Conference's Confirmation

During the FGA National Conference I got confirmation, again. I can't remember who it was, who said this. Perhaps it was Dr. Dave Anderson? A statement was said that I've been wondering upon, for years. This is what I remember him saying:

"There are three kinds of legalism. Legalism for salvation with no faith in Christ. Legalism for salvation, with faith in Christ. And then there is legalism, in sanctification. Galatians three, makes it clear that the church there was having trouble understanding their sanctification and works of the law."

Awesome! I had been reading the book of Galatians and I too noticed that Galatians 3 had to be about sanctification. But, the beginning of the book (Galatians one) started with explaining the gospel of justification. It was very difficult for me to be able to... prove that Paul was describing sanctification here. I had been desiring to say to others that Galatians was saying that justification and sanctification too, were the same gospel, the same message, the same Way: faith, alone. The reason why Paul glides from justification by faith, alone, into sanctification by faith, alone, is because the message is simply one, from start to end.

I didn't have anyone to talk about this, with. I'd tell people and they thought I was gravely mistaken. I can't remember too many instances of people who will confess that sanctification is accomplished by faith, alone. At the conference, Pastor Tom Stegall said this, too. I am blessed! I don't have to read the bible and feel all alone, anymore!

If it's true, if it is true that we are without any condemnation by faith, alone, this is something to get excited about! This is something to proclaim, to be loud about, an unusual, untapped righteousness to exercise and wear publicly.

Some people say "Does this mean obedience to the law is irrelevant?'' I say, no, the nature of obedience by faith is that the faith becomes so established that it wells up and overflows, into lifestyle. There is only one place for true transformation, and that is in the presence and fellowship with the Father through the cross of Christ. That's where true obedience comes from.

Therefore as Free Grace people we ought to be in the business of defending the access to obedience by faith, alone! So many stay away from God because their lifestyle isn't good enough, and by doing so miss their one place to experience deliverance!

Recently I've gotten excited about the new pastor who is coming to our church, who really understands the need for culturally-relevant discipleship. But, listening to the lectures on "grace-driven" relationships, shows me that Free Grace can do the same.

Justification by faith alone.
Sanctification by faith alone.
Culturally-relevant discipleship.

My heart is full with joy: this is the full package. I'm so pleased.