As we continue reading through The Grace Awakening, this week’s lesson takes a long, hard look at the risk of preaching, teaching, and living grace by first looking at some thoughts from D. Marten Lloyd Jones in his commentary on Romans 6:
. . . If it is true that where sin abounded grace has much more abounded, well then, ‘shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound yet further?’
First of all, let me make a comment, to me a very important and vital comment. The true preaching of the gospel of salvation by grace alone always leads to the possibility of this charge being brought against it. There is no better test as to whether a man is really preaching the New Testament gospel of salvation than this, that some people might misunderstand it and misinterpret it to mean that it really amounts to this, that because you are saved by grace alone it does not matter at all what you do; you can go on sinning as much as you like because it will redound all the more to the glory of grace. If my preaching and presentation of the gospel of salvation does not expose it to that misunderstanding, then it is not the gospel. Let me show you what I mean.
If a man preaches justification by works, no one would ever raise this question. If a man’s preaching is, ‘If you want to be Christians, and if you want to go to heaven, you must stop committing sins, you must take up good works, and if you do so regularly and constantly, and do not fail to keep on at it, you will make yourselves Christians, you will reconcile yourselves to God and you will go to heaven’. Obviously a man who preaches in that strain would never be liable to this misunderstanding. Nobody would say to such a man, ‘Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?’, because the man’s whole emphasis is just this, that if you go on sinning you are certain to be damned, and only if you stop sinning can you save yourselves. So that misunderstanding could never arise . . . . . .
Nobody has ever brought this charge against the Church of Rome, but it was brought frequently against Martin Luther; indeed that was precisely what the Church of Rome said about the preaching of Martin Luther. They said, ‘This man who was a priest has changed the doctrine in order to justify his own marriage and his own lust’, and so on. ‘This man’, they said, ‘is an antinomian; and that is heresy.’ That is the very charge they brought against him. It was also brought George Whitfield two hundred years ago. It is the charge that formal dead Christianity – if there is such a thing – has always brought against this startling, staggering message, that God ‘justifies the ungodly’ . . .
That is my comment and it is a very important comment for preachers. I would say to all preachers: If your preaching of salvation has not been misunderstood in that way, then you had better examine your sermons again, and you had better make sure that you are really preaching the salvation that is offered in the New Testament to the ungodly, the sinner, to those who are dead in trespasses and sins, to those who are enemies of God. There is this kind of dangerous element about the true presentation of the doctrine of salvation.”
What similar criticisms have you encountered as you sought to practice “salvation by grace” in your own life?
What about as you have sought to practice grace-filled parenting?
14 Responses to grace study ~ week four
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Join me on an adventure as we study through Chuck Swindoll’s book The Grace Awakening. Each Monday I will post some thoughts from a portion of the book and we will discuss them in the comment section, making special application for moms. (Dads and singles are welcome to join us, too!) You can purchase a copy of the book (there are lots of used copies available via Amazon) or it is also available on audio. I don’t want you to feel like you have to read along to join in the discussion; I want this to be as stress free as possible. But I know you will enjoy the book if you read it……understanding and embracing grace is life changing and many have found this book to be a great encouragement after coming through paradigm based ministries, including some homeschooling groups. Please invite your friends, I know you will be blessed!!! We will be starting on July 23rd!
Thank you so much for this series. Grace Awakening was one of the most formative books in my life as I came out of patriocentricity.
Your post today really encourages me. After last week’s GA post, I guess the term “grace-killing legalist” was still rolling around in my head, and I used that term with a friend in reference to a highly works-oriented religious organization that has damaged many and put many families in bondage. Unbeknown to me, my friend was a big admirer of the group and I got some pretty strong pushback on the term “grace-killing legalist.”
I have also gotten push-back from family members who have consistently hopped around from one works-based religion to another, claiming that I am not tolerant and open-minded enough because I am firm in my belief that salvation comes by grace through faith, not works–and so I’m not particularly sympathetic to the views of religions that teach otherwise.
A final example–as I was disentangling myself from the patrio culture and its correlating child-training doctrines, I left a large child-training message board. I simply stated in a gentle and fairly vague way that I had enjoyed my time there but felt it was time to move on since my parenting philosophy had taken a different direction. As I recall, I didn’t even specify that I was moving toward a more gracious approach, just a different one. I couldn’t believe the anger and vitriol that was aimed at me for simply saying that I had changed the way I parent! Women were saying things like, “Well leave if you want, but I KNOW THESE ARE GOD’S WAYS AND THEY WORK!” and so forth. They were so upset and it took me completely by surprise. I guess just the fact that I no longer agreed with their philosophy was threatening?
A few years later I heard that some of the ladies who were most angry about me leaving were struggling with rebellious children and other family troubles. It made me so sad, because I truly believe that this is where formulaic, legalistic, authoritarian parenting leads. Not that any of us are immune or that there are any guarantees, but I think it’s even more devastating for parents who put their faith in their good parenting skills (a false gospel, really) when things don’t work out as they believe they will.
Anyway, sorry for the ramble, this post sparked a lot of thoughts this morning~
This really resonated with me, too, Stephanie. I have recommended Grace-Based Parenting and Families Where Grace is in Place through the years and have often been scolded for not believing in discipline! That is really the message of the quote. A few weeks ago I exchanged e-mail with a mom who was unhappy with the article I wrote for Home Educating Family. As I began to look at her background and hear what she was saying to me, I realized that she was so committed to her own adversarial methods that she couldn’t understand that perhaps grace could apply in our family relationships. As I listened to her, I also was in awe of how hard she was making everything! There truly is peace and rest when we put our faith in Christ rather than in our own efforts!
My mother was pretty fierce with us. Not as fierce as her parents were. I think she thought that I was too easy on my daughter, that I spoiled her. I was less focused on outward obedience and more on asking myself what I wanted for her development and how we were going to get there.
I did focus somewhat on outward obedience for three reasons, though: one, she had to do as I said so that I could get her to adulthood in one piece; two, I don’t like a lot of argument and strife and whining, I’d rather my yes be yes and my no be no; and three, you have to be able to control yourself. Try mouthing off at a cop, or a teacher, or a professor, or a judge, or a boss, and see what happens.
The big difference was that I allowed my daughter to express negative feelings to me, whereas anything like that got me spanked right up to age 13 or more. I remember feeling a lot of resentment about that. “Provoke not your children to wrath” wasn’t observed.
But I can be graceful the other way and acknowledge that my mother had three kids and a lot of economic pressure, and no example set of grace-based parenting, and she did the best she could. And I turned out all right, I reckon.
…Interesting that you are talking about the wrong idea that we have to stop sinning in order to be saved. I just last week read elsewhere on the internet, a man’s assertion that if a homosexual continues in his conduct he will definitely go to hell. This in response to my saying that Jesus’ blood is sufficient for any sin we can come up with. I don’t know why that particular thing is singled out as the unforgivable sin. Would the same man say that if you continue to have a violent temper you will definitely go to hell? Or – looking at that list in Romans – if you are arrogant and boastful you’ll go to hell? or if you “have no understanding” – wow! That covers a lot of ground!
The very next chapter in Romans tells us not to be that way:
2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Beautiful verse, Laura! I was just thinking Sunday about how that applies to us as we parent. I know that I have thought at times that I would convince my kids to be sorry if I was hard and confrontational with them, but the truth is that usually drives them to move sin (anger, lying to avoid a blow-up). Following the example of God and extending kindness and gentleness (not being a pushover–there is a big difference) softens their hearts and makes it easier for them to repent, I believe.
Committed to adversarial methods–Karen, that is such a great way of putting it and that is where I was for so long. When you have allowed yourself to be won over by the arguments of those who teach an adversarial method, it’s like you have blinders on. The child-training gurus are telling you that your child’s soul depends on you making them obey perfectly or that if you don’t spank for every infraction you are disobeying God. So even considering another viewpoint is terrifying! You feel there is so much at stake! Sadly, my relationship with one of my kids in particular had to seriously deteriorate before I would consider the grace approach–and I still haven’t mastered it. It’s a process, I suppose. But things are so much better now. I’m thankful.
that should say “more sin” not “move sin”
Ditto, Laura, lovely verse!
“Following the example of God and extending kindness and gentleness (not being a pushover–there is a big difference) softens their hearts and makes it easier for them to repent, I believe.”
Stephanie, you know, I am seeing all the time how this works in my own life! Our pastor is an exceedingly gracious man who preaches grace. One day I remember coming out of church and telling Clay that his sermons always make me love Jesus more and want to be obedient. Are they hard hitting? Absolutely! But they paint such a picture of a God who had righteous standards but who comes along beside us to gently restore us. Isn’t that what God does for us? And isn’t that what we are called to do? “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
I love what my friend Tulip Girl had to say about this: http://www.tulipgirl.com/mt/archives/000649.html
Grace Awakening ~ Thoughts for the Day
”Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Romans 5:1
“In order for anyone to stand securely and be at peace before a holy and just god, that person must be righteous. Hence, our need for justification. Remember the definition of justification? It is the sovereign act of God whereby He declares righteous the believing sinner while still in his sinning state. It doesn’t mean that the believing sinner stops sinning. It doesn’t even mean that the believing sinner is made righteous in the sense of becoming perpetually perfect. The sinner is declared righteous. God sovereignly bestows the gift of eternal life on the sinner at the moment he believes and thereby declares him righteous while the sinner still lives a life marked by periodic sinfulness. Hew hasn’t joined a church. He hasn’t started paying tithes. He hasn’t given up all to follow Christ. He hasn’t been baptized. He hasn’t promised to live a sacrificial life. He has simply taken the gift of eternal life. He has changed his mind toward Christ (repentance) and accepted the free gift of God apart from works. Period. Transaction completed. By grace through faith alone, God declares the sinner righteous justification), and from that moment on the justified sinner begins a process of growth toward maturity (sanctification). Day by day, bit by bit, he learns what it means to live a life that honors Christ. But immediately? No way!”
Chuck Swindoll talks about the reality of the risk of embracing grace, reminding us that it will bring both the grace abusers and the grace killers out from under the rocks!
How have you been influenced by those who abuse grace?
How have you been pressured by others who are grace killers?
How do these realities influence how you relate to others?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer used the phrase “cheap grace” to describe justifying the sin rather than the sinner. But true grace justifies the sinner rather than the sin!
Grace Awakening ~ Thoughts for the Day
“With each new dawn there is delivered to your door a fresh, new package called “today.” God has designed us in such a way that we can handle only one package at a time . . . and all the grace we need will be supplied by Him as we live out that day.” ~ Chuck Swindoll
If we choose to not live by grace, what are the alternatives?
1. I can emphasize works over grace.
2. I can make a list of dos and don’t or follow someone else’s list.
3. I can leave no room for gray areas; everything is either black or white.
4. I can cultivate a judgmental attitude toward those who may not agree or cooperate with my plan.
In reading through John 8, we see Jesus being confronted by the Pharisees, the legalists of Jesus’ day! But as he was responding to them, we see that others were responding positively to the message Jesus gave.
“As he spoke these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ~ John 8:30-32
Grace , indeed, makes us free!!!
Free from what? Free from oneself. Free from guilt and shame. Free from the damnable impulses I couldn’t stop when I was in bondage to sin. Free from the tyranny of others’ opinions, expectations, demands.. And free to what? Free to obey. Free to love. Free to forgive others as well as myself. Free to allow others to be who they are—different from me! Free to live beyond the limitations of human effort. Free to served and glorify Christ. In no uncertain terms, Jesus Christ assured His own that His truth was able to liberate them from every needless restriction.
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” ~ John 8:36
Which of these alternatives to grace have you consciously or unconsciously lived by?
Why?
Think about this today and memorize John 8:36! Meditate on it when you are tempted to follow your past life choices!
This part about the 4 alternatives was my favorite part of the chapter. Love the Martin Luther quote–”No one becomes good by works, but good works are down only by him who is good…All works, no matter how good they are and how pretty they look, are vain if they do not flow from grace…”
I used to believe that I could do things to help me grow in righteousness…the verse about walking in the Spirit so you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh? I can remember listing down activities in two columns–those that would feed my flesh and those that would feed the Spirit.
I heard in a sermon once that we’re like a wagon with a horse attached to each end (pulling against each other) and whichever horse you feed is the one that will be stronger and pull you in that direction. One horse is your flesh, the other the Spirit. Listening to Christian radio or music would go in the Spirit category. Listening to secular music would go in the flesh category. TV? Flesh. Reading a Christian book? Spirit.
I really thought that doing “spiritual” things constituted walking in the Spirit and being less likely to give in to the lusts of my flesh. And I got these ideas from sermons and Christian radio programs! The very things that I thought were feeding my Spirit were actually leading me into fleshly legalism.
Grace Awakening ~ Thoughts for the Day
“There are many joys of being liberated that some of you have never known because you haven’t given yourself permission to operate under grace. I son’t mean this to sound insulting, but I am convinced that some Christians would be terrified if they were completely on their own. Because they have been told what do so many years, freedom is frightening. They are people who want to be told what to do and when…how to believe and why. And the result is tragic—perpetual adolescence. Without being trusted, without being free, maturity never happens. You never learn to think on your own……Have we created that kind of Christian where the minister must make statements in areas that are a matter of personal preference? There is a fine line between responsible leadership and dogmatic control. All risks notwithstanding, people need to be informed and then released to come to their own convictions. Why must a minister constantly issue public edicts and decrees? Seems awfully popelike to me. Have we wandered that far from grace?…You will never grow up so long as you must get your lists and form most of your opinions from me or some Christian leader.”
What are some of the benefits of a joyous, liberated life, one that is lived by grace?
You are no longer helplessly bound by impulse and desires.
You are free to make your own choices.
You are able to think independently without the tyranny of comparison or the need to control.
You are able to grown more rapidly toward greater maturity and flexibility, becoming the person you were meant to be.
In what ways have you experienced helplessness in the area of personal choices?
Have you set aside your own intuition and convictions in order to be accepted by other Christians?
Who have you or do you compare yourself to? Is this healthy? There are positive and negative role models and teachers in our lives. Which ones do you allow to influence you?
“I really thought that doing “spiritual” things constituted walking in the Spirit and being less likely to give in to the lusts of my flesh. And I got these ideas from sermons and Christian radio programs! The very things that I thought were feeding my Spirit were actually leading me into fleshly legalism.”
Becky, this is soooo good!
“You are able to think independently without the tyranny of comparison or the need to control.”
This is something I see a lot – people’s need to control others. I think that need comes from fear, at least that’s what I perceive. They need to control how other people act, how they dress, that they not have tattoos or piercings, all that stuff, and they get bent out of shape when they are confronted with the fact of those people’s free will.
And when you let go, you are able to try to reach people whose appearance or whose lifestyle may be very offputting (and we may be put off because as God says, we look at the appearance and he sees the heart.) When we meet somebody who is not saved, not in a good place spiritually, and so on, we can just love them and point them to Jesus. He doesn’t ask us to point out their sins to them and he doesn’t ask us to fix them.
Grace Awakening ~ Thoughts for the Day
“There are those who respond to the concept of grace in a righteous manner. There are also those who become “libertarians.” They have a lack of concern and love for others. They rationalize sin. They are unwilling to be accountable. They resist anyone getting close enough to give them advice. And they disregard new converts and those who are weak in the faith.”
Yesterday we talked about not succumbing to the list makers and not being a list maker for ourselves or others. But where does that leave us in determining how we will live? The book talks about balance being the key and offers the following questions to ask yourself when determining your own behavior in those gray areas of life.
“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” ~ Romans 14:22-23
Is this my conviction before God? (v.22a)
Do I have an inner peace and pleasure in it? (v.22b)
Am I free of doubt? (v.23)
Read Romans 14
What two controversial issues are addressed in the passage?
Can different convictions be equally acceptable before God? Support your answer from verses in the passage.
What is important to God about your convictions?
How should the more mature believer respond to the believer who is still struggling to get a firm footing in the faith?
What danger does the strong believer face in focusing on the weaker believer’s opinion?
What danger does the weaker believer face in focusing on the stronger believer’s opinions?
What should the guiding principle be in your relationship with all believers, even if their convictions are diametrically opposed to yours?
Why is passing judgment on others’ opinions presumptuous?
List some gray area issues that might be mentioned in Romans 14 if the letter were written today.
Which of those issues causes the most controversy between you and other believers?
In light of Romans 14, what adjustments should you make in your attitude toward other believers who stand on the opposite side of the fence?