The Gospel of John: The "Free Grace" Gospel?

[Yoder777]

It is often said that John neglects the moral teachings of Jesus. I beg to differ. John presents the greatest commandment in a much stronger form than the Synoptics. Rather than “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus commands something far more radical, “Love one another as I have loved you.” How much did Jesus love us? Enough to lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13)

In case you believe that John teaches a “free grace” theology without any regard to works, look up John 5:29. We are saved by faith that works. This is quite different from placing faith in works. A good faith will produce good fruits. (John 15:1-8) Otherwise, how can the sincerity of your faith be judged? Jesus said, “If you love me, follow my commandments.” (John 14:15)

I wonder why “free grace” folks claim that John is the only Gospel that presents how we will be saved, and that this is without any regard to works, and yet they ignore Jesus’ own statements in John that he will judge each man by his works and that if we love him, we’ll follow his commandments. I’m not trying to push any form of legalism, but I do believe that, as Christians, we’re called to be compassionate in active love.

 

[Yoder777]

Let’s not forget the words of Martin Luther

Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever.

Luther and Calvin were clear that genuine faith produces good works. “Free grace” theology is relatively recent and divorced from traditional Protestantism. It even claims that, as long as you say the sinner’s prayer and sound sincere enough, it doesn’t even matter if you don’t have faith for the rest of your life.

 

[brb3]

“Free grace” theology is relatively recent and divorced from traditional Protestantism. It even claims that, as long as you say the sinner’s prayer and sound sincere enough, it doesn’t even matter if you don’t have faith for the rest of your life.

Believing that ‘free grace’ sets you free … to do as you wish, no longer obligated to obey the laws of OT, which they mistakenly believe is onerous legalism.