Putting Amazing Back into Grace

I've just finished reading, for the second time, a book that played a significant role in leading me to the beauty of the Bible's teaching on the principally important subject of salvation. The book is called Putting Amazing Back Into Grace by Michael Horton and it is a comprehensive introduction to what is known today as Reformed Theology. To be honest, my memory prior to this second read was only that the book had offended me with its teachings on the sovereignty of God and a completely God-centered salvation. On the first read-through I really had no categories for much of what the book was saying, but it served its purpose; it drove me to the Bible to see if all of this "election" and "priesthood of all believers" stuff was actually true. And it was.

Before continuing, I must plug this book and say that if you are contemplating such topics as "original sin" and "predestination," you will find here a kind, biblical-based approach to these questions. Not only was the book instrumental in my acceptance of the Reformed faith, it was a great aid in helping some of my college friends confront and think through some of these doctrines. If you are already Reformed, this book will make you proud of your history! Amongst the discouragements of church-life, I find the history referenced in this book encouraging and, I must say, it makes me proud of Reformed Christians in the past. Hearing about people who put the gospel, which emcompasses all of life, into action in order to love their neighbors better (and not to gain power!) spurs me on to dig deeper into these truths about God and what they mean for our society.

Some Highlights:

Hiding behind religion

"Religion is, for the most part, our way of covering ourselves, a means of sewing respectability, morality, and charity into a patchwork garment that can hide our nakedness."

This quote really hit home as I just recently read Larry Crabb's Inside Out which is basically a whole book dedicated to exposing this modern state of (much of) Christianity. Going past seeing this tragedy in churches and other Christians, I see it in myself. When was the last time you prayerfully examined what areas of your life, and especially your religion, were simply means to cover your blotches and hide your weakness? The truth, as Crabb and Horton both insist upon, is that the Christianity of Jesus exposes our weakness and inner-ugliness for everyone to see. If I'm not living in that, I'm not living in the gospel. I am also reminded of the Derek Webb song "I Repent" which is a wonderful example of what the Christian attitude should be like. On his record The House Show he gives a spoken introduction in which he preaches that we would all be better off if our deepest, darkest sins were exposed on the local news. So much of our lives are consumed with using things in our lives (especially our religion) to cover our deep crookedness. We confess that we are deeply sinful and only have hope in Christ, but our lives shout, "I'm not that bad! I couldn't be that bad! After all, how could Jesus love me if I was that bad? How could you love me if I was that bad?" And alas, if we would only confront that question, it would lead us to actually believing the good news of the gospel. Jesus insists on exposing our true nature, leaving us only to boast in his righteousness.


Christian Liberty--"an appendix to justification"

It was no surprise to me that this theme is covered in the book; however, the stress on its importance for the justified sinner was a welcomed surprise. To begin, John Calvin considered the doctrine "an appendix to justification." Calvin states:

"He who proposes to summarize gospel teaching ought by no means to omit an explanation of this topic. For it is a thing of prime necessity, and apart from a knowledge of it consciences dare undertake almost nothing without doubting; they hesitate and recoil from many things; they constantly waver and are afraid. But freedom is especially an appendage of justification and is of no little avail in understanding its power."

Wow! Now, I realize that there are many different ideas and levels of importance given to this topic in different regions and churches. To be certain, many Reformed Christians have given too great an importance to the matter. However, in many cultures (such as ::cough:: the Presbyterian church in Mexico ::cough::) the lack of the practice of Christian Liberty leaves a bite taken out of the doctrine of justification. John Calvin's quote hits home.

Horton adds to Calvin's thoughts:

"If one cannot experience and enjoy justification before God, the practical value of this amazing truth is lost even if it is given assent by those who deny Christian liberty."

"Calvin said we need to know our Christian liberty in order to 'recognize his [God's] liberality toward us.' In other words, when I enjoy a really fine meal and a bottle of superb wine with some freinds, I can say, 'Well, I hope God isn't looking. This is the last time I'll do this,' or, more likely, 'Who cares who's looking. I'm sick of those stupid rules. If God exists to tell me where to part my hair, I've had it with religion.' Or, on the other hand, I can silently thank God and think of him as the loving provider of this meal. As we laugh, tell stories, and catch up on old news, it is almost as if God is there at the table, just sitting there, laughing right along, like a father who takes pleasure in the delight of his children. In fact, this is not an image one has to conjure up; one may find it quite clearly in the life of our Lord. God incarnate, 'friend of sinners.'

To be sure, Horton (nor Calvin) do not merely leave the matter in positive light. Christian liberty can be used to sin against a weaker brother or sister. Both Horton and Calvin go into this matter, although they do clarify that the truth cuts both ways, both parties should stop passing judgement. What I want to highlight here is the Reformed stance that living in liberty is actually glorifying to God! We do not have to walk on egg shells as Christians. In fact, that is the antithesis of the Christian life. To explain Calvin with Calvin, "...we should use God's gifts for the purpose of which he gave them to us, with no scruple of conscience, no trouble of mind. With such confidence our minds will be at peace with him, and will recognize his liberality toward us...Its whole force consists in quieting frightened and disturbed consciences before God."