We are so naturally inclined to see the world in terms of Law, of reward and punishment, of merit and failure that even a single word of works turns the Gospel into something that it is not. As my friend Dennis likes to put it, 'The only way to ruin the gift is by trying to pay for it.'
I really appreciated this article. Yes to radical grace. I struggle desperately to grasp this. My flesh is so strong and wants to help, to strive, to improve- not just myself, but others. It is absolute sin and bondage and I need to be broken from it. Let radical free grace be poured into our hearts and ears. For the wayward prodigal and even the loveless older brother who is even farther from the father’s heart - God’s love in Christ can break and remake all of us and bring us close to Him. Thank God for faithful pastors who boldly preach the cross and elevate Christ alone. Thank you, Pastor Brad.
There is certainly a need to counter any effort to put a cash register on grace, though I have never met an evangelical who preached a merited grace. Perhaps they exist; any should be opposed. However, there seem to be plenty of pulpits where little is heard of what the Christian walk looks like or what discipleship means. Perhaps for fear of losing converts; were that possible. It seems it is at least equally important to address what Jesus meant when He told his new converts: "If you love me, keep my commandments."
We are so naturally inclined to see the world in terms of Law, of reward and punishment, of merit and failure that even a single word of works turns the Gospel into something that it is not. As my friend Dennis likes to put it, 'The only way to ruin the gift is by trying to pay for it.'
I really appreciated this article. Yes to radical grace. I struggle desperately to grasp this. My flesh is so strong and wants to help, to strive, to improve- not just myself, but others. It is absolute sin and bondage and I need to be broken from it. Let radical free grace be poured into our hearts and ears. For the wayward prodigal and even the loveless older brother who is even farther from the father’s heart - God’s love in Christ can break and remake all of us and bring us close to Him. Thank God for faithful pastors who boldly preach the cross and elevate Christ alone. Thank you, Pastor Brad.
There is certainly a need to counter any effort to put a cash register on grace, though I have never met an evangelical who preached a merited grace. Perhaps they exist; any should be opposed. However, there seem to be plenty of pulpits where little is heard of what the Christian walk looks like or what discipleship means. Perhaps for fear of losing converts; were that possible. It seems it is at least equally important to address what Jesus meant when He told his new converts: "If you love me, keep my commandments."
great piece btw.