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Ever heard someone express concern about something being a "slippery slope"? I have. And unfortunately it was always expressed in response to someone doing things that the Bible allows, and even encourages. Here are a few examples I have heard over the years: We don't want women reading Scripture in a worship service (which the Bible allows) because that might lead to men not taking initiative as leaders. . . We shouldn't allow people to wear jeans to church (which the Bible allows) because that might lead to people dressing provocatively. . . We shouldn't put our kids in public schools (which the Bible allows) because they might have a teacher who teaches a different view of creation. . . We shouldn't use wine for communion (which the Bible commands) because it might offend people who are teetotalers. . . Please understand, I'm all for unity in the church (and I should add that the above statements are not matters of concern in the church where I currently serve), and I believe in being "careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody", as the Bible says. The problem is that that's really not what's behind the above "slippery slope" concerns. What really lies behind those statements is disbelief. Yes, disbelief that Jesus came to set us free from the commandments of men. It's as if people are afraid that if individuals really believe that God loves them unconditionally (which the Bible calls "grace") they might start living a life of wild abandon, in addition to possibly voting Democrat and listening to "secular" rock music. People who have this fear want all statements about God's grace to be qualified-- in other words, we must preach a "grace, but" theology. A pastor friend of mine was recently accused by his leadership of preaching "cheap grace" when he told his congregation that "grace means God will never be angry with you again." (It's interesting that those who object to such a statement are often very angry themselves). They wanted him to add something like "But, you need to keep trying to be godly, being careful not to sin. Otherwise God might get angry." The fact is, grace is neither cheap nor costly. It's free. Otherwise it wouldn't be grace. In other words, grace doesn't have a big but, a little but, a nice but, or a firm but. Grace is but-less. Otherwise it would not be grace. If you are admiring the beauty of God from atop the glorious mountain of His grace, you won't be concerned about the slope. You'll believe Psalm 121 which states, "He will not let your foot slip," and you will be free. Free to live, free to love, free to laugh, cry, doubt, repent, forgive and be forgiven. In Luke chapter 7 Jesus tells a remorseful prostitute who comes to Him in tears that she is forgiven. And the story ends. No buts. No ifs. Just 'Your sins are forgiven. . . Go in peace." Of course the other people in the room (some of whom were religious leaders) were probably nervous that she might go and sleep around some more. That she was getting off too easy. That Jesus should have been more harsh. But Jesus knew better. That's grace.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Does Grace Have a Big But?
Ever heard someone express concern about something being a "slippery slope"? I have. And unfortunately it was always expressed in response to someone doing things that the Bible allows, and even encourages. Here are a few examples I have heard over the years: We don't want women reading Scripture in a worship service (which the Bible allows) because that might lead to men not taking initiative as leaders. . . We shouldn't allow people to wear jeans to church (which the Bible allows) because that might lead to people dressing provocatively. . . We shouldn't put our kids in public schools (which the Bible allows) because they might have a teacher who teaches a different view of creation. . . We shouldn't use wine for communion (which the Bible commands) because it might offend people who are teetotalers. . . Please understand, I'm all for unity in the church (and I should add that the above statements are not matters of concern in the church where I currently serve), and I believe in being "careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody", as the Bible says. The problem is that that's really not what's behind the above "slippery slope" concerns. What really lies behind those statements is disbelief. Yes, disbelief that Jesus came to set us free from the commandments of men. It's as if people are afraid that if individuals really believe that God loves them unconditionally (which the Bible calls "grace") they might start living a life of wild abandon, in addition to possibly voting Democrat and listening to "secular" rock music. People who have this fear want all statements about God's grace to be qualified-- in other words, we must preach a "grace, but" theology. A pastor friend of mine was recently accused by his leadership of preaching "cheap grace" when he told his congregation that "grace means God will never be angry with you again." (It's interesting that those who object to such a statement are often very angry themselves). They wanted him to add something like "But, you need to keep trying to be godly, being careful not to sin. Otherwise God might get angry." The fact is, grace is neither cheap nor costly. It's free. Otherwise it wouldn't be grace. In other words, grace doesn't have a big but, a little but, a nice but, or a firm but. Grace is but-less. Otherwise it would not be grace. If you are admiring the beauty of God from atop the glorious mountain of His grace, you won't be concerned about the slope. You'll believe Psalm 121 which states, "He will not let your foot slip," and you will be free. Free to live, free to love, free to laugh, cry, doubt, repent, forgive and be forgiven. In Luke chapter 7 Jesus tells a remorseful prostitute who comes to Him in tears that she is forgiven. And the story ends. No buts. No ifs. Just 'Your sins are forgiven. . . Go in peace." Of course the other people in the room (some of whom were religious leaders) were probably nervous that she might go and sleep around some more. That she was getting off too easy. That Jesus should have been more harsh. But Jesus knew better. That's grace.
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Agree w/ most of what is said here. Where in the Bible does it say God loves everyone unconditionally?
ReplyDeleteIn my reading it seems the statement of God's unconditional love is made in the context of the Church. I came across a great quote from the Heidelberg Catechism this month, "60. Q. How are you righteous before God?
ReplyDeleteA. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.[1] Although my conscience accuses me that I have grievously sinned against all God's commandments, have never kept any of them,[2] and am still inclined to all evil,[3] yet God, without any merit of my own,[4] out of mere grace,[5] imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ.[6] He grants these to me as if I had never had nor committed any sin, and as if I myself had accomplished all the obedience which Christ has rendered for me,[7] if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.[8]
[1] Rom. 3:21-28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8, 9; Phil. 3:8-11. [2] Rom. 3:9, 10. [3] Rom. 7:23. [4] Deut. 9:6; Ezek. 36:22; Tit. 3:4, 5. [5] Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8. [6] Rom. 4:3-5; II Cor. 5:17-19; I John 2:1, 2. [7] Rom. 4:24, 25; II Cor. 5:21. [8] John 3:18; Acts 16:30, 31; Rom. 3:22.
That's a beautifully stated way of saying that if God puts any condition other than faith on our standing righteous (acceptable, loved) before him, we are in trouble. But thank God there are no other conditions--not only to be acceptable to God, but to be received as though I had lived out myself, all of Christ's perfect obedience.
Dale, I would look to send that in to get published somewhere. -z
This is such an encouragement, Dale. Thank you.--April
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