The concept of a supreme, sovereign, unconditional grace that brings man into God's Presence independently of the individual's personality is a lofty idea that invades the mind. This concept runs through much Christian theology. It is utterly, utterly false!

Can you see that the above passage completely demolishes the notion of a supreme, sovereign, unconditional grace that operates independently of the individual's personality and behavior?

"Grace" is sovereign and unconditional, it is supposed, and since the Lord Jesus commanded us to live righteously, and warned us of the consequences if we did not, it must be that "grace" has superseded the Words of the Lord in the Gospels. The Lord's commandments do not apply to Christians because we are "saved by grace." The truth is, the Christians of today have a very perverted understanding of what the Apostle Paul meant by "grace"!

If we will examine the commandments of the Lord in the Gospels we will discover that the commandments found in the Gospels are found also in the Epistles. On what basis, then, do we claim that the Words of the Lord are not binding on Christians? Or do we claim that the commandments of the Apostles in the Epistles are not binding on Christians?

For example:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

The Apostle James says the same thing.

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)

Again:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

Paul commands the same.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

Again:

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

The Apostle James warns us of the consequences of being unmerciful.

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (James 2:13)

Again:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)

Are believers required to love their enemies or are they "saved by grace"?

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (Romans 12:20)

Again:

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (John 15:6)

Is the dreadful warning concerning the barren branch confined to the Gospels?

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:7,8)

We see, then, that the teaching that "grace" supersedes the Word of Christ in the Gospel is without foundation. Whether the Lord spoke on earth or through the Apostles, the laws of the Kingdom of God are identical. How could it be otherwise?

Some of today's Christian teachers, perhaps in order to please their worldly, humanistic audiences, are not adhering faithfully to the Scriptures.

To be continued.