Grace and/or Truth?
In today’s church we put much emphasis on community and relationships and consequently it is easy for doctrine to be sidelined. I remember a vicar in our church saying from the pulpit:
“Doctrine is divisive.”
It can be true that doctrine provokes debates and even quarrels and so there are some who want to downplay its importance and focus on ‘love’. This raises the question, “What is more important, ‘grace’ or ‘truth’”. Most of us stand somewhere on the line between being advocates for ‘Grace’ and advocates for ‘Truth’.
GRACE ————————————— TRUTH
Those full of grace are good to be with, they are so pleasant, welcoming and obliging. They don’t impose themselves on you; tolerance characterises them. They do not want to upset people. However they tend to be slow at standing up for right and against wrong and often are relatively ineffective in helping others become Christians because they find it hard to ask questions.
Those full of truth have convictions and principles. They clearly see the difference between right and wrong and speak out clearly against falsehood, wrong priorities and doctrinal errors. They tend to be intolerant and so can come across as abrasive. They may be inspiring but at the same time can put people off.
‘Grace’ people are most concerned about being loved, whereas ‘truth’ people are most concerned about being right even if it means being disliked. Both have their problems, something is wrong if most people dislike you and something is wrong where the concern to be liked is made at the cost of truth.
Kevin de Young was asked which of grace or truth was more important in today’s church when being interviewed for the job of Senior Minister in a University Church. His reply was robust:
“This is a bad question. Seeing as how Jesus came from the Father full of grace and truth, I believe we should be one hundred per cent in both directions.”
Jesus
Jesus claimed to have a unique connection to truth, stating,
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6
Jesus stood up for truth, he was not afraid to say to influential people:
“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Matthew 22:29
He was willing to break religious and social taboos to share the gospel with the woman at the well in Samaria (John 4). The truth of the gospel mattered so much.
At his trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Jesus declared that his primary purpose was:
“. . . to bear witness to the truth” John 18:37
Even when faced with execution, he did not recant his claims to being the King and the Son of God.
How our world desperately needs people who will robustly stand up for and teach people to seek after truth. Alexei Navalny who was poisoned with Novichok and then later killed in a Russian prison found that his faith in Jesus gave him the strength to persistently stand up against evil.
Yet at the same time Jesus was full of love for those in need. Jesus offered forgiveness to those who knew they could not earn it. When confronted with the woman taken in adultery he did not condemn her but forgave her, but then added the warning:
“Go and sin no more.” John 8:1-11
He promised the thief on the cross, suffering alongside him,
“Today you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:39-43
Jesus epitomised both grace and truth:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Peter and John, when they stood on trial before the Sanhedrin were unashamed to warn them of the truth, that following Jesus is essential if anyone is to be right with God:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved”. Acts 4:12
Doctrine certainly matters.
Christians
We have all been given the gift of the Holy Spirit so this combination of ‘Grace’ and ‘Truth’ should characterise us. The combination of love and truth will lead us to want to share the gospel with others. Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28
Jesus demonstrated a passionate love - he longed for people to be saved. The truth of the horror of sin both in life now and at our eternal judgment should motivate us. We need to be able to say to others with Jesus:
“. . . the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
We need to be able to explain to people what this freedom is:
“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin…But if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” John 8:36
Jesus was full of love and grace when he warned people that they need to be forgiven for the way they have treated their heavenly Father and his Son.
How we Christians need to learn to walk closely with our Lord. Ethan the Ezrahite, a wise companion of King Solomon understood what is required:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.” Psalm 89:14-16
Only those who are constantly living closely to the Lord will be able to stand up for righteousness and yet show God’s love to all around.
BVP
