Danny Hickman

Here is an example of a scripture that, when taken out of the context of the whole narrative it is intended to promote, it can be made to mean that salvation has been evenly presented to every person, and it's solely up to each person to receive it:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works (Jude 2:11-14).

When understood correctly, we learn that the grace of God SHOULD TEACH US how important it is for us to live our lives in a godly manner. It doesn't say that the grace of God will EMPOWER us to "deny worldly lusts." Jude says Jesus will "redeem us from every lawless deed and purify [us] for himself." How is this accomplished? Are we on our own to say "yes" to the offer? No!

When the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his great mercy he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Christ Jesus our Savior... justified by grace, we become heirs to the hope of eternal life (Jude 3:4-7).

Jude didn't preach works, but grace!

February 20 2024 • Report