For many, grace is just a theology that they believe. Romans 5:2 tells us that grace is an environment that we live in and experience...and so grace is not just a doctrine we believe, that we proclaim and explains how we became a Christian. When grace is simply a proclamation, we get life all wrong. Grace is something I continue to experience and is the foundation of my sanctification, of my growing in Christ, of my becoming mature.
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand..." Romans 5:1,2
Restoring freedom to Christians by releasing them from performance-driven Christianity
In 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis declaring salvation by grace through faith. Today the church desperately needs a second reformation of sanctification by grace. Christians are chained to a treadmill of trying to please God by their behavior, of trying harder and sinning less. If they can just discipline themselves enough and be determined enough, they are deceived into thinking they can become righteous and holy and be close to God and He will be pleased. Grace tells us that our relationship and intimacy with our Father in heaven is no longer dependent upon our behavior...or lack there of. Grace tells us we no longer have to strive to become righteous, because He has given us a new nature that is righteous. Grace tells us that it is the only thing powerful enough to deal with our sin. Grace tells us that God is already head-over-heels in love with us and nothing we do can change that. Welcome to "Formed by Grace."
About Me
- Bill Tell
- I have served on the staff of The Navigators for 40 years. In 2000 I got off the treadmill of finding my worth by pleasing others and trying harder and discovered grace!
Hey Dad! I love the blog! I'm looking forward to reading it. -jeff
ReplyDeleteI am very much looking forward to this.
ReplyDeleteme, too! whoohoo!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this title Bill! A bunch of us out here can really identify with it.
ReplyDeleteSee you guys soon... will keep following this one for sure!
Looking forward to more! Thanks for the tip off Bill.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill,
ReplyDeleteAs a mom I have to show and model grace to my kids each day. As a woman I need to be willing to accept grace when I fail at the above. Thanks for the reminder...
Denise
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBill, I'm glad to see you blogging. And preaching grace. That seems to be a bit of a change in theme from the Navigator days at Urbana in the 70s.
ReplyDeleteLiving in grace is knowing that you will never be kicked out of the family, even though you never deserved to be grafted into it in the first place.
With His Grace and Love,
Brent
Got directed here from Bo's Cafe, and am glad to be getting some of your thoughts, Bill! Look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteRon W