Is Grace a License or a Leash?
Because of the proliferation of social media in our culture, the masses now have world-wide venues to share opinions, thoughts, ideas and more. In the theological realm, it is no different. One of the hot topics in theology threads appears to be “grace vs. legalism,” and much of it is contrary to biblical principles.
At the onset, I will declare that I am eternally grateful for the abounding grace of God toward sinful man. God’s grace is sufficient to provide salvation to all who believe. I am grateful, not only for saving grace, but also for living grace. I also feel certain that, when it comes my time to die, I will also discover that He gives dying grace.
However, many of the current posts, threads, tweets and more, espouse an incorrect view of biblical grace. Generally, grace is declared to be the antithesis of Law. It is also declared to be the antagonist of “legalism.” I use the word “legalism” in quotes, because that is another misused term. Today, a “legalist” has been defined as anyone who believes and practices holy and separated living. Some might argue that such people “look down their noses,” with judgment and condemnation, at others who do not live holy and separated lives. I would argue that such pharisaical attitudes is not legalism, but pride, haughtiness, self-righteousness.
The real definition of legalism is the belief that certain practices, actions or attitudes are essential for salvation to be procured. No one that I have ever been associated with has ever believed that a person had to live holy in order to be saved. I realize that there are certain sects that appear to apply the litmus test of certain standards and convictions as “proof” of salvation. Yet, they are not the ones who get to define the term “legalism.” Legalism is what the Pharisees and other religious leaders of Christ’s day practiced. They insisted that circumcision was an essential part of being made right before God. That is legalism. They insisted that strict adherence to the numerous laws where essential for having their sins forgiven. That’s legalism.
Yes, the Old Testament law did have many requirements that affected the people of God and their relationship with God. However, the majority of those laws were specific in regard to Israel. Therefore, it is inappropriate to try and drag those laws into New Testament practice and orthodoxy.
Now to the point…Does New Testament grace provide an unbridled license for living? Many of the writers, posters, bloggers, etc., define “grace living” as being able to do anything, or practice anything, that does not convict the person. All ideas of practical convictions, separation and holy living are to be suspect as being a leftover of the Law. Such philosophy has spawned a growth of religious gatherings that bear the name “church,” but have little resemblance to the church of the New Testament. The mantra of such gatherings is stated as, “We are under grace, and not law.” Thus, the implication is that there are no convictions about holy and Godly living.
Yet, Paul address this issue, in plain terms, at least twice. First, in his letter to the Romans, he corrects their errant thinking concerning grace. In the latter portion of Romans chapter five, the people had arrived at the conclusion that, since God’s grace was displayed every time He forgave their sin, then they should sin more. Paul immediately corrected such thinking in the opening verses of chapter six. The Authorized Version uses the term, “God forbid,” in response to such carnal thinking. He then states, “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein” (Romans 6:2).
Paul also deals with this issue in the second chapter of Titus, and he makes the purpose of grace even more clear. In verse 11, he states, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). Thus, the subject is “grace.” Notice that the next verse states that grace teaches us something, “Teaching us that…” (Titus 2:12a). The remainder of the verses states that grace teaches that the believer should deny some things, and should practice some things. Grace teaches that we are to deny “ungodliness and worldly lust” (Titus 2:12b). It also teaches us how to live, i.e., “soberly, righteously, and god, in this present world” (Titus 2:12c).
Thus, we see that grace is the enabler for the believer to live more holy. It is the leash that helps to keep the flesh under control. Without grace, we cannot live holy, righteously and godly in this world. Grace is not a license to live any way that we desire. It is the leash to keep us Godly.
What do you think? Is grace to be perceived as a license to do what we want?
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