Grace, Part 5
How can we recognize what Paul calls "another gospel"? This other gospel has no power unless we are deceived into believing it represents God's intentions and will for us. A person's devotion to God is a very powerful motivational force and if deceived into believing that something is God’s will for us we do our utmost to fulfill it. Whoever is given power to manipulate our devotion to God...has control of us. That's why so many spiritual leaders are trained in the art of persuasive psychology at their institutional seminary. Once anyone convinces you that a doctrine is from God...the hard part is over. If that doctrine happens to be one of the many forms of "another gospel" you may never enjoy spiritual freedom for the rest of your life unless you become wise to the deception. There are "gospels" floating around that are poisonous to a believer’s faith. That's why knowing the word and the “Word” for yourself is so important. It limits the options of those who would ensnare you with their biased denominational interpretation of the word. Paul spent a lot of effort warning the early believers about these people. Jesus referred to them as "wolves in sheep clothing".
There are two general characteristics that we can use to identify "another gospel", or a works-grace mixed gospel. One, the "another gospel" is one that is dangerously legalistic and condemning in nature. Two, it creates spiritual bondage while still providing "the basic essentials" for salvation.
The Gospel of Grace works on the believer by inwardly changing their heart. Eternal life is imparted to those who place faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, the change on the inside may or may not be immediately visible. With some there's a difference immediately; with others change may take place over a period of years. In either case, the Holy Spirit begins to work in that person's life beginning from the inside and working toward the outside where people can see the result...as godly works and spiritual fruits of various types. Yet, the Grace Gospel warns that good works never create, contribute or add to salvation. Obtaining salvation through faith plus nothing (without works) is the mark of the Gospel of Grace.
The “another gospel” works differently. Those who preach it insist that the believer must live at some level of "performance" or holiness to be acceptable to God. When you press them to give specific information on what the performance level is...they can't. The reason: The performance criteria changes depending on the denomination you are a member of. That makes it difficult to have assurance of salvation. This type of gospel takes the form of demanding certain works or some "high level of piety" in order to remain acceptable to God. It attempts to produce "righteous living" through works that change us from "the outside in". In some religious groups it's obvious; in other groups it's subtle and hidden. Groups that believe in this gospel are always talking about our sinfulness and how God purifies us through tragedy, sickness or some form of hardship or disaster. The Bible labels this behavior as "self-righteousness" and the practice is foreign to the Grace Gospel.
The Gospel of grace is not a gospel where works aren't necessary in the believers life. The Bible says godly works are important. Yet, godly works are a product of a living "internal" faith in Jesus Christ. Imposing works from the outside as a requirement to be a believer creates spiritual bondage. But, allowing works to flow naturally from a changed heart is freedom and liberty. The problem is that religion hates to wait for the fruit to appear naturally. The modern church is dominated by a philosophy called "pragmatism". Simply understood, this is a subtle ideology that changes Biblical doctrine into man-made traditions or teachings that compel immediate visible results. Pragmatism is inherently humanistic and unbiblical. Yet, it creates an atmosphere that makes "the church" look good. Unspiritual believers are an embarrassment and sometimes bad "advertisement" for the organization attempting to entice new members. This is only one reason a "works-based" Christianity and pragmatic practices are imposed on churchgoers. The other reason is a sincere, yet misplaced belief that God demands a certain level of performance before he accepts anyone.
There are two general characteristics that we can use to identify "another gospel", or a works-grace mixed gospel. One, the "another gospel" is one that is dangerously legalistic and condemning in nature. Two, it creates spiritual bondage while still providing "the basic essentials" for salvation.
The Gospel of Grace works on the believer by inwardly changing their heart. Eternal life is imparted to those who place faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, the change on the inside may or may not be immediately visible. With some there's a difference immediately; with others change may take place over a period of years. In either case, the Holy Spirit begins to work in that person's life beginning from the inside and working toward the outside where people can see the result...as godly works and spiritual fruits of various types. Yet, the Grace Gospel warns that good works never create, contribute or add to salvation. Obtaining salvation through faith plus nothing (without works) is the mark of the Gospel of Grace.
The “another gospel” works differently. Those who preach it insist that the believer must live at some level of "performance" or holiness to be acceptable to God. When you press them to give specific information on what the performance level is...they can't. The reason: The performance criteria changes depending on the denomination you are a member of. That makes it difficult to have assurance of salvation. This type of gospel takes the form of demanding certain works or some "high level of piety" in order to remain acceptable to God. It attempts to produce "righteous living" through works that change us from "the outside in". In some religious groups it's obvious; in other groups it's subtle and hidden. Groups that believe in this gospel are always talking about our sinfulness and how God purifies us through tragedy, sickness or some form of hardship or disaster. The Bible labels this behavior as "self-righteousness" and the practice is foreign to the Grace Gospel.
The Gospel of grace is not a gospel where works aren't necessary in the believers life. The Bible says godly works are important. Yet, godly works are a product of a living "internal" faith in Jesus Christ. Imposing works from the outside as a requirement to be a believer creates spiritual bondage. But, allowing works to flow naturally from a changed heart is freedom and liberty. The problem is that religion hates to wait for the fruit to appear naturally. The modern church is dominated by a philosophy called "pragmatism". Simply understood, this is a subtle ideology that changes Biblical doctrine into man-made traditions or teachings that compel immediate visible results. Pragmatism is inherently humanistic and unbiblical. Yet, it creates an atmosphere that makes "the church" look good. Unspiritual believers are an embarrassment and sometimes bad "advertisement" for the organization attempting to entice new members. This is only one reason a "works-based" Christianity and pragmatic practices are imposed on churchgoers. The other reason is a sincere, yet misplaced belief that God demands a certain level of performance before he accepts anyone.
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