Cheap Grace and Easy Believeism.

[Ausie 52]

Today's gospel preaching is mostly cheap grace & easy believeism.

By cheap grace I mean, belief without cost, no discipleship, no real commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

By easy believeism I mean, just mental assent to the facts of Christ's death & resurrection. A faith without repentance, without obedience.

Should you think this is a Calvinist issue, it is not. I am an Arminian and I agree with the likes of John Macarthur on this issue as do most Evangelical Arminians.

The Church is at an all time low because the Gospel preached is 'another Gospel' not that of the New Testament.

It is time for a new reformation, getting back to the Bible, for faithful preaching of the true Gospel.

[Ray12614]

6 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

Today's gospel preaching is mostly cheap grace & easy believeism.

By cheap grace I mean, belief without cost, no discipleship, no real commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

By easy believeism I mean, just mental assent to the facts of Christ's death & resurrection. A faith without repentance, without obedience.

Should you think this is a Calvinist issue, it is not. I am an Arminian and I agree with the likes of John Macarthur on this issue as do most Evangelical Arminians.

The Church is at an all time low because the Gospel preached is 'another Gospel' not that of the New Testament.

It is time for a new reformation, getting back to the Bible, for faithful preaching of the true Gospel.

 

The goodness of God leads men to repentance . . . Rom 2:4 . . . show me somebody who refuses to repent of their sins and I will show you somebody who is not in the Grace of God. OR .. . . they have been deceived by 'greasy grace' messages preached by people who want the ability to continue in their sins with no change to their life styles.

Its a package and the 2 go together . . . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Vine Abider]

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

Today's gospel preaching is mostly cheap grace & easy believeism.

By cheap grace I mean, belief without cost, no discipleship, no real commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

By easy believeism I mean, just mental assent to the facts of Christ's death & resurrection. A faith without repentance, without obedience.

Should you think this is a Calvinist issue, it is not. I am an Arminian and I agree with the likes of John Macarthur on this issue as do most Evangelical Arminians.

The Church is at an all time low because the Gospel preached is 'another Gospel' not that of the New Testament.

It is time for a new reformation, getting back to the Bible, for faithful preaching of the true Gospel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could be.  In any case, it would seem Christ is not being lifted up, otherwise He said He would "draw all men to Myself." Many things other than Christ are being promoted, yet He Himself is the only Savior.

I do believe and pray for the greatest awakening - if I read things right, I think the season is ripe and should happen before His return. But first, it would seem, we need a "great falling away," which appears to be happening now.

[FreeGrace]

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

Today's gospel preaching is mostly cheap grace & easy believeism.

Actually, it's not.

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

By cheap grace I mean, belief without cost, no discipleship, no real commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

As I supposed.  Are you aware that adding "cost", "discipleship" (spiritual growth) and "real commitment" you have INSERTED works into the gospel?  

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

By easy believeism I mean, just mental assent to the facts of Christ's death & resurrection. A faith without repentance, without obedience.

Again, by adding "turning from sin" and "obdedience" you are clearly adding works to the gospel.

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

Should you think this is a Calvinist issue, it is not. I am an Arminian and I agree with the likes of John Macarthur on this issue as do most Evangelical Arminians.

Here is a rather theological tangle of ideas.  Calvinists believe that Christ did NOT die for everyone, Arminians believe that salvation can be lost, and MacArthur uses "cheap grace" and "easy believism" in a very pejorative way.

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

The Church is at an all time low because the Gospel preached is 'another Gospel' not that of the New Testament.

In fact, the majority of evangelical churches HAVE added works to the gospel, some subtly and others not so subtely.

7 hours ago, Ausie 52 said:

It is time for a new reformation, getting back to the Bible, for faithful preaching of the true Gospel.

I agree that we should absolutely get back to the Bible and preach faithfully from it.

Salvation is a free gift.  Rom 6:23.  That means it is NOT earned or deserved.  Yet all that has been added here involves human effort.  So if what has been added does result in salvation, it is NO LONGER a free gift.

It means man MUST DO something MORE than simply believe (trust) in the finished work of Christ on the cross for salvation.

There are about 25 verses that plainly state that salvation/eternal life are by faith/believing without anything else ADDED.

In John 5:24 Jesus said whoever believes/trusts (present tense) HAS (present tense) eternal life.  This clearly means that from the MOMENT of saving faith in Christ.  Then, in John 10:28 Jesus said, "I give them (believers) eternal life, and they shall never perish".

So eternal security (OSAS) is guaranteed from the MOMENT one believes in the finished work of Christ.

Those who either don't understand grace or don't like the idea of it, resist these verses and ADD a list of human efforts to the gospel.

What is the result?  People think they are saved because they became obedient, were committed, etc.  No.  When any kind of works, no matter how noble, are added to the gospel, there is NO grace.  

This is what Paul said in Rom 11:6 - But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

The same is true for 'faith plus works', which seems to be what your point is;  we are saved by faith plus works.

When a jailer asked Paul what he MUST DO to be saved, Paul's answer was quite clear:  BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and you WILL BE saved.  If there were any kind of works involved, Paul would have correctly added them to his answer.

Believing is trusting.  No human effort involved at all.  That is grace.  

Discipleship, obedience, etc are all COMMANDED once a person has been born again.  We are to grow up spiritually, we are to be obedient.  And the result of faithful obedience will be eternal reward.  Rev 22:12 - “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.

iow, some believers will receive reward, and others will "lose their reward", per 1 Cor 3:15 and 2 Cor 5:10.

[Neighbor]

5 minutes ago, FreeGrace said:

Calvinists believe that Christ did NOT die for everyone, Arminians believe that salvation can be lost, and MacArthur uses "cheap grace" and "easy believism" in a very pejorative way.

This Calvinist believes: 

 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

[Neighbor]

I do understand that  resistance to the general call  by the Holy Spirit with resistance to the specific call through the Holy Spirit comes at a great personal price. One paid out of one's own "wallet"; there being nothing free nor without adverse consequence about it.  reference Acts 9:5

 

[FreeGrace]

1 hour ago, Neighbor said:

FreeGrace said:

Calvinists believe that Christ did NOT die for everyone, Arminians believe that salvation can be lost, and MacArthur uses "cheap grace" and "easy believism" in a very pejorative way.

This Calvinist believes: 

 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

However, do you believe that Jesus Christ died for everyone, or only for some?  That was my point.

[Luther]

2 hours ago, FreeGrace said:

Actually, it's not.

As I supposed.  Are you aware that adding "cost", "discipleship" (spiritual growth) and "real commitment" you have INSERTED works into the gospel?  

Again, by adding "turning from sin" and "obdedience" you are clearly adding works to the gospel.

Here is a rather theological tangle of ideas.  Calvinists believe that Christ did NOT die for everyone, Arminians believe that salvation can be lost, and MacArthur uses "cheap grace" and "easy believism" in a very pejorative way.

In fact, the majority of evangelical churches HAVE added works to the gospel, some subtly and others not so subtely.

I agree that we should absolutely get back to the Bible and preach faithfully from it.

Salvation is a free gift.  Rom 6:23.  That means it is NOT earned or deserved.  Yet all that has been added here involves human effort.  So if what has been added does result in salvation, it is NO LONGER a free gift.

It means man MUST DO something MORE than simply believe (trust) in the finished work of Christ on the cross for salvation.

There are about 25 verses that plainly state that salvation/eternal life are by faith/believing without anything else ADDED.

In John 5:24 Jesus said whoever believes/trusts (present tense) HAS (present tense) eternal life.  This clearly means that from the MOMENT of saving faith in Christ.  Then, in John 10:28 Jesus said, "I give them (believers) eternal life, and they shall never perish".

So eternal security (OSAS) is guaranteed from the MOMENT one believes in the finished work of Christ.

Those who either don't understand grace or don't like the idea of it, resist these verses and ADD a list of human efforts to the gospel.

What is the result?  People think they are saved because they became obedient, were committed, etc.  No.  When any kind of works, no matter how noble, are added to the gospel, there is NO grace.  

This is what Paul said in Rom 11:6 - But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

The same is true for 'faith plus works', which seems to be what your point is;  we are saved by faith plus works.

When a jailer asked Paul what he MUST DO to be saved, Paul's answer was quite clear:  BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and you WILL BE saved.  If there were any kind of works involved, Paul would have correctly added them to his answer.

Believing is trusting.  No human effort involved at all.  That is grace.  

Discipleship, obedience, etc are all COMMANDED once a person has been born again.  We are to grow up spiritually, we are to be obedient.  And the result of faithful obedience will be eternal reward.  Rev 22:12 - “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.

iow, some believers will receive reward, and others will "lose their reward", per 1 Cor 3:15 and 2 Cor 5:10.

You said: "Believing is trusting.  No human effort involved at all.  That is grace."

 Believe it or not, to believe in Jesus IS a human effort, a " work of righteousness". It's something that WE do:

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

God saved us by His mercy and grace:

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

[9]Not of works, lest any man should boast.

(Titus 3:5): " according to His mercy He saved us"

( Ephesians 2:8): saved by grace, through faith. The faith is " not of yourselves" because it is the gift of God. If it's not our faith, then whose faith is it? It's the faith of Christ that saves us. 

Philippians 3:9

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

"the righteousness which is of God" is through the faith of Christ, not our faith. "Our" faith or "work of righteousness" will never save us. "Believing" is your faith in action. And action, is work. 

Once the effectual work of salvation is done in us through the Holy Spirit, we are then able to truly " trust " in God. We are like a blind Saul who receives his sight....and now we are Paul. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Luther]

1 hour ago, Neighbor said:

I do understand that  resistance to the general call  by the Holy Spirit with resistance to the specific call through the Holy Spirit comes at a great personal price. One paid out of one's own "wallet"; there being nothing free nor without adverse consequence about it.  reference Acts 9:5

 

Would you be able to explain this in a little more detail?

[Luther]

2 hours ago, Neighbor said:

This Calvinist believes: 

 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;  because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Yes! Romans 8:18-39