Tithing Under Grace, Or Under Law?

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 NKJV

 Under Grace, He has cleansed and forgiven all of our faults, missteps, failures, and sins. Under Grace, He has provided us a new and living way for us to appropriate all His promises and provision. Under Grace, we have a living and vital, loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

 Such good and glad news to know we are abiding under Grace. With such good news, one would be hard-pressed to find fault, contention, and controversy. Yet, whenever the good news is proclaimed what it seems to produce in the minds of some is irrational arguments, protests, and objections. Many feign agreement with this New Covenant of Grace, but immediately cite the many supposed errors and dangers of this message. 

 This is the rotten fruit of the traditions of men. Christ came to set us free and religion and tradition seek to keep us bound to Law, and ordinances and rituals rooted in men's tradition. One of the most detrimental affront to the Body of Christ is this insistence on the continuation of practices that are rooted in Old Covenant Law. One such practice is the obligatory giving of a tenth of all that comes into one's hands. 

Wait, brother, Tithing is New Testament because Jesus said to tithe during His Earthly ministry.

 To respond to this misunderstanding first we must establish some truths about the Lord Jesus Christ. First, He was born under the Law, not under Grace, (see Galatians 4:4-5). Being born under Law proves that His birth didn't establish the beginning of the New Covenant. Jesus triumphant resurrection and the coming Holy Spirit is where we see the beginning of the New Covenant. 

 When Jesus mentioned tithing note the full context.

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matthew 23:23 NKJV

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees concerning "matters of the Law". This was not Him giving those under Grace a future command to continue this practice of tithing.

Is Grace saying we hate the Law or disregard the Law?

 Absolutely not! Grace just understands the purpose of the Law. The Law is God's perfect standard. It isn't abolished in Christ but fulfilled in Him. The Law or the perfect standard proves to the World that all have fallen short and need a Savior. 

 Paul stated in Romans that the Law is good and perfect. Allow me to cite some principles about the Law. When Israel was given this Law it had several purposes. Certainly, the main purpose was to prove to men they needed salvation. The Law came that offenses may abound. It was there to prove this is a standard that no one can keep. That said, there existed other purposes that God gave this Law to Israel. 

 First, He gave this Law as a means to guide and protect the Nation of Israel. For example, some of the dietary Laws helped preserve the health of the Nation during this time. Secondly, the Law helped the Lord have a publicly set apart people for Himself. Finally, the Law provided us with many types and shadows of the Finished Work and Jesus' work of redemption for all. 

 Now that we have the substance, we no longer need the shadows and types. Therefore, there is no need for the Church to continue in practices rooted in the Law. What much of religious tradition fail to understand is the all or nothing standard of the Law. Religious tradition insists we must continue Tithing under the New, yet in reality, much of the Church as a whole have not even actually tithed themselves.

 I can already hear the objections. "Brother, I have given a tenth of every dollar I have ever had, what do you mean I haven't tithed?" This is crucial, just because you give ten percent to the local church doesn't mean you have actually tithed. What? You say I have lost it and you strongly disagree. Well, if we are required to follow a practice from the Law then you best follow all the Law requires when it instructs about tithing. 

 Under the Law, One must bring the tithe to the priest. The tither then is under obligation to recite four things. Before the Priest and the Lord, the tither is to recount their origin. Then they were to recount their persecution. Then they were to recount their deliverance at the hand of the Lord. Finally, they were to ask God's blessing on all their land and livelihood, (See Deut 26).

 Also, under Law if one does not give the exact amount of the tithe, then they are obligated to pay the Lord 20% of their tithe as back payment, (See Lev 27:30-31). What am I saying? I am simply revealing this over the top standard of following the Tithe. These actions are simply what it means to Tithe the Tithe. The truth is under Law it is never enough. 

 Traditions of men, create ways and means to try to earn the blessings and favor of God. This causes men to look unto God as this austere task master who is perpetually angry or disappointed in His people. Religion is quick to create rules, programs, and practices designed to appease this perceived wrath of God. By teaching we owe God a percentage of our income, religion effectively controls the people with fear and perpetuates this image of God.

Is Tithing under Grace or Law? It is clear from Scripture that Tithing is an Old Covenant Law practice. Be released from this bondage of fear and anxiety concerning how much you give to the Lord's work. Freedom from religion is an open door to the freedom of a loving relationship with a loving Savior. 

Redeemed from the curse on tithing

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 NKJV

 Tithing, it is a very controversial subject. Many have been taught this principle from their youth. It is a deeply rooted financial principle for so many. With any subject that concerns a believer,  we should return to the source of truth, God's Word, to validate whether a practice is birthed in truth or in tradition. 

 After careful study of this new and better Covenant, we can see that tithing is not a principle that is required for the Church. Now tradition strongly resists this. One reason for this is, they fear that if people didn't tithe, churches and other outreach ministries would fold due to a shortage of funds. Fear should never be a motivating factor in Christian giving. 

The "Fear Factor"

Fear is one of the most significant motivating factors in why many practice tithing in this New Covenant. Why the fear? Because many churches and ministries have planted into the minds of believers that if they don't tithe they are under a curse. That if they fail to tithe, then God won't rebuke "the devourer" on their behalf. 

 The basic premise told to people is when they tithe, God will ensure their appliances and other possessions won't wear out. They are told that by giving the tithe this sets apart the rest of their money. It causes the rest of a person's assets to be holy. Now, what would happen if you failed to tithe? Would you dare miss a payment? 

 This idea is rooted in people quoting Malachi.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”Says the Lord of hosts;  Malachi 3:8-10 NKJV

 See? It is right there brother. We are cursed if we don't tithe. He won't rebuke the devourer on our behalf if we don't tithe. First, this is written to the Nation of Israel under the Mosaic Law. Secondly, the tithe was used to provide for the priesthood. The Levitical priesthood had been forbidden any land or inheritance when Israel was established. The tithe from the other tribes was their inheritance. If people failed to tithe at this time they would be depriving the priesthood of sustenance. 

 We can see this in context is not addressed to the Church. What about rebuking the devourer? If we fail to tithe won't we be cursed? That was Old Covenant. Let's see God's plan for the Church in the New.
13 the Anointed One, the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.” Galatians 3:13 Voice

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:13-14 KJV

 Christ in His Finished Work has completed the Work. He completely defeated the enemy and made an open show of Him (here). Religion says perform just right or give this amount and the enemy will not prevail. Grace says trust in the Finished Work alone and you will see  complete victory. Christ's Finished Work has forever rebuked the "devourer", no more should we fear.

 Tradition uses fear and manipulation to keep people in bondage to an Old Covenant practice. People are fearful if they are not exact to the penny on their tithe then calamity will surely overtake them. Religion thrives on these types of mindsets. Instead of the Finished work and Christ alone, people are placing all their financial hopes and trust in their faithfulness and ability to give a certain amount of finances. 

 Allow me to show how good our Father is. Recently, my vacuum cleaner malfunctioned. Having pets also means having to contend with pet hair, which can clog vacuums. My wife tried to clear away any obstructions but couldn't find any. So our vacuum of several years had ceased working. I went to the store to purchase another. As I entered this store, an impression, or thought entered my mind.                                                                                               "well if you'd been tithing, your vacuum cleaner wouldn't need to be replaced!"

Well, I cast this thought down, declared under my breath "I am the righteousness of God in Christ" and commenced to purchase a new vacuum. The price of this Vacuum totaled approximately Ninety-eight dollars.  After taking it home my wife and I left to run some errands. 

 In the process, we saw some papers in some folder in the street. We stopped our car picked up this folder and noted it had a name and a phone number. We notified this person of their found possessions. He met up with us, and upon returning what belonged to him he blessed us financially for finding his lost property. 

 This person blessed us with exactly $100. This covered any expenses we incurred in the purchase of a new vacuum. This showed to me that when the enemy and traditional mindsets wanted to accuse me of loss due to my lack of tithing, God's Word and this New Covenant silences their accusations. 

 In summation, there in no longer any curse for the Child of God. This New Covenant ensures our redemption from the hand of the enemy and any of his schemes. Don't live in fear that you must continue an Old Covenant practice or something dreadful will befall you. Jesus has purchased you eternally and you are in His Family now and the wicked one cannot touch you.

New Covenant Tithing?

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 NKJV

 Scandalous Grace, this Grace that is greater than all our sin, addictions, and flaws and fears. This amazing Grace...

We interrupt this present series on the Scandalous Grace of God for an important series of messages on an extremely controversial topic...

 I have been stirred in my spirit to share a brief but important series on a major subject that is affecting the Body of Christ. I am confident in the Lord's desire to shed light on this topic and see people released into the freedom Christ alone brings. We will resume the previous study at a later time. For now, we are going to be addressing this issue of the New Covenant and the practice of Tithing.

First things first

 First, I need to lay the proper foundation to properly begin this study. If we have a faulty foundation then all we build upon will be unstable and prone to collapsing. The foundation of any study of the truth is, of course, the Word of God. The Word of God is the final authority. 

 The Word of God is where true Radical Grace is discovered. It is where we find the beauty of this New and Better Covenant. It is the Word that reveals God sent His Son to take our place. It is the Word, that reveals by virtue of His blood, we are made perfectly righteous before God. That we are forever forgiven, cleansed from all our sins, eternally secure, completely acceptable to our God and made as worthy as Jesus to receive all He has promised. 

 We place our trust in God and His Word. We place our trust in Christ's Finished Work. I am sharing the truths firmly established and rooted in God's Word alone, not man made ideology or philosophies of human reasoning or intellect. In this study, we are referencing authentic Grace, nothing else.

 To be clear, authentic Grace is what we have discovered in the Word. Ideologies and human philosophies like universalism, or the various philosophies of inclusion (all humanity is already in Christ apart from trust in Christ), ideas that God was never angry at sin or that a place of eternal separation called Hell is non-existent are not rooted in Scripture and are not authentic Grace. With this established let me state what this study endeavors to prove from Scripture.

Tithing is a practice that is rooted in the Old Covenant and has never been commanded or instructed for the New Covenant

 To once again be clear, we are not proclaiming a "grace hippie" idea. This study is in no way intended to prove we as Christians should be stingy, greedy, or never give or support God's work on this Earth financially. I am not against giving or donations or charitable work in the name of Christ.

 I need to establish this foundation because religious traditional strongholds are deep in the minds of so many concerning tithing. If we endeavor to reveal the truth of the New Covenant, many will simply dismiss it, saying we are ignoring the Word or deviating from it. We don't want to give them any reason to doubt the truth.

 Traditional mindsets will immediately declare, I wouldn't want to expose my ignorance by declaring tithing is an Old Covenant practice. Abraham tithed before the Law. Therefore, tithing is for us today. Well, it is true Abraham did tithe before the Law. 

 Abraham tithed his spoils of war to Melchizedek. We will discuss this in depth in a further study. However, it is worth noting that Abraham isn't recorded continuing to give a tenth of all his possessions. He gave a tenth one time, just once. Since we mentioned before the Mosaic Law, it is worth noting that circumcision was instituted before the Mosaic Law. 

 According to some to establish if an Old Covenant practice is valid for us today in the New Covenant, we must see it in practice before the Law was established. Circumcision was established before the Mosaic Law. In fact, tithing is only mentioned four times in the New Covenant. All in the Epistle to the Hebrews, yet circumcision is mentioned twenty times in the Epistles.

 Certainly, we know from context circumcision is not required for us today. It is the same for tithing, biblical context is key to understanding this. The main point I want to leave you with today is why is tithing such a popular concept among many? Because many in the New Covenant don't understand rest. They want a part to play, they don't understand the New Covenant. 

 This New Covenant is all about the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet through religious tradition and lack of grace understanding we make it all about us. That the New Covenant is contingent upon our faithfulness, our abilities to perform just right, even our consistency in giving. This New Covenant was a Covenant cut between God and God. We are the beneficiaries if we simply believe and freely receive what He accomplished. This is why our performance or faithfulness have nothing whatsoever to do with receiving or partaking of the benefits of the Covenant.   

 We have much more to cover in this study. We will look at Jesus words about tithing. We will look at Hebrews 7. If anyone will just open their hearts and minds and without preconceived notions, they will see somethings from the Word they haven't seen or understood. We want to be gracious in this study. We aren't trying to be critical  in studying this controversial topic. I'm just endeavoring to set the Body free to follow the Lord's guidance in love and not traditions of men.

The Scandal of Grace: Grace that is Greater than our sin.

9 God has already saved us and called us to this holy calling—not because of any good works we may have done, but because of His own intention and because eons and eons ago (before time itself existed), He gave us this grace in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King. 2 Timothy 1:9 VOICE

Grace, scandalous Grace, what have you done? Justified lost and sinful ones? Made them forever forgiven and acceptable to their Father above? This is exactly what God's Grace has accomplished. In our last study we saw how forgiven we are through the Finished Work. 

 In the study, I pointed out the objections religion has to the truth that we are forever forgiven. One objection I pointed out is this philosophy of judicial forgiveness versus actual forgiveness. I sense the need to expound on this erroneous idea, and once again reveal how greater His Grace is than all our sins.

 Religious tradition has a cunning deception that has robbed many of their freedom in Christ. Some circles in the Church would flat out deny we are forever forgiven of our sins. They only see us forgiven up to the point of conversion. Yet, in religious traditional circles, there are some who will agree that we have indeed been forgiven of all sins past and present and future. However, this forgiveness is simply judicial forgiveness. When you do sin, you still need a parental or familial forgiveness from above.

Why is this? Because when you sin, you are out of fellowship with God, walking in darkness, and unclean. So you see with this philosophy, you are forgiven forever, but not really. You are still apart from God when you fail. To suggest that your sins can no longer separate you from God or that you are still in fellowship with God when you sin is heresy to these religious-minded ones. 

 Where does this teaching or philosophy find its roots? It is discovered in a misunderstood and wrong interpretation of 1 John 1. In their eyes, this first chapter of 1 John is written to the Church. 

6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:6-9 NKJV

Because they ignore the entire context of the first chapter they assign these passages here to the Christian. How this philosophy goes is if a believer commits a sin, they are now walking in darkness. If we don't sin we walk in the light and have fellowship with God. So because of a sin we are now out of fellowship with God. If we don't agree we are still sinners we are deceiving ourselves. If we don't confess this sin we are not forgiven. 

 By taking four passages and assigning them to the believer this philosophy single-handedly has made sin greater than Grace in the minds of believers. In order to contrast all the Scriptures from the New Covenant that declares we are forgiven of all sin, they say these passages are only referring to judicial forgiveness. For the claims of the need for familial or parental forgiveness, this philosophy utilizes passages from the Old Covenant to "prove" the need for this other level of forgiveness the Finished Work didn't accomplish, but humans do by their continual "repentance" (Latin definition, turn from sin) and confession of sin. 

 Grace IS greater than our sin!

 If those espousing this philosophy would simply look at 1 John 1 in full context it is easily proven that this is not written describing the believer. In the first few passages, John does not address the audience as the Beloved or the children of God. He contrasts those in fellowship with the Lord and those without. 

 For those in Christ, we walk in the light. For those who've yet to receive Christ, they walk in darkness. John is also describing a specific philosophy in these passages. Those of the Gnostics who denied Jesus came to Earth as a man and denied the existence of sin. He expounds the way of salvation for these sin deniers. This is God's Grace revealed. God showing the way for all to come to Him.

 In the Second Chapter the first verse, we see John begin to address the Church. 

 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 NKJV

Here it is made clear. Jesus is the propitiation for all our sins. In other words, His Finished Work satisfied all the claim of justice against sin. This is when John began addressing and encouraging the Church. 

 One last passage in 1 John puts the final nail in this false philosophy of judicial and parental forgiveness. 

I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 1 John 2:12

Correct me if I am mistaken, but children would be speaking of a parental or familial relationship, right? Here, the Word of God declares we as God's children are already forgiven through Jesus Finished Work. 

 Don't allow the traditions of men to rob you of your identity in Christ. God's Word declared we are forever forgiven. This once for all time forgiveness is something we possess right now. We don't have to work for it, strive for it, or confess our faults, misdeeds and each failure to receive it. His Grace is greater than our sin. 

 Remove this idea of partial forgiveness. When we sin we are not walking and stumbling in darkness. We aren't out of fellowship with the Lord. We are in the light permanently, because the Finished Work translated us from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. Jesus said He would be with us always. Religion panics at the hearing of this scandalous Grace. For it causes their control and domination of men to weaken and wane. Grace, scandalous Grace, frees men into a place of rest and freedom. A place where they can lay aside the burden to achieve perfection and be who God already made them. 

The Scandal of Grace: Totally Forgiven

9 God has already saved us and called us to this holy calling—not because of any good works we may have done, but because of His own intention and because eons and eons ago (before time itself existed), He gave us this grace in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King. 2 Timothy 1:9 VOICE

 In our last post, we began to look at the scandalous Grace of God. This Grace that turns a sinner into a saint. I since the impression to continue in this study of His Grace. I want to begin today by looking into our forgiveness.

 Just how forgiven are we? If we listen to the traditions of men, we would conclude we are only partially forgiven. If we listen to theologians we would conclude that we're forgiven but not really. They have coined phrases like "judicial forgiveness" and "parental forgiveness." 

 Because religious tradition hasn't fully grasped the reality of the Finished Work, we get left with religious double talk. We are forgiven of our past sins, but not our present or future sins. For any current sins, or future failures we are left with maintaining a short account with God by our continual confession of sins.

 Another form of this religious double talk is this "judicial forgiveness" philosophy. It states we are forgiven but not really. We are forgiven but we are still accountable for our sins to God. Given the way religion views our forgiveness, we can see now why this Radical Grace of God is so scandalous.

 Grace declares from the Word of God, not from man, not from any religious tradition that we are totally forgiven. This scandalous Grace reveals that God hasn't just wiped our past clean, but has completely forgiven us of all our sins past and present and future. Certainly, this flies in the face of traditional religion. Many believers are comfortable with the idea of a forgiven past but not so much with the idea that we are forgiven of future sins, or the sins we have yet to commit.

 This is why this over the top Grace is so scandalous for it takes away all of our sins, (here.) Religion resists the idea that we are completely forgiven. They wrestle with reconciling 1 John 1:9 (confess your sins to receive forgiveness), with other passages that declare we are forgiven of all sin, (see here, here, here.) This is why they adopt their religious double talk, you're forgiven but it is not a forgiveness you actually possess. 

 What many fail to grasp is that 1 John 1 is written for the Church, concerning the Gnostic sects attempting to infiltrate their ranks. 1 John 1:9 is inviting these lost souls who deny sin exists a way of escape. It is an evangelistic statement. It was never intended to be the Christian's "bar of soap" for any time they miss it. Look at what John even declared in the second chapter.
I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 1 John 2:12 NLT

 Was John confused? Was he now adopting the religious double talk of you're forgiven but still need to confess it when you blow it? Rightly dividing the Word, we clearly see he was addressing the lost in chapter one and the Church in chapter 2. John agrees with the other writers of the Scriptures that we are completely forgiven. 

 An illustration of this complete forgiveness may help you see it clearer. When you are driving in a vehicle and stop for a train crossing what do you see? You may see a few train cars directly passing you, but often times you can't see the whole train from engine to caboose. What if you were in a helicopter? Certainly, you would be able to see the first car to the last of any train. This is how God sees us. He saw our first breath and sees the last breath we will ever take. When we came to Him He took the sum total of our life from beginning to end and declared over us, forgiven.

 We are forever forgiven in Him. When He died on that Cross He took all of our sins away. He gave us total forgiveness. He didn't just forgive us partially or up to a certain point. Because of the Finished Work of the Cross we will never again be accountable for our sins. Jesus took the full punishment for all of our sins. We are forgiven once for all time because of that shed blood. 

 Rest in the Finished Work. Enjoy this scandalous Grace. Revel in Christ who forever forgave us. No longer burden by sin consciousness, we can enjoy our relationship with our loving Father. We can rejoice in the good news that all of our sins past and present and future are forever forgiven. Yes, this is scandalous Grace, we are already forgiven for the sins we have yet to commit. We are complete in Him. 

The Scandal of Grace

9 God has already saved us and called us to this holy calling—not because of any good works we may have done, but because of His own intention and because eons and eons ago (before time itself existed), He gave us this grace in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King. 2 Timothy 1:9 VOICE

  I have a confession to make. I am involved in a scandal. A scandal of grand proportions. A scandal that has life altering consequences. What is this scandal I am referring to? Is it adultery? Is it pornography addiction? Is it a tax evasion scheme? It is none of these things. The scandal I am involved in is the scandal of Grace.

 The scandal of Grace? Yes, this over the top, Radical Grace of God is scandalous. For it takes wicked sinful hearts, who deserve an eternity separated from a holy and perfect God, and justifies them. This Grace of God takes the most undeserving of us and declares us not guilty. I was once lost, following my own plans, pursuing sinful passions, disregarding God's way of doing things. This wonderful Grace of God found me and redeemed me and cleansed me and made me new and placed me in right standing with God forever. 

 Why is this Grace scandalous? In the mind of the enemy, the accuser, he knows how unjust and guilty we all are in and of ourselves apart from Christ. It is scandalous to the religious tradition-minded because they feel we must work for and earn our forgiveness and right standing with God. How then could the undeserving, the lowest of the low, be exalted to a place where their sins and wrong doings will never be accounted to them again? It is because of the Radical Grace of Almighty God expressed in the Finished Work.

Many religious leaders talk about the Cross. They even minister the need for the Cross. Some are known for saying we need more teaching on the Cross. They may even see many flood the altars in response to the initial preaching of the Cross. This is good, but what about when the new converts return to church?

When these same converts return to the church where they discovered new life and mercy through the preaching of the Cross and begin the journey of the Christian life, the same preachers give the impression that the Cross was only effective to forgive their past sins. These ministers make it seem like the Cross wasn't enough to forgive them of all their sins, past, present and future. That the Cross was insufficient to secure their eternal salvation, once for all time. 

 Once religious minded ministers make new converts they trade the preaching of the Cross for something else that they see more effective in developing growth in Christ. They trade the Cross for the works and performance path. To them, the Cross is sufficient to bring about the new birth but isn't as effective as personal performance and their step programs in making one righteous and acceptable to God. The Cross seems like enough to get you born again but insufficient in making you holy once for all time. 

 This is why this scandalous Grace is so freeing and refreshing to the hearer. It removes the burdens to perform and the achievement syndrome trying to earn God's love and acceptance. This Grace gives hope to the hopeless and destitute. This Grace whispers to the addict and the one still caught in the mire of their sin that God still loves them and has so much better for them. This scandalous Grace  restores, renews, and breaths new life into what appears dead to others. 

 Thank the Lord for His amazing, over the top Grace! I honestly can say I hope you join me in this scandal I am involved in. This scandalous Grace, that changes hearts and gives the undeserving mercy and new life and wholeness. This Grace has new life and destiny for you. 

Growing up in Grace: From the Inside Out

18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 AMP

In the recent weeks, we've been engaged in a brief study concerning growing up in the Grace of Almighty God. We have established from the Word how true growth occurs. True spiritual growth is never accomplished if we are following the traditions of men.

 Spiritual growth in Grace isn't found by following the dictates of a particular denomination. It isn't found in our self-efforts to try and please God. It isn't found in religious traditions perpetuated by spiritually blind leaders who don't understand the Word of God. Growth in Grace isn't about striving, or trying to earn or achieve a position or status with God. 

 Growth in Grace is found by knowing and understanding who we are in Him. It is found in understanding we are loved and accepted by Christ aside from any works or achievements on our part. It is found in the knowledge of our eternally secure salvation in Christ. 

 In our last study, we established that rightly dividing the Word is essential to an enhanced growth in Grace. In concluding this study today, we want to focus on the last area where we find true growth. True growth is found in the supply of His Grace.

Flowing "Freely" in the Supply of Grace

 If we are going to study growing up in Grace we must see how His Grace supplies wherever there is a demand. When it comes to growing up in Him, how exactly does one go from bitterness to forgiveness? From anger to self-control? From impatience to patience? Some would teach that God must send us tragic circumstances in order to facilitate growth. I soundly reject this.

 Wherever there is a demand Grace has an abundant supply. God hasn't established a system in this New Covenant where He demands a response from you that you must generate in your own strength or efforts. He isn't even demanding a changed lifestyle by our efforts or futile attempts to eliminate the ability to carry out a negative desire.  Grace changes us from the inside out, not the outside in.

 As we grow up in Grace, we will begin to notice a certain way of thinking or habit we have is contrary to our new nature. Religion would either say well we are just struggling because we still have a sin nature. Or that we must eliminate some outside source then we won't have that habit. While I concede there are some times where a specific relationship or activity may not be profitable and should fall by the wayside, just removing the channels available for a negative desire doesn't actually remove the desire. 

 Grace removes desires that are contrary to our New nature in Him. If we are struggling with impatience or anger all we need do is to tap into the supply of Grace. How do we do this? It is by understanding we are already perfectly loved and accepted, (here). If we understand we are already loved then this Gracious supply is there for us to love others. 

 Before Grace understanding, we thought we had to drum up some kind of feeling in order to express patience or mercy or love to others. When we understand His Grace has already supplied us with more than enough love within we can express that love to others. Struggling with forgiveness? Know and understand how much we are forgiven and then extend this to others. 

 Certainly, there is a maturing process into who we already are in Him. The supply of Grace transforms us from the inside out. We don't need religious tradition based programs to see change and growth. We have His supply, His New Nature within. We already possess what we need. He has shed His love abroad in our hearts. He has forgiven us once for all time. He has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness. This is where fruitful growth is found.

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Growing up in Grace: Rightly Dividing the Word

18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 AMP

In the recent weeks, we've been engaged in a brief study concerning growing up in the Grace of Almighty God. We've established that knowledge of who we are in Him and what we have by virtue of the Finished Work is where true growth begins. We saw how fruit abounds in our eternally secure position in Christ. 

 Today I sense the need to continue in this study. One area that generates lasting fruit is understanding how to rightly divide God's Word. If we misunderstand or misapply God's Word, we will flourish in religious tradition but not in the truth of God's Word.

 Much of the Church is saturated with the religious traditions of men. Biblical illiteracy coming from pulpits, Christian media, and devotionals permeate the Body of Christ. Teachers readily mix Law and Grace, blend Old Covenant principles and prayers with the New Covenant, and exalt experience over the promises of God. 

 Some resist the knowledge of who they are in Christ because they are so focused on being busy. Busy engaging in "spiritual warfare", not realizing the enemy is already defeated. Or busy "working" for God, in order to become more holy or righteous, not realizing they've been made holy and righteous by virtue of the Finished Work.

 When it comes to growing up spiritually mixing Law and Grace or blending the Covenants will never yield lasting fruit. Let's look at blending the Covenants and the detrimental effects it has on our growth.

Rightly Dividing the Covenants: Change my heart, oh God?

When believers are in the maturing process of becoming who they already are in Christ, they begin to notice the aspects of their lives that don't always reflect that Christ-like new nature. Not realizing that it is their flesh acting out, and not understanding the proper definition of the flesh they mistakenly mix the Covenants in an attempt to see change. 

 The flesh is a way of thinking that is contrary to the Word of God. It is the "policies of the former administration." It is the old man, the old sin nature's way of doing things. When we received the Lord we became a new creation in Christ. That old man passed away. Not fully aware of what actually happened at salvation, some believers foolishly begin praying Old Covenant prayers to see change. They pray what King David prayed, hoping to see some change in their lives manifest.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

 This is one of the most unbelieving and Biblically illiterate prayer a New Covenant Believer could ever pray. Allow me to reveal how this kind of prayer sounds to the Lord.

"Create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast or loyal spirit within me". How this sounds to the Lord's ears. "Lord, even though you declared that once we are in Christ old things pass away and we are made an entirely new creation in you (2 Cor 5:17). We are made the very righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21). We are born again of incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23). We have passed from darkness to light and passed from death to life (1 Peter 2:9-10), ( 1 John 3:14). Lord, You've already, by virtue of the New Birth gave us a new heart, but I don't believe what you say and am asking you to remake my heart new and clean."

"Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me" How this sounds to the Lord's ears. "Lord, even though you declared in your Word that you would be with us always (Matt 28:20). That you would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). You declared that you would in no way cast anyone out who came to you (John 6:37). Lord, I know you have made it clear in the New Covenant you would never banish or cast us away, but I don't believe you. So please don't ever banish me, until I can perform better."

 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you." How this sounds to the Lord's ears. "Lord, even though you declared in Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruit of the New Creation is already in me. That in Christ I am already made pure, holy and set apart (Heb 10:10,14). In my heart, there is already the Joy of the Lord and the fruit of self-control. Yet, I don't believe what you say, Father." 

It is plain to see why not rightly dividing the Covenants, and being Biblically illiterate is why so many fail to experience real and lasting fruit and growth in Grace. Certainly, God understands people's sincerity. But, it would be like a child asking for a glass of water from their father the exact moment after their father just gave them a full glass of water. 

 Can you envision that image? The child crying "Dad, can I please have a glass of water?" The dad, looking quite perplexed points out to the child, look, I have already given it to you. It is right there in your hands. The child then telling their father, "I hear you say that, but I don't believe you." Christians who blend the Covenants are much the same. They're pleading for God to give them a new heart, to make them holy, to make them righteous, not realizing they're asking for what they already possess. 

Rightly dividing the Word is about more than just removing mere performance based faith from our lives. It is about accepting and receiving the truth of who we already are in Christ. When we remove Law and Grace mixture and Covenant blending from our understanding and begin to rightly divide the Word we will begin to walk in the fullness of His blessings and to grow up into who we already are in Him. 

In summation, it is vital for our growth in God's Grace to begin to rightly divide the Word. Read and study God's Word with a New Covenant understanding. Any idea that conveys the concept that we must do this or that first and then God will respond is Old Covenant or Law mixture. Under Grace, we realize Jesus already moved on our behalf. We simply believe and receive by faith, what He already accomplished in the Finished Work.  

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Growing Up in Grace: Our Security in Christ

18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 AMP

 We've been in a brief study concerning growing up spiritually in the Grace of God. We've established that by planting the right roots of knowing who we already are in Christ will produce growth in our life in Christ. When we know who we are and what we have because of Christ, fleshly desires, and sinful habits will in time fade away. In Him is found true and lasting freedom. 

 We also established that understanding our love and acceptance in Him frees us from guilt, shame and allows for unhindered growth. In our last study, we discussed how hearing the true gospel of Christ allows for growth that is uncontaminated by religious tradition. Getting the root right always produces the right fruit.

 Today, I sense the impression to continue studying growth in Grace. Another area that is essential for proper growth in Him is to understand our complete security in Christ. Too many believers are insecure in their relationship with Father God. Religious traditional teaching about God, people's own experiences with their own father, are the main reasons for this. 

 This is why it is essential that we properly reveal the loving goodness of our Father in Heaven to a lost World. His everlasting, unconditional love will heal hearts and reshape images people have of God. Misrepresenting the Father to the people is not something God takes lightly. In fact, this is why Moses couldn't enter the Promise land. He made it appear God was angry with the people when He wasn't. (see here). 

Secure in Him forever

 When the Golden Gate bridge was being constructed the builders installed safety nets so the workers would not perish during the construction phase, (here). When the workers knew even at that height they were secure, they produced much labor. Had they not had a safety net, do you believe they would be so productive? 

 This is what the security in Christ brings us. When we know we will never again perish, we are able to grow and produce fruit. Even when we stumble and fall we can immediately get back up and continue walking. 

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 NLT

 We are forever secure in our Father's hands. He promised we would not perish or be lost again. Knowing this great promise we can freely pursue God's plan for our lives. Religious, performance minded folk believe that assurance of our salvation, knowing we can never perish causes us to live contrary to our new nature. 

 Religious tradition tends to think that by removing our assurance and ministering an idea of eternal insecurity that this will motivate people to grow up in God and cease from wrong living. Fear then becomes the driving factor as to why we live right. God then moves from being God the Father to the "godfather". 

 We better get right or God is going to "get" us. One slip up and you've lost your salvation. Threats of loss of sonship and blessings are what drives you to keep your heart and mind pure. How well does this style of ministry work? It leaves many broken, burnt out, and breaking away from the church, and walking out on their "relationship" with God.

 I've got some good gospel news. God is going to get you. He is going to get you saved. He is going to get you healed and whole. He is going to get restoration to you. He is getting new life and abundance to His people. He is not mad or disappointed in His Church. 

 In Christ, we are cleansed from all our sins. We are as righteous as Jesus. We are eternally saved and secure. He purchased eternal redemption for us, not temporal redemption, (see here). We now rest in our eternal redemption. This is where we find real and lasting fruit. 

 Reject the notion of an eternal insecure salvation. We have eternal salvation because of the Finished Work. Once you truly and sincerely received the Lord Jesus and His free gift, you are forever saved and can never again be lost or perish. Because we are always in His hands and can never permanently fail or fall our potential and possibilities in Him are endless! 

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