Many false doctrines and erroneous ideas have been developed by removing a scripture from its context. This practice has been employed by many cults and anti-Christian leaders since the beginning of Christianity.
If Eliphaz’s discourse were not studied in its contextual setting, we would believe that God always prospers the righteous (Job 22:23-25). This statement was uttered by one of Job’s comforters who was works-minded and whom God said was not inspired (Job 42:7). His doctrine was similar to the deadly versions of the Gospel that teach God rewards good behavior with riches, that many works—minded Charismatic Christians believe today, a doctrine that purports that if you are poor then you are not pleasing to God.
The “preacher” in the book of Ecclesiastes wrote that the “dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5), and that “all is vanity” and that there is “nothing new under the sun,” but his erroneous view was the result of his unregenerate condition. It was the view of an earthly and carnal man portrayed by the second chapter of the book as backslidden. The words of Satan are recorded in the Book of Job, the essence of which indicates that every man has a price.
This may be true in most cases, but not always. Therefore, it is not true and the reader is supposed to discem this by looking at the context.
So, too in the New Testament, we must understand that out of the context of the intended conversation, many of the verses tradition has taught us mean a certain thing, are actually very different when understood in the correct context.
Many an errent idea, even though the reader or student meant well, has resulted in grossly ineffective teaching and misguided ideas.
To properly understand Paul’s doctrine of Divine Grace, the setting and the context are very important. His listeners (Jews) were extremely legalistic religious people who had little or no faith. (Deuteronomy 32:20)
Let’s look at Grace.
“UNMERITED FAVOR” THE ERRONEOUS DEFINITION
The most common definition 0f grace is that it is “the unmerited favor of God”. But this explanation falls far short of its full meaning. John said that Jesus was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Could it be theologically correct to say that Jesus was full of “unmerited favor?”
Obviously not, for Jesus was worthy of all praise and all merit. He was born without sin and remained without sin for his entire life. Furthermore Peter said, “But grow in grace” (11 Peter 3:18). Does God want us to grow” in “unmerited favor?” Obviously not!
THE TRULY BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF GRACE
A more biblical definition of grace seems to be “divine enablement.” Jesus was full of divine enablement, and we need to “grow” in divine enablement. Furthermore, grace is synonymous with “help” and “strength.”
Paul said, we should come before the throne of grace that we may “find grace to help in the time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). In another place Paul received an answer from God when he prayed for deliverance from the incessant persecution, which was his “thorn in the flesh.” The answer was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (11 Corinthians 12:9).
Peter said that the grace of God enables us to “stand” (1 Peter 5:12). Grace “establishes” the believer (Hebrews 13:9) and it “teaches” the believer (Titus 2:1 1).
JEWISH MINDSET
Today’s misunderstanding of the grace of God is partly due to a theological misunderstanding about the writings of Paul on the subject. The constant and horrendous struggle that took place between Paul and the Judaizers, that was even present in Jesus ministry, and was Jesus most frequent warning, had a lot to do with this unique situation.
To counteract the Jewish mindset, Paul found it necessary to emphasize “believing” as opposed to “works.” This doctrine is misunderstood by many and taken as a license to sin because they fail to realize the atmosphere and Jewish culture of a works-based mentality produced this doctrine.
In Romans chapter 4, Paul quoted the Genesis account of the justification of the patriarch Abraham. The passage was Abraham “believed” the promises of the Lord and his faith was counted unto him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God. so God declared him to be righteous.” When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work (Romans 413-5 New Living Translation).
PAUL COMBATS EXTREME LEGALISM
Paul, in order to combat the extreme legalism the the Judaisers had , stated that we are not justified by the works of the law of Moses, but by faith in Jesus. This explanation of saving faith was necessary to enable the Jewish people to understand the “free gift” of God.
They only understood salvation that is earned by adhering to a set of rules. Paul attempted to balance his first-century readers with a very generous view of grace. Many sincere religious people in our day are taught erroneous concepts about this great doctrine which if taken too far becomes nothing more than a license to sin. But when taken the other way, we become just like the Judaisers.
One wonders which is worse. Not understanding how absolute the Atonement is, and consequently living under the mantle of guilt all of one’s life. Or, never applying His grace with a pure heart, but instead doing “despite to the spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29) and taking advantage of Him by living a life of frivolous sin.
The key is being motivated by Love and allowing you faith to show in those acts Love.
Just remember, there’s nothing you can do to make God love any more. And there’s nothing you can do to make God love you any less.
An edited reprint from “The Heresy of the Judaisers-Christianity’s Greatest Controversy” by Mike Conn
Neos Renaissance 