Three Streams

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… 2 Peter 3:18

The Lord really brought this home to me yesterday, each of us miss the mark in so many ways. It is easier to get your thinking about theology starightened than it is your character. Infact if theological truth isnt transforming our character then something is wrong, we are ‘hearers and not doers’. This is why Peter says we need to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The more we grow in grace the more we realise that we cant outgrow grace! We always need to rely on grace! My present sanctification, if it is true sanctification is a fruit of my growth in grace. If I think that sanctification means I can make it on my own I soon fall under the law and need to be reminded that it is ‘all of grace’.

Grace softens the heart, it is easy to get frustrated when you see really bad theology in the church and in peoples lives, however growth in grace will keep the heart soft and tender. Grace doesnt excuse bad theology but it makes it easier to deal with. Many ‘orthodox’ thinkers often end up imbittered and sadly this undermines the theology that they stand for. We have a responsibility to grow in grace and knowledge so that our critics have nothing to pin on us! Let our grace be as real as our theology!

J