Totally Forgiven vs Behavior Matters - Part 1

Table of Contents

Christians tend to fall into one of two groups--the Grace Group and the Behavior Bunch. Both groups have their favorite Scriptures which they use to to define their position.

The Grace Group likes verses like:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3.16 WEB

...for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast Eph 2.8-9 WEB

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; Rom 3:21-22 NASB

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8.1 NIV

The tendency of those in the Grace Group is to conclude: God is merciful, and Jesus has completely paid for all my sins, both past and future, thus there are no consequences for my behavior.

The Behavior Bunch likes verses like:

You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. James 2.24 WEB

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. Rom 2:8-11 NIV

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done Matt 16:27 NIV

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph 5:5 NIV

The tendency of those in the Behavior Bunch is to conclude: God is just, and Jesus is my judge, thus I need to learn all the laws in the NT and obey them, or else I will go to Hell.