2010-03-13

Grace - Wrong Definition leading to Shameful Behavior

We have covered the biblical defintions of grace in past postings:
There have been much debates and even accusations about the grace-based preachings and churches that preach the message. The main issue is actually the wrong definition of grace.
Grace defined as "unmerited favor" or "receiving the blessings that we do not deserved". Mercy as "not getting the punishment that we deserved". They sound very good and as if full of depth but they are biblical wrong and misleading.

Grace defined above creates a bunch of lazy bums Christians wanting wealth and promotion without working for them. Of course they will not get them without hard work. So they take short-cut, exploit loop holes in systems, steps over others, and even take from others to get them and then they say it is God's favors and blessing. It is no wonder why they being criticized and condemned.

The Biblical definition of Grace is God's empowerment to do the things that God want and resulting in bringing glory to God. We do not need any grace when we don't want to do anything. We need grace to reach up the standards that God has set for us to show others. If it is a mediocre standard that anyone can achieve, we don't need grace. Our work should be so differentiated from others that show forth the salt and light and reveal the glory of God through us. To do that, we need to ask for grace.

Paul in Eph 2:8-9 stating that "we are saved by grace through faith" quickly followed it with v10 "we are created in Christ for good works which God had ordained and we should walk in them." James 2:17 emphasized that "faith without work is dead and valueless". Jesus said in Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We are saved to glorify God with good works. Let's ask for the grace to enable us to do God glorifying works revealing the salt and light of the Christ in us.

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