Grace Versus Religion

There's an interesting story in John 8 that shows just how low religion can sink. Jesus had been telling people about how He was the Light of the world and how that when they came to know the truth, they would be set free. As He showed them that it wasn't their religious background or affiliation that gave them status with God but that it would be their relationship to Him that mattered, the Jews began to become more and more angry. Tell a self-righteous person that his religious achievements don't impress God and you're setting yourself up for a fight.

The first thing they did was to try to defend their connection to Abraham in an attempt to set forth their religious pedigree. Jesus plainly pointed out to them that their religious identification didn't seem to be making any difference in causing them to live a life of faith in God. "If your relationship to Abraham is such a big deal, why isn't it affecting the way you live?" Jesus asked in so many words. (See John 8:39)

That was all it took. Now, He had gone and insulted their self-righteous pride. Mess with a man's religious identity by telling him that God isn't impressed and that it's not doing him or, for that matter, anybody else any good and you're asking for trouble. The problem they faced was that they couldn't deny that what Jesus said was true. So they took the defensive strategy that religion always takes when cornered. They attacked the messenger.

"Oh yeah?" they chided. "Well, at least we weren't born of fornication!"(See John 8:41) Of course, they were referring to the fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, wasn't married to Joseph when she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Their attempt was to shut Him up by trying to embarrass Jesus, even shame Him by pointing out what they believed to be a deficiency in Him.

Make no mistake about it - this weapon from hell is still often used against those who boldly stand for the truth of God's grace. Authentic grace and performance-based-religion are like baking soda and vinegar. Try to introduce grace to self-righteous pride and a reaction is sure to erupt. When the message you share is iron-clad (and the message of pure grace is biblically sound), don't be surprised when the attack is turned against you.

I've heard it all myself. I've been accused by some people of not believing the Bible, of trying to establish a denomination with myself as the leader, of founding a new cult (called McVeyism by this particular critic), of lacking credentials, of being arrogant, of merchandising the gospel. The list goes on. My two favorites are "How can that guy teach the message of Christ living through us when he's overweight?" and "Steve McVey is a liar with a bad haircut."

Then there are the internal accusations - the ones that have come into my mind through the years. Those are much more personal, cruel and painful, even though I know they aren't true. Have you heard those accusations in your own mind?

Whether the voices that seek to silence us are external or internal, we will do well to remember one thing. We are in good company when these kind of attacks come, for the Lord Jesus Himself faced such moments. If you continue reading in John 8, you'll see that they finally accuse Him of being demon possessed. (See verse 48). The enemy will stop at nothing in trying to silence anybody who proclaims the pure truth of God's love and grace in a world of self-righteousness.

We are in a battle in our efforts to spread the message of grace. It's not a battle with flesh and blood either. This is a revolution and revolutionaries are often fired upon. The reality is that it goes with the territory. Much is at stake and the enemy of our souls will not stand idly by while we advance the Kingdom of God by spreading His love and grace.

If you feel attacked, you're not alone. If you feel belittled at times, you're not alone. If you feel alone, you're not alone! Let's join our hearts and hands and stand strong. We aren't fighting for victory. We are fighting from Victory and He assures us that through Him we will prevail.

In the thick of the battle, hymn-writer and gospel preacher, Isaac Watts wrote these words three hundred years ago that still serve us well today. May they be an expression of our own hearts.

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease?
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight, if I would reign
Increase my courage, Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.

Thy saints, in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer, though they die;
They view the triumph from afar,
And seize it with their eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.