Extravagance of Grace

I was in a conversation this week about the “We Will Not Sign” video.  It was a conversation with people who do not confess to be Christians and in fact, confess just the opposite.  Their responses were very telling and instructional for me.  Of course they don’t agree, and generally think the church should just take on whatever the culture decides is right.  This is a broad path that leads to destruction, and I assure you we will not be going there.  But there was an aspect of some of their comments that I think bears closer examination.  How does one proclaim that a particular human relationship is sinful, and yet be tasked with telling people and demonstrating the grace of Christ?

I think it is helpful to realize that there are two horizons.  The horizon that is furthest away is one that does not deal with individuals and individual relationships (appropriate or other wise) but rather talks about the broader aspect of human relationships that please God.  We as a church MUST proclaim accurately the way of living that pleases God or we will be guilty of teaching people to follow error.  That will lead them into a life that will be sinful, but because we might have been affirming they never realize it.  From the horizon of the church and the teaching of the church, we must never compromise the standards of God.  We must never say that what God says is sinful is somehow ok now that we have “science.”  We must proclaim God’s message.  If they reject God’s message that is a matter between them and God.

But there is a second horizon, which is also in view, the horizon of the individual. We are instructed in Matthew 7:1 not to judge.  This is a favorite verse that people in these kinds of conversations love to bring up.  They are right to suggest that we are not to judge!  It is not our place to make a pronouncement about an individual’s status before God.  I will not stand in Judgment over a person. That is Jesus’ deal not mine!  Judgment goes both ways, neither are we to declare someone as innocent before God!  In these matters I do not get to decide who goes to heaven and who does not. I can only accurately and faithfully report on what God has revealed.

 Rather than talk about judgment, instead lets talk about grace.  Lets talk about how extravagant it is.  How the grace of God found in the redemption through Jesus Christ can purify anyone from all unrighteousness.  Lets talk about how we as a church should be overflowing with grace. 

 Come be encouraged this week as we focus on grace!

 See you at church.

Pastor Chris