Beckett discusses the doctrine of sanctifying grace, emphasizing that God's grace enables ongoing spiritual growth and Christlikeness throughout the believer's life rather than merely justification at conversion. Drawing on 2 Peter 3:18 and Romans 6:14, the article argues that true grace produces righteousness and holiness, while false applications manifest as either antinomianism (turning grace into license for sin, as warned in Jude 1:4) or legalism (attempting to perfect oneself through works, as rebuked in Galatians 3:2-3). The author contends that God's grace, not the law, is the sufficient and effective means for progressive sanctification and developing Christlikeness throughout the Christian's life.
What does the Bible say about grace?
The Bible teaches that grace is essential for spiritual growth and daily living, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18.
Moreover, true grace does not lead to irresponsibility or laxity; instead, it empowers believers for godly living. Scriptural warnings against turning grace into a license for sin (Jude 1:4) show that grace upholds a higher standard. Rather than relying on human effort or legalistic dictates, Christians are encouraged to look to God's grace as their primary source for achieving godliness. When we embrace the grace of God, we experience transformative change as we learn to draw from His strength for daily living.
2 Peter 3:18, Jude 1:4, Romans 6:14
How do we know God's grace is sufficient?
God's grace is sufficient for all aspects of life, as it empowers believers to live righteously according to Romans 6:14.
Additionally, the interaction with grace fosters a lifelong relationship with God. This ongoing dependence on grace ensures that believers can navigate the challenges of life without succumbing to sin or despair. Rather than being a passive state, grace actively molds our character and actions, guiding believers to live in accordance with God's desires. By recognizing and embracing the reality of grace, Christians are assured that they can achieve the holiness that the law demands, but only through the empowering presence of God's grace in their lives.
Romans 6:14, Hebrews 7:18-19, John 1:16
Why is understanding grace important for Christians?
Understanding grace is vital for Christians because it shapes their identity and empowers them to overcome sin.
Moreover, a correct understanding of grace guards against the dangers of both licentiousness and legalism. When Christians realize that they live under grace, they are motivated to pursue holiness, not through their efforts but through reliance on God's power at work within them. This shifts the focus from outward compliance with the law to a heartfelt relationship with Christ, producing genuine transformation. The emphasis on grace helps believers avoid pitfalls of self-righteousness and enables them to support one another in the pursuit of godliness. In essence, grasping the concept of grace fosters a deeper relationship with God and a more vibrant, effective Christian walk.
Galatians 3:2-3, Romans 6:14, Hebrews 10:20
I have been majorly busy at work and I've had a cousin from Alaska visiting. I hadn't seen him since I was 7 years old when my sister and I lived with his family for almost a year while my mother was suffering and dying from breast cancer. We remember the boys with a few memories we each have and so it was truly delightful to have him here. He travels the United States in his motor home and enjoys his life in that regard, meeting new people and seeing new places.
I'm still reading and studying on the Covenants and hope to have something written soon. It is difficult to put thoughts and convictions down on paper in an understandable way sometimes, takes a lot of thought and meditation.
When I opened my e-sword this morning to look up a scripture the following was my daily devotional from Bob Hoekstra, which I so appreciated, so I'm copying it here.
Growing in the Grace of God
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2Pe_3:18)
Let's reflect upon some of the heavenly territory we have explored thus far. Grace is for spiritual growth and progress in the Lord. It is not intended only for birthing and starting out with the Lord. "But grow in the grace . . . of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Growth in Christ is to be produced by God's grace at work in us.
Often, God's people are apprehensive about an emphasis upon His grace. We become concerned that irresponsibility, ungodliness, laziness, or indulgence will result. We can rest assured on the promises and purposes of God that true grace does not produce such consequences. Such effects are produced by the flesh of man, either by licentiousness or by legalism.
Licentiousness hopes to turn grace into a means by which sinful indulgence is acceptable. "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness" (Jud_1:4). Legalism aspires to add religious performance to grace, thereby appealing to the self-righteous hopes of man. "Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal_3:2-3).
When a person truly lives by the grace of God, righteousness results, not ungodliness. When a person increasingly learns to draw upon the grace of God for daily living, Christlikeness develops, not worldliness. When grace becomes more and more the resource for life, sin diminishes; it does not increase. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under law but under grace" (Rom_6:14).
The temptation is to rely upon the law of God in order to generate godliness. The demand of the law to be holy, loving, and perfect becomes a false security to our flesh. We think that by hearing, repeating, or depending upon this demand, we can thereby accomplish it. Let us not forget that "the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope" (Heb_7:18-19). God's grace is the "better hope" that does not fail to bring forth what God desires.
The Lord has ordained for us a life-long involvement with His grace. He wants to work "grace for [upon] grace" (Joh_1:16) for the rest of our days. This is the "new and living way" (Heb_10:20).
Grace to you!
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