Results 1 - 2 of 2
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Grow in grace? | 2 Pet 3:18 | Hank | 73552 | ||
Just a thumbnail, Mommapbs, upon the subject of "growing in grace" which is a term not entirely different, I suppose, from what we mean by the word "santification." The Bible recognizes two kinds of sanctification. There is the sanctification by which we are "set aside" [which is what sanctification means] as members of Christ's body, the church, at the time of conversion (justification, regeneration). And there is subsequent experiential sanctification as we who from the point of conversion set out on our walk with Jesus Christ, in obedience to His commands. This is the way that is marked out for us as we begin our journey as a child of the King, and is aptly expressed in the words of a familiar hymn: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." --Hank | ||||||
2 | Grow in grace? | 2 Pet 3:18 | Mommapbs | 73594 | ||
Greetings Hank! Thanks for the reply. What happens when obedience becomes a means to an end? In other words, when the trust component is overlooked in our walk, we find ourselves marching along under our own power. I see this as an area to be concerned about in our churches. All too often I hear messages that focus on measuring the maturity of the believer based upon performance rather than on "growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." When we are encouraged to passionately pursue a love relationship with the Lord, it will be reflected in what we do. The current catch phrase, "What would Jesus do?" would be consistent with "trust and obey" if it asked, "What DID Jesus do?" When we focus on the finished work of Christ, the mercy and grace that He gives to us, we are prompted to respond likewise in our relationships with others. I don't have to DO anything but respond to this Truth. But when a minister preaches that unless a believer is engaged in service at the church, gives or lives according to church standards, etc, then that individual is not fully surrendered to the Lord's ownership of their life - this strikes a sour note in my spirit. Can one ever attain personal holiness by their own efforts? This is what is being suggested when preachers tie performance to grace. If we would allow Christ to reign without these man made constraints, I suspect that the body would function as God designed it. To me, the message of "grace and" (aka performance Christianity) is what Paul called "another gospel." Well, these are just some thoughts I've been wrestling with lately as I realize how I too have fallen into this trap especially with my children ("So, did you go to church today?" might as well be heard as "If you didn't go to church you don't love God; you are no better than a heathen."!) mommapbs |
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