​

Doctrines of the Faith – Part Three: Grace   

 

       Who would believe me if I were to contend that the earth is flat? There are groups of pseudoscientists, generally referred to as “Flat Earthers,” who espouse that the earth cannot be the spherical planet as claimed by conventional science. One of the ways these flat-earth advocates argue their simplistic theory is by noting that anyone who looks out toward the horizon can see that the earth is flat. People who are neither knowledgeable of nor willing to believe conventional science may accept flat-earth theories. 

​

      Who would believe false doctrines regarding grace? The Apostle Peter warned that false teachers would “privately bring in damnable heresies” for personal gain (II Peter 2:1-3). The Apostle Paul predicted that “men shall arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). The words of these inspired apostles remain true. False doctrine, including errant beliefs about grace, is believed by those who do not search God’s Word.   

​

     Who would believe that we are saved by grace without knowledge of Christ? Peter urged those who had become Christians to pair grace with knowledge of Christ. He emphasized this saying, “Beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:17, 18).  Those who fail to grow and stand on the knowledge of Christ are sure to fall to misinformation about grace. 

​

      Who would believe that grace alone, without obedience to the Gospel of Christ, pleases God? Paul preached grace as a provision that must be coupled with obedience. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.”   (Romans 6:1, 2). Those who refuse to obey the gospel of Christ and expect salvation by grace alone are misguided regarding grace.

 

     Who would believe the false “once-saved-always-saved” doctrine? God’s Word confirms this doctrine to be in error.  Christians can fall from grace (Galatians 5:4).We are warned against falling away (Hebrews 6:4). Those who do not study God’s Word may believe this always-wrong doctrine. God’s Word flatly defies the false doctrines regarding grace even more effectively than true science defies flat-earth theories. May we pair grace with knowledge and couple grace with obedience. May God bless the Schrader Lane Church of Christ.