There is a spiritual perspective among those that attempt to oppose Free Grace teaching that gravitates to suggesting that it is “Cheap Grace”, or “Easy Believe-ism,” or Free Grace is suggesting that it is a “License to Sin.”
I wish to speak on each one.
As for “Cheap?”
This is not a slam on those that hold to the biblical position of Free Grace (Free Grace meaning – Grace alone, by Faith Alone, in Christ alone – NOT of any works or merit on the believer’s part). This is a personal attack on Jesus Himself! It was not CHEAP for Him. He gave His all (1 Tim 2:6 who gave Himself a ransom for all...) He poured out His life, His lifeblood. (Matt. 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25)
What Jesus did cost everything and was not CHEAP. At least not for Him!
As for “Easy?”
Once again… it is not an insult to me or anyone that believes Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus. I usually respond by saying – “Absolutely! Yes, it is easy as believing in Jesus for Eternal Life, with no works required.” But, as for blessing in this life, and reward in the next, that is another matter and a whole other biblical doctrine clearly laid out in scripture!
Being a mocker with the word “Easy,” once again, insults Jesus. No one else. Nothing about it was EASY for Him.
The beatings and the mocking were not easy!
Being spat upon, punched, and slapped, and then mockingly told to prophecy was not easy!
His back and shoulders sliced to ribbons from the lashings were not easy!
The carrying of His cross, a weight too heavy to bear for a bruised and battered man, was not easy!
The being thrown to the ground on His already tender and bloodied back upon a rough wooden beam was not easy!
The pain of the spikes piercing His flesh, and the jarring of His already bruised, bleeding, and battered body, was not easy!
The dislocation of His shoulders from the weight of His dying body was not easy!
The having to lift Himself on dislocated shoulders and pierced feet to take a breath of air in His already burning lungs was not easy!
Dealing with a heart-pounding so loud He could hear it in His head due to skyrocketed high blood pressure, brought on by slow asphyxiation was not easy!
The trying to even speak, with all that was just mentioned, so He could commend His mother into the care of His faithful disciple “John the Beloved” was not easy!
Even having the breath and strength to speak to the thief on the cross next to Him and telling Him, because he believed in his last moments of life, that “Today you will be with Me in paradise,” was not easy!
That moment when God the Father could no longer look upon His son, for He had taken on the full weight of all the world's sins, and in that moment saying - “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? That was not easy!
Giving up his last breath just after saying – “It is finished” was not easy.
It is the words of Jesus himself that ultimately said – believe on Me that you may have eternal life. He did what was hard that we can receive that which is easy.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
As for “License to Sin?”
Wow… really? Does ignorance really run that deep? After all, we read the same scriptural text that says – be Holy as He is Holy, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, walk upright be for the Lord. Psalm 1 really summarizes it all. Or, we could talk about Paul’s letter to Titus. Or, maybe the writings of Peter regarding being Partakers in His divine nature! Nooo! Free Grace does not teach or imply in any way that we continue to sin.
Romans 6:1-2 >What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Psalms 1:1-6
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
HOWEVER, what we do say, is based on what we know! Knowing that even after being a born-again believer, we as believers’ - SIN! Not as in habitually seeking it out, but we all have moments where sin is present in our lives. If you need to you can use that lame-duck bumper sticker that says – “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” Well... as cliché as that line can be, it is true.
Show me a professing Christian with absolutely NO sin and I will show you that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Furthermore, name 50, 30, or even 20 people that you personally know that live an absolutely noticeable Christian walk that it could be said of them - "Now there is a person with no sin!" Tell me about them... I'll wait?
If you think otherwise, you do not know the Word, you deceive yourself, and the truth is not in you. Furthermore, you make God out to be a liar! (1 Jn. 1:8, 10)
Paul wrote so many letters where he started with “Brethren,” or “Beloved,” or “To all the saints” and then went on to address sin in the church. In some cases, gross sin.
Because of the above-mentioned factual point - Thank You, Jesus, for Your Grace!
WHERE DID THIS MINDSET ENTER INTO CHURCH LIFE?
All manner of “-isms” have done the damage. The manmade “-isms” of Catholicism, which ultimately lead to other “-isms” such as Calvinism and Arminianism reek of man and his continual religious meddling! Steeped in religious rhetoric and social obligations that, often, are not even biblical, but rather religious dogma!
(Though Calvinism was birthed for the right reason, it is still manmade and therefore tainted.)
I find it humorous that many I know say that I, and others that hold to Free Grace teaching, are DOGMATIC or HERETICAL, when in fact it is the opposite. Free Grace was taught solidly throughout the church for the first one hundred years (Apostolic age). It was not until about the 3rd and 4th Centuries that leaven was added to church doctrine. Interestingly enough during the time of the emergence of The Catholic church (380ca). And, as such, slowly many have embraced "Another Gospel." As for today, many denominations held to Free Grace up until recently, but no longer do. All one has to do is look at their “Statement of Faith" past and present. If they hold to a message that you can lose your salvation, have to do any form of "work" to maintain it, and vocalize - "Yes, we are saved by Grace... but! BUT WHAT? This is what is referred to as a Grace Plus Doctrine, Grace plus something more to seal the deal. If you are part of a church or ministry that teaches such doctrine you should leave immediately.
As for those who call me and others who hold to a Free Grace Perspectives "Dogmatic" and "Heretical" ... may I be so bold to actually take it a step further… if you claim to be a Christian, and especially if you are a pastor, clergy, or head up a parachurch ministry and teach “works-based Lordship Salvation you are not just "dogmatic" and "heretical," but I believe “A Reprobate!” Remember Paul’s words in Galatians 1:8-9
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
The Need for Change was real.
Today, the reformation movement, known by many names, is predominately aligned with what is called Calvinism. The beginning of these reformation movements really started with Ulrich Zwingli, a Swedish Catholic Priest in Zurich. It was the year 1522. He was the first to cause the cut that facilitated the hemorrhaging of the Catholic church. Yet the names that most identify within the Reformation Movement are Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Jacobus Arminius. As for Zwingli, he later has a disagreement with Martin Luther regarding “Holy Communion” around 1529. The battle was one of opposition with the Lutheran view of communion being that of the physical blood and body of Christ and not merely symbolic. (a holdover from Luther's Catholicism days.) Still a touchstone for many believers today.
A later student of the writings of Zwingli was Bollinger, and then came Martin Luther, John Calvin, and then later yet Jacobus Arminius. As for today’s Churchianity, there is a very blended view of both viewpoints. Each holds to a five-point system of belief. A five-point system of belief that can be toppled biblically with great effectiveness when context and hermeneutics are taken into account. However, the sad and unbiblical truths of all these man-made doctrines come to light today in our modern view of various church denominations that hold to the twisted views of both Calvin and Arminius.
(Side note: Something to ponder! It is said that if you met John Calvin on the street today he would not be able to articulate the five points of Calvinism. He actually had much to say regarding Grace. Calvinism we see today is far removed from many of the writings of John Calvin of old.)
The Irony:
Originally what drove Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, and others was the “lack of piety” among the diocese, the clerical leadership of the Catholic church. A deep and cathartic reformation needed to happen without a doubt. Basically, the leadership of the Catholic church of the day was ripe and swollen with sin! The practice of "Indulgences." Priests, living in sin and acting towards the laity as Pharisees! "Do as I say and not as I do!" Much like we have seen today with Catholicism and the many sex abuse scandals, TV Evangelists, and many Mega-Church pastors being exposed publically. Basically, then, like today, that lack of good biblical Christian living was being lost on the church in general.
In light of the past, and in observance of the present, has Calvinism accomplished its good intentions? Presbyterians, Lutherans, and others crush under foot of their church doctrine and dogma, scripture (the Word of God). They allow sin not just in the church, but to go unchecked and run amuck from the pulpit. Again the lack of piety among church leadership. I refer to, as of late, the allowance of Pastors to be gay (not Husbands of one wife...) and then to add insult to injury crossdress as they stand at the pulpit on Advent Friday to make an unbiblical statement. And... this is the very denomination that bears the name of Martin Luther - The Lutheran Church of Logan Square in Chicago - St Lukes Lutheran Church. This is what it has come to. Complete lack of holy living and piety!
However, with original good intentions at the heart of the issue, it is through the movements of Calvinism and Arminianism through the centuries that the perception was established that if you claim to be a Christian there must never be any sin visible in your life, or… or if so, you are not really saved, or you can and will lose your salvation!
Additionally... it never resolved the issue of sin in the pulpit and among the church! Yet all the "isms" hold to a doctrine that does nothing but create doubt and unbelief.
What we need is more biblical teaching on how we do not have to live in sin, we no longer need to live lives bound to the chains of sin. We can live biblically upright and godly. We need to read Peter's teachings that we are called to higher things, to be PARTAKERS OF GOD'S DIVINE NATURE!
Yet, despite our sin, Jesus gave us something we can never lose the moment we believed Him to be who He said He was and accomplished all that He said He would do!
Well… let’s look at some of Apostle Paul’s writings.
Letter after letter Paul starts with addressing his readers as fellow believers in some manner. Whether he uses the word “brethren,” “to the called,” or commonly – “to the saints at (such and such) church” - he gives an indication to whom he is writing. (Remember that context definitively matters.)
Often, he writes to Gentile believers, but Jewish believers are in the mix as well. He also tends to write regarding the conduct of the believer, as to how they should conduct their lives on a day-to-day basis, but he also addresses inappropriate conduct that was presently going on in various local churches such as the church of Corinth.
Do not be lost on the fact that Paul addresses, on many occasions, in his letters, the shortcomings of those who claim to be followers of Jesus and puts on display that Christians do have sin in their lives to deal with.
However, Paul continually lays out the gospel as being a “free gift” devoid of any and all works to obtain it or maintain it.
Let us look at the following scriptures authored by one of the most prolific writers of NT, the Apostle Paul. (Take time to read them in context.)
Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 1:16; 3:20; 3:28; 5:1,15; 11:6
Roman 4:1-25 (ESV)
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, ...
Hebrews 11:1-40
Colossians 3:23-24
(Personal Note: Remember the free gift of eternal life is not a reward, wage earned, or inheritance. It is what it says it is - a free gift! The brother of the Prodigal Son who stayed with the Father was told everything that is Mine is yours and always was, but as for your brother, he is saved! The story of the Prodigal Son can be further supported by 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Watch what you build so as to not lose your reward, but it will never save you. That is reserved for Grace alone, by Faith alone, in Christ alone.)
Matthew 16:27
(Personal Note: Repayment for things done is based on the doctrine of rewards, not Soteriology [Salvation].)
Titus 3:5,8
Galatians 2:16; 5:4
2 Timothy 1:9
In conclusion –
The Free Grace doctrine was taught long before all the “isms” of this world and has never been CHEAP or EASY to Him who paid for it all. It will always remain His Gift to those who believe and not a reward you worked to maintain.
So, watch your words. In your vain attempt, it is not myself or others you scorn and mock, but Jesus Himself!
Now for the rebuke!
Unto those who believe otherwise and teach otherwise (against Jesus’ own words, affirmed by John and Paul’s writings) let you be accursed for you are the ones who follow after man-made dogma and are of the mindset of the Pharisees and are truly the ones who are heretical. You are the ones that preach “another gospel.”
Not the believer trying to present scripture that fully supports Free Grace of God’s work.
(The Conflict: One needs to recognize (because I sure do) that the individual sharing the good news of free grace does so with one scripture after another. However, it is the Calvinist, or Works Based Lordship Doctrine individual, that does not want to hear sound doctrine. Rejects it and lays down NO scriptural support for the basis of their position. Either, they simply know they can’t defend it, or… do not know the Word as they allude to. They are often hostile due to not wanting anyone to challenge them by rocking the boat of their “man-made church doctrine and dogma” for they do not know how to swim if you swamp their boat with scriptural proof of what Jesus himself preached in His own words!)
Think on this… when you make obtaining and maintaining your salvation about YOU working and doing, you have just made the gospel message about YOU and not about HIM. He did it all, He paid it all. Period! You have nothing to offer regarding salvation. As for rewards... "get er done!" Get out there and be a doer of the word. But do not tie your work with Jesus' work! He said - "It is finished!"
If you could NEVER purchase it, why insist you have what it takes to maintain it! YOU DO NOT AND NEVER WILL. But, I know who does!
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3
In His Service
-Brent