Jesus call us to seek first the kingdom and its righteousness
Grace and Accountability: Navigating the Tension
The relationship between grace and accountability is a central theme in Christian theology, often evoking deep reflection and debate. Many believers find themselves wrestling with questions about the nature of salvation, the role of works, and the implications of grace in their lives. This narrative aims to unpack these complexities, highlighting important perspectives and scriptural foundations.
1. The Nature of Grace
Key Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Grace is often defined as the unmerited favor of God, freely given to humanity through Jesus Christ. This foundational truth is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing that salvation is not something we can earn or achieve through our efforts. The Apostle Paul articulates this in Ephesians 2:8-9, reminding believers that grace is a gift.
Bonhoeffer’s Perspective: Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned against what he termed “cheap grace,” where grace is received without a genuine commitment to follow Christ. He understood the cost of true discipleship; Bonhoeffer paid for his call for justice with his life, executed by the Nazis for his anti-regime stance. His sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder that grace calls for a serious and often costly commitment to justice and righteousness.
2. The Call to Discipleship
Key Scripture: Luke 9:23 (NIV)
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
While grace is freely given, it invites believers into a transformative relationship with Jesus that requires commitment and action. Jesus’ call to discipleship in Luke 9:23 encapsulates this expectation. To follow Christ is to embrace a life that may involve sacrifice and a commitment to His teachings.
MacArthur’s View: John MacArthur emphasizes the concept of “Lordship Salvation,” which posits that genuine faith in Christ entails submission to His lordship. According to this perspective, true belief is not merely intellectual assent; it must produce visible changes in a person’s life, evidenced by obedience to Christ’s commands.
3. The Role of Works in Faith
Key Scripture: James 2:17 (NIV)
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
The relationship between faith and works has long been debated within Christianity. James 2:17 emphasizes that true faith naturally produces good works. These actions are not a means of earning salvation but a manifestation of a transformed heart. A vibrant faith is evidenced through love and service to others, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life.
4. The Assurance of Salvation
Key Scripture: Romans 10:9 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Believers can find assurance in their salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 highlights the simplicity of this faith—acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. However, in the historical context of Jesus’ time, declaring “Jesus is Lord” was profound. Words were bonds, and a declaration of lordship required a life lived in accordance with that claim. When someone said “Jesus is Lord,” it implied a radical commitment to follow Him, not just a mere title.
The Challenge: However, this assurance must be balanced with the understanding that faith must be genuine and transformative. The concern among some theologians, including Bonhoeffer, is that an overemphasis on grace without the necessity of transformation can lead to complacency.
5. The Tension of Accountability
Key Scripture: Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21 that mere profession of faith is insufficient. This scripture highlights the importance of living in accordance with God’s will. Believers are called to an accountable faith that reflects their commitment to Christ. This accountability necessitates an examination of one’s life and choices in light of scripture.
6. The Heart Matters
Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
At the core of the grace and accountability discussion is the condition of the heart. God desires authenticity in His followers, focusing on the heart’s posture rather than mere outward actions. A grateful heart responds to God’s grace with love and a desire to live righteously.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between grace and accountability is complex and multi-dimensional. While grace assures believers of their salvation through faith, it also calls for a genuine response marked by obedience and transformation. Both Bonhoeffer’s caution against cheap grace and MacArthur’s emphasis on lordship salvation remind us that true faith manifests itself in action.
Ultimately, the heart matters most. Just as a tree does not strain to yield fruit according to its type, but naturally produces fruit by virtue of what it is, a heart transformed by grace will naturally seek to honor God through righteous living. If the heart is right, the fruit will come. As believers navigate this tension, it is essential to remember that while works do not save us, they are a vital expression of the grace we have received.