Hyper-Grace and The Doctrine of Eternal Security

**Hyper-Grace**

The “false message of grace,” often referred to as “hyper-grace” or “cheap grace,” is a term used to describe a belief or teaching within some Christian circles that emphasizes God’s grace to the point of suggesting that Christians can sin without any consequences. This interpretation of grace is considered to be a distortion of the biblical concept of grace.

The key issues with the false message of grace include:

1. Misunderstanding of Grace: It treats grace as a license to sin, suggesting that because grace covers all, one can live in sin without repercussions.

2. Ignoring Repentance: It downplays the need for repentance and ongoing transformation in a believer’s life.

3. Denying the Consequences of Sin: It implies that Christians are exempt from the consequences of sin, both spiritually and practically.

Biblically, grace is indeed the unmerited favor of God that brings salvation and forgiveness of sins. However, it also empowers believers to live a life that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. True grace does not simply cover sins; it transforms the believer to turn away from sin.

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV) states: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”

This passage indicates that grace instructs us to live righteously and godly, not to indulge in sin. The Bible consistently teaches that while God’s grace is abundant, it should lead to a life of holiness and obedience, not a disregard for God’s standards.

The false message of grace is a misrepresentation of the true grace of God, which not only forgives but also changes lives, enabling believers to grow in righteousness and holiness. It’s important for Christians to understand and embrace the transformative power of grace, which leads to a life that honours God and reflects His love and truth.

**The Doctrine of Eternal Security**

The doctrine of eternal security, also known as “once saved, always saved,” is a theological view that once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation. However, this doctrine is not intended to serve as a license to live a life of sin. The Bible makes it clear that sin has serious consequences.

Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse emphasizes that sin leads to death, which is understood as both physical death and spiritual death, or separation from God. However, it also highlights the gift of eternal life available through Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, Ezekiel 18:20 says, “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” This passage underscores personal responsibility for one’s actions⁷.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of living in sin after receiving salvation. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”

The doctrine of eternal security is based on the belief that salvation is a work of God that cannot be undone by human actions. However, it is generally accompanied by the understanding that a true Christian will show evidence of their salvation through a transformed life and good works. The presence of ongoing, unrepentant sin in a person’s life would call into question whether they have truly experienced salvation.

The doctrine of eternal security offers assurance to believers that their salvation is secure in Christ, it does not and cannot negate the seriousness of sin and the call to live a holy and obedient life. Believers are to live in a way that reflects their faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella

2 thoughts on “Hyper-Grace and The Doctrine of Eternal Security

  1. Amen! Even the demons ‘believe’ and they tremble, (James 2). In the parable of the farmer sowing seeds, some people initially welcomed the message with joy! But then the weeds – the cares of this world -choked out any seedlings. We are told to examine ourselves to see if our faith is genuine, 2 Cor. 13:5. The sad thing is that even some ministers will tell people that this ‘easy believism’ is true, that they can just say some words one time, or go forward in an altar call, and then continue living any old way…..so, GOOD POST! people need to hear this. How awful for someone to one day hear Jesus say, ‘I never knew you.’ Thanks for speaking truth.

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