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Established With Grace

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by KenH, Nov 18, 2022.

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  1. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. - Hebrews 13:9

    The doctrines of grace are streams which flow from the fountain-head, the covenant of grace. They all lead to Jesus, the surety of the covenant. All doctrines that oppose the covenant-engagements of the Holy Trinity, for the salvation of sinners, are diverse, and strange doctrines. They direct to a different hope than Christ, and lead souls from the truth, as it is in him. With these diverse and strange doctrines, men may evidence great zeal for holiness and good works, while they have rooted enmity against the leading truths and capital doctrines of the gospel. ... another cast, carry their notions of holiness and perfection to the greatest height; yet vehemently oppose the doctrines of grace, election of grace, salvation by grace, justification by the righteousness of Christ, and the sure and certain perseverance of all his saints to eternal glory. We are in danger of being carried about, like clouds and meteors in the air, by the wind; so as to have our minds always fluctuating, wavering, and unsettled, by diverse and strange doctrines, touching our acceptance with God, and the hope of eternal life.

    But as a remedy against this evil, says the apostle, “It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;” with the doctrines of grace, and with an experience of the grace of those doctrines. ... Some are all for warm affections, but care little for solid judgment. These soon grow giddy-headed. Others are all for doctrines, and aim only to have clear heads and a sound judgment; but care not whether the heart is warmly affected, and the life powerfully influenced. Such are like dry sticks in a garden, which support vegetables, but neither grow, nor bring forth any fruit to Christ’s glory. O Christian, be concerned to have thy heart established with the grace of Christ, rooted in the love of Christ, and animated by the Spirit of Christ!

    - excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God, Volume 2, November 18
     
    #1 KenH, Nov 18, 2022
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2022
  2. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    Hebrews 13:9 (NASB)
    Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

    The OP the message is that it is "a good thing that the heart be established with grace" with the "doctrines of grace" [code for the TULIP] and with the [claimed] grace of those doctrines.

    Nothing could be farther from the truth. Let us look at the verse and see if we can discern God's actual message.

    1) The first word to consider has been translated "misled" by the NASB and "carried about" by the KJV. This same word is found in Ephesians 4:14 in the phrase "carried about by every wind of doctrine" and conveys the idea we should be steadfast, and not wander away, hither and yon, with the many and wrong doctrines that differ from the doctrine of Christ providing salvation by grace and not religious rituals.

    2) The idea of various and strange teachings is that Christ's gospel is a single unchanging message of which we are familiar, but there are manifold deviations from that truth, which we are to avoid.

    3) It is ideal or good or best that our heart be "established" or steadfast concerning salvation by grace and not religious rituals such as eating the right foods, or sacrificing the right animals, etc. In other words Judaism

    4) Adherents of Judaism do not benefit from their works, because we are saved by grace though faith and not by works.
     
    #2 Van, Nov 18, 2022
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