By His Grace Alone

Recently when I saw the new series published under the headline: “Basics of the Reformed Faith”, I had to order it.  This is a series of seven small booklets that simply hit the high points of reformation theology and try to answer some of the common misconceptions that people have about the Reformed faith (a.k.a. Calvinism). 

After my morning devotions recently, I’ve been reading these booklets.  Thus far, I’ve only read three of them, but overall, I have a very favorable impression of the quality of the work.  Doctrinally sound; concise with a very readable style; written with a deliberate attempt to avoid the sophisticated theological jargon that plagues a lot of works on Calvinism.  Highly recommended as a brief introduction to the distinctives of the Reformed faith.

I just put down Philip Graham Ryken’s small booklet in the series, “What is a True Calvinist?”.  I found his explanation of the biblical concept of sanctification exceptional.  Quote (emphasis mine):

To be sure, Calvinism recognizes that God is sovereign in sanctification.  Paul prayed, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thess 5:23-24).  Similarly, the writer to the Hebrews asked God to “work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Heb 13:21).  Christianity is not a performance-based religion.  Those who are saved by grace also live by grace, and their growth in grace is due to the gracious work of God’s Spirit.  This is what preserves Calvinism from legalism.  If someone who claims to be a Calvinist turns out to be a legalist, he or she must not understand the doctrines of grace very well after all, because the true Calvinist is overwhelmed by God’s mercy for sinners.  A graceless Calvinism is thoroughly repugnant to the gospel, for unless the pursuit of holiness is motivated by an ever-deepening love for God and his grace, it quickly becomes joyless and fruitless.

I had to pause and read that paragraph again, because that’s some good stuff.  Salvation is not merely the forgiveness of my sins by God’s grace, but it’s also my transformation into Christ’s image by God’s grace.  The true gospel isn’t about willing and running and striving and trying harder to be good, but it’s about “God who works in you to will and to do according to all His good pleasure…” (Phil 2:13). 

I remember when that truth finally hit home like a ton of bricks.  It was life transforming.  Because when you fully grasp that truth, you will finally understand the gospel.  It’s about not merely justification, but also sanctification by grace. 

Get yourself a copy of these well-done little books.  I’m providing the link here.  If you’re at MAG-24, stop by my office and you can borrow mine…

For the gospel,

Chaplain