WHO IS PLAYING INTO THE ENEMY’S HANDS?

Someone commented on my blog post—EIGHT KEY TENETS OF HYPER-GRACE DOCTRINE REFUTED—which is found at this link, http://bit.ly/1ibPiTU:

“Though I have some reservations on hyper-grace pastor Prince's messages, I see more flaws in your understanding of Scriptures. Instead of dividing the body of Christ and playing into the enemy's (satan's) scheme, why not use this blog or Facebook to preach a message of hope to the lost, downtrodden and needy? Our Lord Jesus said that the harvest indeed is plentiful but the labourers are few. Why not answer that urgent call rather than waste time & energy putting down another labourer of the Lord?”

Here is my response:

Firstly, I applaud your concern about fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Yes, we should not waste our time and energy debating on minor issues, which only stir up controversy.

But we need to ask ourselves whether these hyper-grace teachings are merely minor issues that believers can shrug off. I do not think so.

Many Christian leaders are similarly appalled by the teachings of hyper-grace. They are sounding alarm bells. Please see articles by THREE well-respected Christian leaders, John Burton, Dr. Michael Brown and Roger Sapp, at the end of this blog post.

Secondly, while it is important to share the Good News (or salvation message) to pre-believers, it is also important to snatch out from the fire believers who are headed for destruction, whether through willful sinning or deception (Jude 1:23).

While some have the gift of evangelism and bring in a mighty harvest of souls, others conserve the gains made in God’s kingdom through rebuke, correction and warning so that believers do not go astray. Though the latter are not evangelists, they snatch out of the fire wayward believers and thus help to reduce the attrition rate. http://bit.ly/1Y1tqL8

At this juncture, I hope you do get my point that it is useless to start out well and then, along the way in our spiritual walk, we get deceived and fall by the wayside. It must be remembered that only overcomers receive the reward (Matthew 24:9-13, Revelation 3:5). In this respect, believers must be warned of the dangerous deception posed by hyper-grace, which gives a false sense of security to believers. http://bit.ly/1ghthQF

                                                                       

The true gospel tells us there is a price to be paid for following God and the way to heaven is narrow and difficult whereas the false gospel of hyper-grace entices man with benefits and gives us a comforting but false assurance that the way to heaven is going to be easy. http://bit.ly/1OfG6bP

                                                                    

Thirdly, we often assume that Christians are supposed to be kind, good-natured and tolerant in every situation. However, that is not the stance adopted by apostles Paul, Peter and John in relation to false teachings. They made sure they took a strong stand against destructive heresies (2 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1).

Does emphasis on evangelism mean that we cannot contend against false teaching? No. http://bit.ly/1NPpH1f

Fourthly, you mentioned about the danger of playing into the enemy's scheme. How can we be sure who is playing into satan’s schemes—whether it is you or I—unless we scrutinise the teachings of man against the Word, like the faithful Bereans. Otherwise, we may be deceived and led up the garden path to damnation by destructive heresy. http://bit.ly/1KeKVRU

                                                                       
Fifthly, regarding your concern about dividing the body of Christ, what is the point of preserving unity if it is at the expense of TRUTH? http://bit.ly/1lmKwVJ

Sixthly, please substantiate your statement that “I see more flaws in your understanding of the glorious Scriptures”. I am waiting for you to specifically point out the errors in my post, EIGHT KEY TENETS OF HYPER-GRACE DOCTRINE REFUTED—which is found at this link, http://bit.ly/1ibPiTU

Finally, it is my hope that the readers of this blog may prayerfully go through all the links provided and make up your own mind. If you are truthful to yourself, and diligently study the Word, I am sure you will come to the inevitable conclusion that hyper-grace is one of the most dangerous heresies extant in the modern church.

EXTERNAL LINKS

HAVE YOU FALLEN FOR THE FALSE-GRACE MESSAGE? (By John Burton)

http://www.johnburton.net/2012/05/22/have-you-fallen-for-the-false-grace-message-five-marks-of-the-false-grace-doctrine/

CONFRONTING THE ERROR OF HYPER-GRACE (By Dr Michael Brown)

http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/devotionals/live-extraordinarily?view=article&id=16829:confronting-the-error-of-hyper-grace&catid=1555

IS CONFESSION REDUNDANT? (By Roger Sapp)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYUKOtya_xs

FOOTNOTE

Here is the original comment by the blog reader. It has been edited for clarity and grammar and presented at the top of this blog post in blue.

“Dear Dr. Though I have some reservations on Pastor Prince's messages but I see more flaws in your understanding of the glorious Scriptures! Instead of further dividing the Body of Christ and being played into the enemy's scheme, why not use this blog/Facebook to preach this message of hope to the lost, the downtrodden and the needy? Our Lord Jesus said that harvest indeed is plentiful but the laborers are fill. Why not answer to that urgent call than wasting time & energy putting down on another laborer of the Lord.”

SHINING LIKE STARS

How can believers shine like stars in the night sky? 

We’re not talking here about film stars and rock stars—those who enjoy the adulation of fans and bask in transient fame and glory.

We’re also not alluding to the stars of the prosperity gospel known for their charisma or the miracle workers who hold many spellbound by their ability to bring about signs and wonders (Matthew 7:21-23).

Rather, we are referring to those who turn many to righteousness. They are deemed as stars in God’s eyes. They will be honoured and rewarded one day when they meet their Creator.

                                                                     

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

(Daniel 12:3)

It is implied that there are various degrees of glory in eternity. Apart from the moon’s illumination of the night sky, individual stars twinkle in their own distinctive way. 

Indeed, there will be different forms and measures of eternal rewards for believers (1 Corinthians 3: 12-14, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12). 

What does ‘turning others to righteousness’ involve? By convention, it means sharing the Good News or salvation message to pre-believers. But it can also mean snatching out from the fire believers who are headed for destruction, whether through willful sinning or deception (Jude 1:23).

                                                                        

While some have the gift of evangelism and bring in a mighty harvest of souls, others conserve the gains made in God’s kingdom through rebuke, correction and warning so that believers do not go astray. Though the latter are not evangelists, they snatch out of the fire wayward believers and thus help to reduce the attrition rate. It must be remembered that only overcomers receive the reward (Matthew 24:9-13, Revelation 3:5). 

After all, the Great Commission is not merely about churning out converts but making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), who in turn are sufficiently equipped so that they are able to train others to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).

Continual exposure to pulpit ministry and seminars may lead to a state whereby believers are overfed and underutilised for the kingdom of God. It’s a case of excessive intake leading to “spiritual obesity” and lack of “exercise” in terms of witnessing.

                                                                      

Here is an engaging and lively video by pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie on HOW TO SHARE OUR FAITH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hviN1_s3Vo

I believe it is a must-watch video for every believer who desires to share the Good News with someone who does not know Christ. It deals with the principles and guidelines we need to observe when witnessing, not about a fixed method.

Though not all of us are called to be evangelists, we are to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). We should always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us, yet doing it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Have we shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)?

If we do so consistently, we will become like shining stars one day. Those who win souls are wise.