(from a fren) Grace Versus Religion Theres an interesting story in John 8 that shows just how low religion can sink. Jesus had been telling people about how He was the Light of the world and how that when they came to know the truth, they would be set free. As He showed them that it wasnt their religious background or affiliation that gave them status with God but that it would be their relationship to Him that mattered, the Jews began to become more and more angry. Tell a self-righteous person that his religious achievements dont impress God and youre setting yourself up for a fight. The first thing they did was to try to defend their connection to Abraham in an attempt to set forth their religious pedigree. Jesus plainly pointed out to them that their religious identification didnt seem to be making any difference in causing them to live a life of faith in God. If your relationship to Abraham is such a big deal, why isnt it affecting the way you live? Jesus asked in so many words. (See John 8:39) That was all it took. Now, He had gone and insulted their self-righteous pride. Mess with a mans religious identity by telling him that God isnt impressed and that its not doing him or, for that matter, anybody else any good and youre asking for trouble. The problem they faced was that they couldnt deny that what Jesus said was true. So they took the defensive strategy that religion always takes when cornered. They attacked the messenger. Oh yeah? they chided. Well, at least we werent born of fornication!(See John 8:41) Of course, they were referring to the fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, wasnt married to Joseph when she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Their attempt was to shut Him up by trying to embarrass Jesus, even shame Him by pointing out what they believed to be a deficiency in Him. Make no mistake about it - this weapon from hell is still often used against those who boldly stand for the truth of Gods grace. Authentic grace and performance-based-religion are like baking soda and vinegar. Try to introduce grace to self-righteous pride and a reaction is sure to erupt. When the message you share is iron-clad (and the message of pure grace is biblically sound), dont be surprised when the attack is turned against you. Ive heard it all myself. Ive been accused by some people of not believing the Bible, of trying to establish a denomination with myself as the leader, of founding a new cult (called McVeyism by this particular critic), of lacking credentials, of being arrogant, of merchandising the gospel. The list goes on. My two favorites are How can that guy teach the message of Christ living through us when hes overweight? and Steve McVey is a liar with a bad haircut. Then there are the internal accusations - the ones that have come into my mind through the years. Those are much more personal, cruel and painful, even though I know they arent true. Have you heard those accusations in your own mind? Whether the voices that seek to silence us are external or internal, we will do well to remember one thing. We are in good company when these kind of attacks come, for the Lord Jesus Himself faced such moments. If you continue reading in John 8, youll see that they finally accuse Him of being demon possessed. (See verse 48). The enemy will stop at nothing in trying to silence anybody who proclaims the pure truth of Gods love and grace in a world of self-righteousness. We are in a battle in our efforts to spread the message of grace. Its not a battle with flesh and blood either. This is a revolution and revolutionaries are often fired upon. The reality is that it goes with the territory. Much is at stake and the enemy of our souls will not stand idly by while we advance the Kingdom of God by spreading His love and grace.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 15:10:29 +0000
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