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For the past several months, we have discussed in this space the doctrine that man can be saved by "just grace". It has occurred to me that some may be confused as to the importance of the matter, while others might dismiss the discussion as needless theological bickering. What is the point of discussing grace? First, eternal salvation is involved. There can be no higher, more important matters than those which speak to man's eternal destiny. Jesus asked, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"(Matt 16:26). According to Jesus, the soul is the most important thing about us and is worth more than the whole world. Yet He then says, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works"(Matt 16:27). How we live-what we do with Jesus-will be the basis of our judgment in eternity. Politics will come and go, sports teams will win and lose, fashions will rise and fade away, but this question stands without parallel. If we misunderstand God's grace and miss heaven, we have missed it all. But we must also consider the consequences of our teaching. Jesus warned those in Pergamos, "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality"(Rev 2:14). If our teaching encourages immorality, it is a sinful teaching. When Jesus urged us to "beware of false prophets," He instructed us that "you will know them by their fruits"(Matt 7:15-16). What are the fruits of teaching "just grace"? "Just grace" promotes sin and discourages obedience. If we are saved no matter what we do, why would we not sin? If obedience is unimportant, why would we obey? No one would deny that there is pleasure in sin (Heb 11:25). If God will save us anyway, why not spend our lives here in sin and then eternity in heaven? The Bible's view of grace is much different: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?"(Rom 6:1-2) God's grace cleanses us from sin, but He also warns that we must not live in sin any longer! "Just grace" says how we live and what we do is unimportant; God warns us to be certain that we live properly. I trust my readers know who is right. In fact, God says grace teaches us the very thing "just grace" denies-that we must live righteously! "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age"(Titus 2:11-12). Grace does not teach us to do nothing! It teaches us to do God's will! "Just grace" obscures the Bible message. Man was lost in sin (Rom 3:23), but God loved the world and sent Jesus to offer Himself to take away man's sin (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Heb 9:26). We are now saved based on whether we believe in Him (John 20:31), turn from our sins (Acts 17:30), confess our faith (Rom 10:9-10), and are baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16). "Just grace" says all the passages just cited are incorrect. Peter says baptism "now saves us"(1 Pet 3:21); "just grace" says it does not. In fact, many who believe in "just grace" would say we are belittling Jesus' work on the cross by doing what He said! Don't forget: "God is not the author of confusion"(1 Cor 14:33). The Bible message is simple (2 Cor 11:3); it is men who obscure it. "Just grace" causes others to be lost. Jesus will come in judgment on those "who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ"(2 Thess 1:8). If we do not obey, we will be lost. It is tragic that those who believe "just grace" and refuse to obey the Lord will be lost. Yet it is far more tragic that they will teach and broadcast this deception and cause others to be lost as well. James warned, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment"(James 3:1). Peter warns of false teachers, "And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed"(2 Pet 2:2). Don't be lost for all eternity because you listened to the wrong people! This is a matter of vital importance. "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ"(Col 2:8). Will you accept God's grace by obeying Him today?___Jacob Hudgins Church of Christ |