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WordExplain by James T. Bartsch |
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"For
by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may
boast." Eph. 2:8-9
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An Assessment of Free Grace Theology
What is "Free Grace Theology"?
Dr. Charlie Bing, Founder of GraceLife Ministries,
published an article in GraceNotes, Number 67, entitled, "What is 'Free
Grace Theology'? The article consisted of a brief summation of the
movement. Let me repeat, verbatim, the article's salient points. Where
appropriate, I will give the Scripture references to which the author
refers.
1. Free Grace teaches that the grace of salvation is absolutely free. (Romans 3:24) 2. Free Grace means that the grace of salvation can be received only through faith. (Rom. 4:4-5; 11:6; Eph. 2:8) 3. Free Grace believes the object of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ. 4. Free Grace holds to the finished work of Christ. 5. Free Grace provides the only basis for assurance of salvation. 6. Free Grace distinguishes between salvation and discipleship. While some theological systems believe that all Christians are disciples, Free Grace understands that the condition for eternal salvation (believe) is distinct from the many conditions for discipleship (deny oneself, take up your cross, follow Christ, abide in His Word, love Christ more than your family, etc.). Since grace is absolutely free, it cannot demand these conditions or it ceases to be grace.... 7. Free Grace teaches that the Christian life is also by grace through faith. (Rom. 5:2; compare Gal. 2:20) 8. Free Grace provides the best motivation for godly living. (Titus 2:11-12) 9. Free Grace holds that the Christian is accountable. (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 2:10; Rom. 6:1-14, 15-23; Rom. 8:1-11; Heb. 12:5-11; Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 3:11-4:5; 2 Cor. 5:10) 10. Free Grace is committed to an accurate intepretation of the Bible. This should go without saying, but it is necessary because many have forced their theological interpretations instead of letting the Bible speak for itself. The Free Grace system is the result of a literal and plain sense approach to the Bible that considers God's various ways of administering His plan for the world through the ages, and the proper contexts of any Bible passage.... A Critique of "Free Grace Theology"
I have only recently been exposed to the "Free Grace" movement. Late in 2025 I attended a conference at which several "Free Grace" proponents spoke. While attending, and after reading a book by Charlie Bing, I came away with three or four impressions. I will first give you my impressions, and then seek to substantiate them (1) Free Grace's distinction between the requisite for salvation, to believe in Jesus, and the high cost of discipleship is helpful, but may not be the most accurate. (2) Despite Dr. Bing's insistence that he and the movement to which he adheres let the Scriptures speak for themselves, and do not force their theological system on their intepretation of the Scriptures, I have the impression that is not always true. In fact, in interpreting some Scriptures, Dr. Bing and others allow their Free Grace system adversely to affect an accurate interpretation of certain Scriptures. In fact, in some instances, I scratch my head and wonder, "How could a plain understanding of Scripture come up with that explanation?" It seems, in certain instances, that the movement's theology is driving its interpretation of Scriptures. (3) While Free Grace is correct in saying that the only basis for Salvation is faith in Christ, I believe it is incorrect in saying that works have no role in the believer's assurance. In fact, some Scriptures state quite the opposite. This article first begun and first posted on January 25, 2026
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