Grace That Works

Grace that works ...the test of pragmatism

While pragmatism will not always validate what’s true -- truth is evidential. But even by this limited measure of "what works," grace is revealed as the superior means to the end we all seek. Consider the prevalence today of news headlines that expose mullahs who condone "jihad," or priests who prey on pupils, or ministers that fleece their flock—and you needn’t be a hardened skeptic to question the credibility and practical relevance of holding any faith in the divine. Surely beliefs lead to behavior. But before we sacrifice our idealism on “the alter of skepticism” though, I assert that any belief system’s efficacy can be substantiated by hard-data, with demonstrable success greatly favoring those that approach the tenets of their faith by grace. Said differently, regardless of how much we strive (in our own strength) humanity’s proclivity for evil will eventually overcome even our best efforts to do otherwise. Conversely, while we are called to be participants in our faith’s practical outworking, only to the extent that we allow God to have His will and way in our lives, will we overcome our evil with good. From a Christian perspective, this involves a yielding to the leadership and forgiveness offered (again) by grace—through faith in Christ. Grace relies on a theological concept found only in the Judeo-Christian doctrine of atonement, which makes allowance for God to accomplish something for mankind that we would never achieve on our own—perfection. The unmerited favor of grace, assumes that we’re accountable to the sovereign Creator’s standard, who demands justice be served, yet He provides the means to this perfect standard through His compensating love. In deed, God’s promise to reconcile humanity to Himself was accomplished at Calvary, such that those who put their trust in His “saving” work are set free from both the penalty and the power of their waywardness. Grace avails the power of God’s Spirit to those who believe. His affect, achieving the unachievable for us, reduces the tyranny of our previous works righteousness into a compulsion of love and gratitude. Evidenced countless times throughout history in advancement of society, governing principle, acts of service and charity, God’s approach is the only hope for this world. Conversely, those who spurn His completed work, attempting to achieve self-righteousness through observance of religious ritual, application of situation ethics, or just living by selfish desire—are destined to leave a legacy of frustration and grief. When you consider data on the rise in illegitimate births, the spread of STDs and the heartache of broken homes, the allure of promiscuity loses some of its appeal. When you examine the high incidence of premature mortality amongst the gay community, it’s hardly an endorsement of any “life” style. When collusion and greed run ahead of the checks & balances built into the free enterprise system, people’s livelihoods are ruined and their wealth is gutted. When modernity is assailed and radical fundamentalism is forced upon a populace, murder and mayhem result. Cite your instance, and strive as you may (without grace), the results remain the same—bondage and misery.

Sadly, these all too common examples of our human experience represent attempts to meet legitimate needs, albeit in an illegitimate fashion. To those who are “weary and heavy laden” in these pursuits, put grace to the “test of pragmatism.” Validate for yourself that the abundant life everyone chases is only realized by those who approach it on the basis of grace through faith in the Savior. To those that seek the true “road less traveled,” it is a journey that is marked by character building and blessing. The data has been gathered, and the facts are in. Evidently, the only way to real life and truth is found in seeking God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Roy J. Tanner