What is Grace? (Part 2)

Many object to a conception of grace that includes conditional obedience. They say, “That’s not grace because something is being done to earn it.” Is that really what is happening? This objection fails to grasp the point that grace may be given subsequent to and as a result of obedience to commanded action. The assumption in this objection is that all actions done in response to God’s grace entail merit, but that assumption is not true. 

Consider what Jesus said in Luke 17:10, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” What was His point in making that statement? It is this: Some actions contain no merit in them, that is, they do not earn anything; they are (to use His word) “unprofitable.” These are actions done because one has an obligation to do them. In Jesus’ example, a servant is acting upon a command. When he has obeyed the command, he stands in the same relationship with the commander as he did before. He has earned nothing by virtue of his obedience. Suppose, however, that the commander offers something if he obeys. Does that mean that he has earned what the commander offered? It does not. He still stands in the same relationship with the commander as he did before. The only difference is that the commander has graciously offered a gift upon the servant’s obedience. It is his prerogative to do so.

Hebrews 5:8-9 says, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” God graciously offers salvation to everyone, but it is only actualized in those who obey Jesus.

God bless you, and I love you.

Kevin Cauley