This was drafted as one long post (too long), so I'm simply breaking it up into smaller chunks and scheduling them to post in 12 hour intervals...
I've been growing in grace since sometime in the mid 90's, and from then till now I've been discussing the message of grace with people wherever I go. I've discussed it one-on-one with people. I've discussed it in groups. I've discussed it online in Christian chat rooms, forums, blogs, etc. Over the years I've run into a lot of opposition from people - mainly in the online chat rooms and forums (boy have I been ganged-up upon!). I've been called lots of names and I've been accused of heresy. Some people have been kinder, and have simply expressed "concerns" about what I say. :)
One of the many "concerns" I've heard from people is that I'm teaching people to "do nothing." In other words, that I'm teaching people to abstain from good works. Many, many times I've simply had to tell people, "scroll back up and look at what I actually said!" "Look at where I'm actually coming from, and I think you'll see that I'm building a foundation of grace that leads to a natural life of good works."
If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know I talk about this a lot. It's the difference between an outward/external life of living by "biblical instructions" and living by the life of Christ that indwells us. In other words, far be it from me to be against works, but rather I heavily emphasize the true source of works. I do think that the various New Testament "instructions" can be a marvelous aid in showing us what our life in Christ looks like when it's lived out, but I don't believe for a minute that they are the foundation or essence of the Christian life.
Like orchid life... :)
ReplyDeleteReally superb stuff, Joel.
Well said, Joel. I say let's give 'em somethin' to talk about! lol
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this series. :)
Joel,
ReplyDeleteAmen!! I am looking forward to this series, my friend. (As well, I can relate to much of your experience in thie particular post. Encouragement and love to you, Brother. Keep on writing the message of His amazing Grace!)
I LOVE what you said here:
"It's the difference between an outward/external life of living by "biblical instructions" and living by the life of Christ that indwells us. In other words, far be it from me to be against works, but rather I heavily emphasize the true source of works."
Indeed, works comes from the outflow of the Love Papa/Son/Spirit pours into us through our understanding, freedom and relationship with Him.
Blessings,
~Amy :)
http://amyiswalkinginthespirit.blogspot.com
Hey Joel,
ReplyDeleteLOL I feel your pain brother….
I have had to address this issue continuously. People frequently do not distinguish salvation (turning to Jesus) and sanctification (following Jesus, transformation).
At the point of my “event horizon” (salvation) God applied some spiritual surgery upon me with the following shocking words….
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
- - Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
I had finally understood the meaning of the word grace and how grace and faith were free gifts from God, that salvation could not be earned in any way. Then I was aware of how He could transform my life from within. He is the Master Artist, He works my life anew, He is Personal, the painting can’t do a thing the artist does the creating, He lives within me and I simply receive His works in my life.
Now if there is over a protracted period of time no evidence of His Personal “art” in my life then authenticity of my salvation is something I should ponder….
RJW,
ReplyDeleteI LOVED your orchid illustration the other day!
Matthew,
LOL... we'll give 'em PLENTY to talk about. ;)
Really this series is just one long blog post that I broke into parts. As I look at the four posts, I think it probably could be made into a much longer series because several things that are mentioned really do deserve more time. But mainly I just wanted to point out the true source of works (not "shoulds" or "musts" but the life of Christ in us) and to show how, at least in my experience, 'works' has been made into something that it was never meant to be.
Amy,
Thanks so much for the love and encouragement! And what you said is so true - "works" are simply an outflow of the love of God in and through us.
LS,
I love the verse you shared. Some of my words in Part 4 are somewhat derived from that scripture.
The whole of life... from initial salvation to ongoing sanctification... is all about God's work in us. We can't take credit for a thing!
"If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know I talk about this a lot."
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giggles Joel.
Best
Leonard