In counseling we are continually amazed to discover how many Christians still believe they are “just sinners saved by grace.” Even worse than believing this heretical lie from Satan is that they are completely unaware of the dastardly consequences this lie will have on their daily lives. They are blinded by it and cannot see the negative way it flows over into the lives of their family, friends and relationship with God. Further, they resist all appeals to repent and accept their true identity in Christ.
“Where does the Bible state this idea?” Since there is no verse that tells us we are sinners saved by grace, no one has ever defended this biblically. The arguments made are feeble attempts using partial scriptures out of context to “prove” this highly invalid and false belief system. This concept comes from traditional teachings like those that are rebuked by Jesus in Mark 7.
One of the equally heretical and false belief systems popular in the Lord’s time here on planet earth was that a person needed to ceremonially purify himself, his cups, and other utensils prior to eating or drinking. In Mark 7 some disciples of the Lord are accused by the church people of that day of what to them was a horrible activity. They challenged Jesus with the accusation, Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands? (Mark 7:5)
Jesus responds to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN. Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. (Mark 7:6-8)
The idea that Christians are “just sinners saved by grace” is likewise nothing more than a traditional belief system taught by sincere men and women who either lack the ability to accurately study the Scriptures or are afraid of teaching the undiluted truth that sets people free. Whether intentional or not, the Bible is clear about false teachers. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). Of these men Jesus warns, Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)
Why is this idea of “just sinners saved by grace” wrong? Apart from having absolutely no biblical basis, it completely dismisses the completed work of Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21) Did Jesus do what He came to do? Yes! Still some maintain that our becoming righteous is yet future, which is not what the Bible teaches.
In addition to this, the overwhelming evidence in the Bible teaches that we are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20) In most of Paul’s letters to us, he addresses them to the “saints” who lived in Corinth, Rome, Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae. The Greek word for saint is “hagios” which means “called out” or “holy ones.” It is the result of your new birth experience, not your behavior.
In like manner, Paul uses the word “sinner” in Romans as the label of one born only in Adam in their pre-salvation state. Believers in Jesus Christ are NEVER referred to in the New Testament as “sinners”, especially not as “sinners saved by grace.” Why is this so important? After all is it not just semantics or preferences? It is not semantics; it’s Bible based Identity.
The issue is one of belief. In John 6:28-29 we read, They said to Him, ‘What must we do, that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’ Jesus refers to the Old Testament as the truth and uses the Old Testament to rebuke the temptations of Satan in the wilderness and the religious leaders of those days with the same three words, “It is written.” This idea of allowing Scripture to be our only source of truth becomes the model we should follow when we hear error or false teaching.
In Proverbs 18:21 we read, Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Later in Proverbs 23:7 we read, For as he thinks within himself, so is he. The point here is: The way you view yourself will control the way you behave and the way you see God. Saint Augustine says, “You cannot live correctly if your view of God is incorrect.” If God says you are a saint, and you say otherwise, you will never enjoy your walk with the Lord because you will not be “walking with the Lord in a manner worthy of your calling” as saints.
The result of not walking according to your calling, or your true identity in Christ, will be cynicism, anger at life, anger at those around you, a critical spirit of self and others, unforgiveness, and vain imaginations all flowing out of you and spilling over to all you know. None of these things are from the Spirit of God. They are all the fruit of mistaken identity. In counseling, this is one of the first areas a person needs to understand to begin seeing change in their relationship with God, self and others.
How about you? What are the labels that you put on yourself? We would love the opportunity to walk alongside of you as Christ reveals the truth of scripture. You are no longer a sinner saved by grace. You are a saint! Please give us a call at 864-224-5557 or click on the Counseling button below. We can’t wait to hear from you!