There are many who equate morality
with Christianity. There is a way which seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. The sons of God owe no loyalty
to any man-made systems or standards, but rather their allegiance is
strictly and solely unto Him who has called them. Even when
they demonstrate subjection to the rulers of this world, they
do it not for the rulers' sake, but because they would be the
servants of their King. And He commands them thus, Let
every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no
power but of God. The powers that be are ordained
of God. Some have twisted these scriptures
to define patriotism as a godly exercise, often even going so
far as to describe such patriotism as a loyalty to a certain political
persuasion or economic philosophy. A man can be the greatest of
patriots and yet have no knowledge of or interest in the kingdom
of God. In like fashion, a man may have
no interest in politics, pledges, or national anthems, etc., and
yet be desirous of giving glory to Christ and honor to the King
as prescribed. So it comes as no surprise when
we hear some define growing in grace as a measurable change
in conduct according to standards which either they have set or
some religious organization purporting itself to be the representatives
of Christ in the earth have established as proper behavior. It would
be impossible to argue that the sons of God are not exhorted
to grow in grace, just as surely as it would be impossible for
one of them to add one cubit to his stature by taking thought
thereto. The exhortations of the scriptures
are given to the sons of God to drive them to the feet of
Christ, where they must needs find all that is necessary for
them. This sinful flesh in which we
were born is both incorrigible and corrupt, and no changes shall
ever occur therein. The flesh will continue its war
against the Spirit and the sons of God until this mortal puts
on immortality. Some teach that growing in grace
is seen as the sons of God improve their lives, stop their bad habits,
and generally become productive citizens. This is often called
sanctification and is supposedly the demonstration of men becoming
more and more conformed to the image of Christ in their daily
walk. Now, we would never oppose such
changes, nor say that such things might not occur according to
the operation of the Spirit. But we would never call such
sanctification, nor characterize this as growing in grace. Rather,
this is the evidence that he works in the sons of God both
to will and to do of his good pleasure. Growing in grace is
simply that, growing in grace. As a man grows in grace, he is
made ever more mindful of his own innate corruption. The more
of Christ that he is unable to see, the more repugnant and reprehensible
he sees himself to be. As he grows in grace, he is ever
more convinced of the Lord's justice in the condemnation of
sinners. As a man grows in grace, he is
struck with amazement, not that God would destroy some, but that
He has not destroyed us all. To grow in grace is to embrace
the unconditional election of that people which the Lord has
loved with an everlasting love. To grow in grace is to understand
that faith is the gift of God and to glory in Him who gives
faith. That man who grows in grace is
humbled before the King as he is brought to behold that there
is therefore now no condemnation to the sons of God. He is constrained
by love rather than threats and rejoices in the unconditional
promises of Christ. To grow in grace is to be brought
to love and esteem the brethren above oneself. It is evidenced
by a delight in showing mercy as much as one delights in being
the recipient thereof. He who grows in grace delights
in forgiveness and rejoices as he is enabled to live peaceably
with all men. To grow in grace is to rejoice
in the singularity of the gospel wherein Christ is the center,
sum, and substance. That man who grows in grace delights
in the simplicity of the profound message which Paul declared.
For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus
Christ and Him crucified. To grow in grace is to desire
that Christ alone be magnified, whether it be in life or in death.
May He cause us to grow in grace. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at 4the4 at windstream.net.