The Problem with Grace

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There's no problem with grace, of course. The problem is the wrong understanding of grace. 

There are God-fearing, well-meaning Christians who have somehow gotten the wrong understanding that any talk about holiness is legalism. 

Somehow they've gotten the idea that living towards a good and pure life means that you are being a legalist. 

In other words, because they feel that we are saved by grace through faith (which we are), that somehow the burden to live good, obedient lives is no longer a requirement. Some call this a "hole in your holiness". 

That is bad theology. We are called to be holy, but we are saved by grace. To some they feel like that's a contradiction. 

But the balance is that you are not trying to earn your salvation- that's why it's grace. But you are called, commanded, directed, empowered, expected, and demanded to live a holy life because it honors God and it pleases Him. 1 Peter 1:16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 

Holiness assumes that there is a standard. Without it,  holiness is an illusion. Jesus told his disciples about new disciples that they ought to teach them "to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matt 28:20).

We have to always pursue a balanced view. We must strive to seek the heart of God in all things. And all of that must affect our daily real lives. 

Grace doesn't free us from obeying. It frees us so we can obey. 

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