WHAT’S FREE GRACE?
March 15, 2019
Here’s a good question. “What’s Free Grace?”
Free Grace is the belief that we receive justification— a once for all declaration that we are righteous— and eternal life as a free gift through faith alone in Christ alone. Free Grace also understands that, though outwardly visible progressive sanctification is not guaranteed, justification and eternal life, once given, cannot ever be lost under any circumstance. We did not earn grace through our actions, and we cannot lose it through our actions. Grace is free and there are no strings attached.
Free grace glorifies God in many ways:
- it recognizes the value of a cross (Is 53:6; John 19:30; Rom 3:26; 4:25; 1 Jn 2:2)
- it recognizes we’re helpless on our own (Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10-23)
- it doesn’t involve boasting (Eph 1:16-2:10)
- it involves simple trust (taking God at His word)
- it is the only solid foundation for good works; in 1 Cor 6:19, it is precisely because they have died to sin and been risen to new life and are the temple of the Holy Spirit within them, that they must flee immorality.
Doubt sucks the power out of the Christian life because the Christian life is a life of faith. We live knowing that Christ lives within us, that He has overcome the world, and that He will overcome in us as we trust Him to do so.
It’s important to recognize that the Christian life works from security, not toward it. The fear of death brings lifelong slavery, slavery to sin, especially, but also slavery to worry and doubt. But by resting in His Free Grace, we can meet trials, temptation, and opportunities with confidence, knowing that Christ is in us and that He can meet any challenge that may arise.
SOURCE USED
Hawley, Grant (editor). 21 Tough Questions about Grace.