Grace - It's a New Day

I truly believe one of the greatest tragedies in the church of today is that of mixed messages. It's almost as if we talk out of both sides of our mouth. We say we believe in the unconditional love of God, but then speak of Him in such a way that He would take His love away. We speak of the necessity of grace, but put so much emphasis on performance. We talk about identity in Christ, but often hear people refer to themselves in a negative way. Back and forth we go. Continually struggling to find our footing. Fearful. Lacking confidence in all that Jesus has done.

The most popular argument out there right now is this belief that some pastors/preachers are teaching a "hyper-grace" message. In other words, too much grace. They honestly believe that there is a need for the law and grace to be preached side to side. That grace preachers don't care about sin, holiness, and/or a person's lifestyle. Some have gone so far as to demonize these men and women. Labeling them as false teachers. Running back to the "safety" of the law, and falling away from the grace of God in Christ. What they have failed to realize is that this is exactly what Paul warned the Galatians to stay away from. This mixed message is nothing short of a dual covenant. Missing out on the beauty of the grace of God at work in our lives.

John 1:17, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." This has to be one of the greatest verses in all of Scripture. Think about the incredible differences between these two. The law was seen as a means of being right with God. Your holiness was directly tied to your ability to follow it. 613 commandments. 365 negative - teaching you to abstain from certain things. 248 positive - acts that you were to perform. When you read about the "Law of Moses" in the New Testament, this is what the writer is referring to. Grace, on the other hand, is "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues." [according to Thayer's definition]. A better way of saying it, in my opinion, is that the grace of God is the divine enablement of God. That which allows us to live out everything He has provided for life and godliness.

Talk about a new way of living!
One approach to God is all about your performance. The other rests in the finished work of Christ.
One keeps you bound up in rules. The other allows you to live freely in relationship.
One is focused upon that which is written on tablets. The other is about that which has been written upon your heart.
One leaves you helpless. The other empowers.
When John announces that GRACE came by Jesus, he is announcing that It's a New Day!

But wait, he doesn't stop there. John also stated that TRUTH came by Jesus. This word in the original language speaks of that which is true under any circumstance. It points to a greater reality. Not only is it true, but it is that which has always been true. What has been true concerning God, and that which has been true concerning you. Jesus, by giving us grace and truth, is enabling us to live in that which has always been true. WOW!!!

As I read these words, I wonder why we are so quick to run back to an inferior way of life? I wonder why we would ever go back to a performance based system? I wonder why we put so much hope in our ability, and struggle to accept His? Why would we ever want to live in rules and rituals rather than in the abundant freedom that He has provided?

I think that in some way there is a sense of security in well defined rules. There must be, because Moses didn't seem to mind handing out 613 of them. It kind of lets you know where you stand doesn't it? Sort of? Or...maybe it just lets you know where you fall. Not only that, but it lets you know where others fall as well. It brings us right back to a lifestyle of right and wrong. It allows us to judge others and keep tabs. It keeps everyone looking the same, acting the same, and following the same path. Grace on the other hand is radically different. The standard lives within you. While there are still self-evident laws (things like do not kill, steal, etc.), there isn't just one way of doing it right. Its effectiveness hinges upon relationship. Where you and the Lord get to determine certain things about your life. Always mindful that your freedom should never become a stumbling block for someone else.

There is no such thing as too much grace. That's like saying we are focusing too much on Jesus.
There is no such thing as too much freedom. That's like saying being partially enslaved is okay.
Our Heavenly Father has entrusted us with these things. While I have no doubt that there are some people who abuse these things, there are those who abuse the other system as well. Using the law as a way to manipulate and control others is just as damaging as someone who seeks to abuse the grace of God. The key is keeping Jesus at the center of your life, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"
Grace - you can't live without it.