One of the misperceptions about the “modern” grace message, is that it makes people lazy. As I explain elsewhere, nothing could be further from the truth. But the misperception is understandable, since grace teaches us to rest from our works and trust in Christ’s finished work. “Is that it?” says the critic? “We’re just supposed to do nothing?” When it comes to saving you and sanctifying you, the answer is an emphatic Yes! Jesus has done it all. That said, there is an aspect to grace which is not well understood, and that is the responsibility we have to ourselves to work out the good thing God has put within us. For example, the grace of God is supposed to teach us to say no to ungodliness (Tit. 2:12). If we’re not saying no to sin and ungodliness, something is wrong. We’re not walking in freedom. “Responsibility” is a word that we need to take back from the works-preachers. It’s not a bad word, it’s just been misused. For years I have insisted that we have a responsibility to believe what God says about us, and that’s true. But that’s a bit like saying I have a responsibility to love my … Continue reading “Grace: The Power to Change” by Jim Richards