Grace that works

...the test of pragmatism

While pragmatism will not always validate what’s

true -- truth is evidential. But even by this limited
measure of "what works," grace is revealed as the
superior means to the end we all seek.

Consider the prevalence today of news headlines that

expose mullahs who condone "jihad," or priests who prey
on pupils, or ministers that fleece their flock—and you
needn’t be a hardened skeptic to question the credibility
and practical relevance of holding any faith in the divine.
Surely beliefs lead to behavior. But before we sacrifice
our idealism on “the alter of skepticism” though, I assert
that any belief system’s efficacy can be substantiated by
hard-data, with demonstrable success greatly favoring
those that approach the tenets of their faith by grace.

Said differently, regardless of how much we strive (in our

own strength) humanity’s proclivity for evil will
eventually overcome even our best efforts to do
otherwise. Conversely, while we are called to be
participants in our faith’s practical outworking, only to
the extent that we allow God to have His will and way in our lives, will we overcome our evil
with good. From a Christian perspective, this involves a yielding to the leadership and
forgiveness offered (again) by grace—through faith in Christ.

Grace relies on a theological concept found only in the Judeo-Christian doctrine of atonement,
which makes allowance for God to accomplish something for mankind that we would never
achieve on our own—perfection. The unmerited favor of grace, assumes that we’re accountable
to the sovereign Creator’s standard, who demands justice be served, yet He provides the
means to this perfect standard through His compensating love. In deed, God’s promise to
reconcile humanity to Himself was accomplished at Calvary, such that those who put their trust
in His “saving” work are set free from both the penalty and the power of their waywardness.

Grace avails the power of God’s Spirit to those who believe. His affect, achieving the
unachievable for us, reduces the tyranny of our previous works righteousness into a compulsion
of love and gratitude. Evidenced countless times throughout history in advancement of society,
governing principle, acts of service and charity, God’s approach is the only hope for this world.
Conversely, those who spurn His completed work, attempting to achieve self-righteousness
through observance of religious ritual, application of situation ethics, or just living by selfish
desire—are destined to leave a legacy of frustration and grief.

When you consider data on the rise in illegitimate births, the spread of STDs and the heartache
of broken homes, the allure of promiscuity loses some of its appeal. When you examine the
high incidence of premature mortality amongst the gay community, it’s hardly an endorsement
of any “life” style. When collusion and greed run ahead of the checks & balances built into the
free enterprise system, people’s livelihoods are ruined and their wealth is gutted. When
modernity is assailed and radical fundamentalism is forced upon a populace, murder and
mayhem result. Cite your instance, and strive as you may (without grace), the results remain
the same—bondage and misery.
Sadly, these all too common examples of our human experience represent attempts to meet
legitimate needs, albeit in an illegitimate fashion. To those who are “weary and heavy laden”
in these pursuits, put grace to the “test of pragmatism.” Validate for yourself that the
abundant life everyone chases is only realized by those who approach it on the basis of grace
through faith in the Savior. To those that seek the true “road less traveled,” it is a journey that
is marked by character building and blessing.

The data has been gathered, and the facts are in. Evidently, the only way to real life and truth
is found in seeking God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Roy J. Tanner