The topic of "growing in grace" refers specifically to:
- (1) those already saved, and
- (2) has to do with godliness, showing mercy, and how to add to faith (i.e., to keep steadfast).
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INTRODUCTION:
GROWING IN GRACE is NOT about seeking "more favour"
(for example, Christians are already in favour!), but rather:
- (1) "adding to faith" (we receive grace by faith; so adding to faith will have to effect that we "grow in grace"), or
-(2) "showing grace" (grow in grace towards others)(be gracious and merciful, doing good deeds etc.) .
It is important to look at the context of scriptures in which Christians are encouraged to "grow in GRACE". For example, it is set versus "falling from steadfastness" in 2 Pe 3:17,18 (http://promisedkingdom.blogspot.com/2018/07/growing-in-grace-vs-falling-from-grace.html), and in that sense it teaches us that this topic has very much to do with "keeping steadfast". According to the Greek word used "growing in GRACE" also points to growing in "thanks, joy, freedom, pleasure" etc. in the Lord. In the case where Christians "add to their faith" (and thus, through faith show that they favour the Lord / obedience, holiness etc.), they will "grow in grace" (and not "fall from grace"). But growing in grace also refers to "growing in favour towards others" (thus, not "us seeking favour", but rather showing favour or grace to others). In fact, we are encouraged to "show grace" to other people! (as in being merciful)(Matt. 25...).
In the same way that grace is given BY faith (to those who believe), "adding to faith" (2 Pe 1:5) will naturally have to effect that we "GROW (increase) in grace" (2 Pe 3:18). It is clear that there is some effort or labour needed from the Christian's side (in order to keep steadfast), but this "labour" does not refer to "works in order to receive salvation" (or grace), but rather "works of faith" (works or labour of those already saved) -thus "adding to faith" (for example, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, holiness, brotherly love, charity, knowledge etc...) in order to "grow in grace" . Not only will "adding to faith" have to effect that we grow in grace ourselves, but we will also grow in grace towards others... Steadfast Christians are normally merciful people! (Matt. 25).
To receive GRACE is like a steadfastness in which every Christian stand - it's an assurance that they are in favour and accepted! The only way to receive this and to be steadfast in the Lord, is of course through FAITH. Through faith we receive grace, but is it possible for someone to fall away from this steadfastness? (to "fail of the GRACE of God)? Many will say no, but according to Scripture the answer is in fact yes!; however, God always keeps His promises... - this is not a case of where Jesus let go, but "falling from grace" is about "where Christians let go"! It's about Christians that don't keep the faith and don't stand fast to the truth...
Thus, is it possible for a Christian to lose his salvation (to fall out of his steadfastness)? Yes, but only if he let go! If a Christian keep fast to the faith in Jesus Christ and stand fast in the truth, he has nothing to worry about. But those not holding fast are falling from their steadfastness - it is something they do themselves (not something the Lord do). Thus the importance of "growing in grace" (i.e. to "make our calling and election sure" - which refers to godliness and being merciful...), because if you don't, you might very well "fall from grace"!
Compare this with topics on "Christian growth" and "fruit" that will be harvested when Jesus comes back... In conclusion, the topic of growing in grace has everything to do with:
- loving the Lord (show that you favour Him, for example "godliness") and
- loving other people (show grace - growing in grace towards other people).
(Please scroll down for conclusion and examples).
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How do we GROW IN GRACE?
To "grow in grace" (2 Pe 3:18) could mean, "grow in favour"; although the word grace here is the Greek word "khar'-ece" that can mean any of the following:- "acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy)". In this scripture, where Christians are encouraged to "grow in grace", it could very well mean growing in thanks or joy etc. rather than favour. Furthermore, it does not necessarily refer to "growing in favour with someone else" (for example, to be more acceptable), but could refer to the person himself "growing in favour towards others" - which indeed rather seems to be the case when we read 2 Pe 3 in context. It is important therefore to look at the context in which we are encouraged to "grow in grace'. And if we are encouraged, it is clearly something that we must "DO" (i.e. "works of faith").
Now let's look at these Scriptures in context:
(2Pe 3:18) "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen".
Compare this also with 2 Pe 1:5-11 in which Simon Peter hope that GRACE and peace WILL BE MULTIPLIED unto the church (and take heed: "through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord"-v.2,3; http://promisedkingdom.blogspot.com/2018/07/growing-in-grace-vs-falling-from-grace.html). Although they already received the promises (v. 3,4), they are encouraged to ADD TO their FAITH! (v.5):- virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, holiness, brotherly love and charity (v. 5-11).
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The importance of Christian growth:
This theme can be also compared to the topic on Christian growth - for example, from babes to fathers (https://warechristene.blogspot.com/2013/08/hoe-groei-die-christen-geestelik.html)(1 John 2:12-14); or metaphorically speaking Christians are like seed planted in this world to grow into trees, and bear fruit... Christians need to GROW (like seed do, to plants or trees, and bear fruit)(http://warechristene.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html).
A babe in Christ (the newborn) are spiritually renewed, yes, but cannot yet digest meat (1 Cor 3:2). "Strong meat" belong to them that are full of age (Heb 5:14). Though the newborn Christian received the Holy Spirit and are indeed born by the seed of God (making him part of the chosen generation and became a new person), are led by the Spirit, and receive gifts as the Holy Spirit works through him, it doesn't make him a grown-up! The church of Corinthians was a good example of this, a church that was not behind in any gift (1 Cor 1:7), though Paul called them "babes in Christ"! (1 Cor 3:1). We must never think of a newborn Christian as a grown-up. They're even compared to "carnal" in 1 Cor 3:1, and still need to learn the first principles... (Hebr 5:12), must exercise their senses (v.14) and learn what is right and wrong. Newborn Christians are in fact like sucklings (Matt 21:16) that need milk (the milk of the word-1 Pe 2:2) so that they can GROW thereby. Babes are not seen as wise and prudent (Matt 11:25) and thus cannot be parents or teachers (Heb 5:12). Many times problems in church arises when jobs that are meant for "parents" are given to "babes or children" who does not have the necessary knowledge yet, and whose senses are not exercised to discern both good and evil... (Heb 5:14).
The different steps of spiritual growth can be summed up as follows:
(1 John 2:12-14)(Matt. 13:18-23):
- Babes: - Repentance and Rebirth (lay down old life and rise to new - spiritually meant of course)
- SEED
- Children: - Get to know the Lord and the spiritual family (prayer , knowledge, trust etc.)
- ROOT
- Young people: - Stand strong in the Lord and in His truth; victory over sin
-PLANT or TREE / Fruit
- Fathers: - Steadfast and teachers
- FRUIT
(http://warechristene.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html).
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"Growing in grace" is not meant for selfish reasons, but is about serving, i.e. "works of faith" (not meant "works of the law of Moses"). Faith without works is dead; thus, "ADDING TO FAITH" is not just proof that someone really believes (thus "grow", as in showing that they favour the Lord), but also have to effect that someone grow in grace or mercy towards other people...
Let's look at two examples:
CONCLUSION:
To "grow in grace" is expected of every Christian! Seen that we're already steadfast in faith and in the truth, and have an assurance, and promises in Jesus Christ, we must make our calling and election sure by not FALLING FROM OUR STEADFASTNESS - meaning that if we let go, we can "fall from grace"! (in which case someone's calling and election is then not sure anymore) - not that the Lord will ever let go, but if a Christian let go he is in the process of cutting himself loose...
"Growing in grace" is not meant for selfish reasons, but is about serving, i.e. "works of faith" (not meant "works of the law of Moses"). Faith without works is dead; thus, "ADDING TO FAITH" is not just proof that someone really believes (thus "grow", as in showing that they favour the Lord), but also have to effect that someone grow in grace or mercy towards other people...
Let's look at two examples:
(1) What's especially meant by the words "to grow in grace" is not about what we get out of the deal, but rather about what we put in. (for example, we should GROW in showing grace to other people). Although gifts and rewards are sometimes used as ways in which people try to find favour with someone (1 Sa 8:3; Isa 1:23; Eze 22:12)(normally for "selfish reasons"), this is not what is scripturally meant by "growing in grace"! GROWING IN GRACE is NOT about seeking "more favour" (for example, Christians are already in favour!), but rather:
- (1) "adding to faith" (see 2nd point), or
- (2) "showing grace".
GROWING IN GRACE or in favour is not just about showing "who you favour" (for example, the Lord), but also to show favour to others, even if they don't deserve it! (to be gracious and merciful, doing good deeds etc.). For example, if you do good to those who hate you (Matt. 5:44), it is not for selfish reasons but is in fact unconditional love (for reasons of love and care) - this is what is meant by scriptural "growing in grace". Jesus talked a lot about these things; for example Luk. 14:12,13 in which He taught that we should, instead of calling our friends and brothers for a feast, rather call the poor, maimed etc. Of course "growing in grace" also refers to doing good to brothers and neighbors etc., but what is important here to understand is that it's not about the desire to be recompensed (not seeking more favour) but about loving without expecting something in return (showing grace). In this case grace can be shown "UNCONDIONALLY"!
(2) "Adding to faith" is about "showing trust" instead of the desire to receive trust. For example, how does a child show that he trust his parents? - By being obedient and believe what they tell him...
The same when we "add to our faith" in the Lord (by being obedient and believe what He tell us). When you add to your faith in Christ Jesus, you show Him (through works of faith) that you trust and love Him and care for Him by (1) believing in his truth, and (2) seek to be holy and obedient to Him. For example, this is why "holding fast to the truth" is reckoned as "adding to faith"". Sometimes grace is shown unconditionally (like in the first case), but in this case it's conditional (shown only to those "who BELIEVE"). Adding to our faith" is not just proof that we believe, but have to effect that we grow in grace (or favour) towards God ("thanks, joy, freedom or pleasure" in the Lord - and those not "falling from grace" but adding to their faith - i.e. "godliness", will be blameless and without spot when Jesus comes back). It is clear that there is some effort or labour needed from the Christian's side, but this "labour" does not refer to "works in order to receive salvation", but rather "works of faith" (works or labour of those a l r e a d y s a v e d). It can also be compared to the topic on Christian growth - for example, from babes to fathers... Metaphorically speaking, Christians are like seed planted in this world to grow into trees and bear fruit, which will be harvested when Jesus comes back...! "Adding to faith" will have to effect that you "grow in grace with the Lord", not meant receiving "more favour" from Him, but growing in His joy, peace etc. And when He comes back you will also benefit from this favour, because you will be "acceptable" (compare this with the topic "without blemish and spot" - in which case growing in grace is CONDITIONAL). Those who DON'T ADD TO THEIR FAITH, might very well FALL FROM GRACE!(1Co 9:24) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1Co 9:25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1Co 9:26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (1Co 9:27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway".
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