Month: July 2018

Don: In recent weeks, we seem to have arrived at a conclusion that grace is actionable—that it needs to be passed on, that we have to do something with it if we have the right tools in our toolbox at the needed time and place. Yet the amazing thing about grace is that it operates…

Don: Jesus taught the principle that in judgment, grace triumphs over destruction. That is God’s way. Man’s way is the substitution of his own works, instead of accepting God’s grace; in part because we are suspicious of free gifts and undeserved forgiveness. Is grace really free, unencumbered, and available to all? Jesus said “Yes, but…”…

Don: A 2017 Pew poll of American belief found that 52 percent of Protestants believe that both good deeds and faith are needed for salvation. Two core principles of the 500-year-old Reformation seem to be eroding. Protestants, including Martin Luther, thought that salvation was obtained through faith alone—sola fide—and that Scripture alone had the authority…

Don: In our discussion to date, we seem to have arrived at six principles regarding judgment: There is a judgment, and everyone is subject to it. Judgment is counterintuitive—everyone is surprised by his or her judgment. There can be joy in judgment. Judgment is a divine, not a human, prerogative. Judgment is linked to how…