Cheap and Legal

I have no interest in rehashing the sanctification debate, so this is the only thing I’m going to say about Haggard. There’s two options he’s likely to face:

First, there is cheap grace, the most popular option these days for most sins. Cheap grace says, “It’s okay, everybody sins some times.” Or, “Everybody else does it.” And then, “We’re saved by grace, so you’re forgiven!” Then it pats you on the back and you go on your way, thinking that everything is fine.

The other option is legalism. Legalism says, “If you don’t measure up to our standards, you can’t be in our club.” Or, “A real Christian would never do that.” And then, “The Kingdom of God is not for likes of you.” And then, “Then it kicks you out and you go on your way thinking that you can never be saved.

Both of these are wrong....

Haggard has happened to hit one of the only sins that still offends the conscience of American Christians, so he probably won’t get cheap grace. He probably will get a lot of legalism. However, I pray that God will grant him true repentance.

[via The Boars Head Tavern, HT: The Bush League Theologian]