GRACE...Why is it controversial?
Several weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit was speaking to me about "grace". As I meditated on that topic, I began to write what I was seeing. At that time, I had no idea that the subject of "grace" was such a controversial topic in the churches today. One writer indicated that it was a "war" going on between the two extremes of grace. I heard a well known minister say that there are churches where you are not allowed to even say the word "grace". As I researched a little deeper, I found that this has been an issue in the church for centuries. Even though grace is possibly God's greatest gift to man, yet it has caused some of the most serious division in the church.
It seems to me that man and/or groups of men have determined that they must create a doctrinal statement that accurately defines their understanding of grace. And of course they will fight for their position as being the only correct one. There seems to be an agenda that men have to not only define what they believe to be the correct understanding, but also to persuade...convince others that only their statement is correct.
This results in the formation of what I call "religious clubs". To become a member, you must accept the definitions that they have written. Your beliefs about scriptural issues must line up with the written beliefs of the organization. This results in men having position of authority and recognition. Of course, this is all contrary to what Jesus said His people should be.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi (teacher), for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers.
9 And do not call anyone [in the church] on earth father, for you have one Father, Who is in heaven.
10 And you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one Master (Leader), the Christ.
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matt. 23: 8 - 11 (Amplified Bible)
What I write about grace is what I believe God has given to me and it is to that which I must respond. It's not my intention to try to convince anyone that I have the only right understanding and persuade you to see it my way. Even if my view is correct, I believe the Holy Spirit will reveal truth to the heart of a person that is honestly seeking Him.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." And further, "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." I Corinthians 2
We must be taught by the Spirit of God as individuals and then it's our responsibility to respond to His teaching. I see no Scriptural basis for all the wrangling that has gone on in arguing over the various spiritual issues for centuries among religious people. I believe there is a strong presence of pride and ego behind it all. It has completely missed on understanding the heart of God.
With that said, I invite you to read what I have to share on the subject of grace. If it touches anything in your spirit, then thanks be to God. I would welcome any response you would be willing to share. Continue reading.
Brother Phil Thomas - 2014
It seems to me that man and/or groups of men have determined that they must create a doctrinal statement that accurately defines their understanding of grace. And of course they will fight for their position as being the only correct one. There seems to be an agenda that men have to not only define what they believe to be the correct understanding, but also to persuade...convince others that only their statement is correct.
This results in the formation of what I call "religious clubs". To become a member, you must accept the definitions that they have written. Your beliefs about scriptural issues must line up with the written beliefs of the organization. This results in men having position of authority and recognition. Of course, this is all contrary to what Jesus said His people should be.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi (teacher), for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers.
9 And do not call anyone [in the church] on earth father, for you have one Father, Who is in heaven.
10 And you must not be called masters (leaders), for you have one Master (Leader), the Christ.
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Matt. 23: 8 - 11 (Amplified Bible)
What I write about grace is what I believe God has given to me and it is to that which I must respond. It's not my intention to try to convince anyone that I have the only right understanding and persuade you to see it my way. Even if my view is correct, I believe the Holy Spirit will reveal truth to the heart of a person that is honestly seeking Him.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." And further, "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." I Corinthians 2
We must be taught by the Spirit of God as individuals and then it's our responsibility to respond to His teaching. I see no Scriptural basis for all the wrangling that has gone on in arguing over the various spiritual issues for centuries among religious people. I believe there is a strong presence of pride and ego behind it all. It has completely missed on understanding the heart of God.
With that said, I invite you to read what I have to share on the subject of grace. If it touches anything in your spirit, then thanks be to God. I would welcome any response you would be willing to share. Continue reading.
Brother Phil Thomas - 2014