Grace says to love them. Put others before yourself. Be the bigger person and apologize first. Walk in love, don't return evil for evil. Instead of an eye for an eye its forgive others their wrongs against you and don't hold it against them. Paul sums this up nicely.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 NKJV

 We don't look to Law for our standard of living we look to Grace and He shows us the better way. When we receive Christ, we become the righteousness of God in Him. We have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts. We love because we are loved. We forgive because we've been forgiven once for all time. We walk uprightly because He already sanctified us, making us holy by His blood. 

 Unhitch our faith from the Old? Absolutely. Though there is a great benefit in studying the Old, though the Old reveals characteristics about God, the plan of redemption concealed, the Lord Jesus seen in types and shadows, our faith is rooted in Jesus and His Finished Work. It is not rooted in the Sinai Covenant, a ministry of death. 

 Want to grow in Grace? Want to progress in your love walk? Want to walk in wisdom? Want to honor Christ in your daily life?  Hitch your faith to the New Covenant and study primarily on the Scriptures written and addressed to you. Focus on "in Him", "in Christ", "in Whom" passages and see who you are in Him and find your true identity. Its found in the New Covenant, in Christ Jesus.
Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave