Question:
Dear Greg,
When
I read the red letters in the Gospels, I don’t get the message of grace
expounded by you, in reference to the words of the apostles.
In Matthew 7, Luke 13 and John 5 it seems to imply exclusion for many and
salvation for few. How did Paul,
Martin Luther and you, among others, come to believe that Jesus’ words mean
grace, when they seem so condemning to me, and lead others to legalism?
Please
tell me how to study the Bible in a way I’ll receive the true meaning of what
Jesus says. I know you’re busy and
can’t answer all questions, but I hope you or someone there will answer this
one in due time!
Lee
Answer: Dear Lee,
Zondervan
publishers has just sent me a copy, at my request, of the second edition of
“How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth” by Gordon Free and Douglas
Stuart. While this is not a book
that can be read in one sitting, in a few hours, neither is it a book that is
beyond the comprehension of high school graduates.
The book is a great investment ($15, I believe, at any Christian
bookstore) because it is a resource that will guide you to a deeper
understanding about how the Bible is written, its meanings, culture, writing
styles, etc. If the book is
undertaken as a six-month or one year project, with its 13 chapters being read
and studied at a one or two chapter per month rate, then it is a great way to be
introduced to another level of understanding the Bible.
To
your question—the grace of God is the predominant and overriding theme of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. There are
passages, both in the words of Jesus, as well as John, Paul, Peter and
James—not to forget the books of Hebrews and Jude, that at first glance may
seem to indicate a works-based approach to salvation.
You did not mention specific passages or verses in Matthew 7, John 5 and
Luke 13 that bother you in this regard. I
cannot exegete all three chapters by way of reply, but if you have specific
verses in mind, please let me know and I will respond as I have time.
You
seem to indicate that grace leads to salvation for many, exclusion for few.
But PTM teaches the opposite. Grace
only seems “easy” to the legalist because they cannot stand the threat of
grace. Grace is incomprehensible to
the legalist who cannot understand any granting of salvation without effort,
performance and merit on the part of humans.
The
fact is that many who call themselves Christians are simply trapped by
religion—a religion that may appropriate the name of Jesus, but is just like
any other religion that is based upon human works.
Accepting Jesus Christ is hard because humans must surrender what they
perceive to be control of their lives. Humans
do not like handouts—they would rather do it themselves.
Humans thus fall prey to legalism that deceives them into thinking that
if they just do and perform rituals, rites, regulations and rules, they will be
saved. But salvation is not about
what we do—it is about what Jesus has done, is doing and will do.
It’s not about us.
If
you are able to receive PT radio, either by radio stations or via your computer,
we address this topic, in one way or another, over and over again—and your
questions should be answered.
May
God bless you Lee.
In
Christ,