Redefining the Church: The Means of Grace (Pt 14)

In this class we cite important promises from the Bible about God's relationship with believers and their security in Him. The means He uses to change us as He keeps us safe are revealed in Scripture. Building on the three categories we discussed in part 1 (command from God, promise from God and accessibility) we see that popular substitutes have none of these characteristics. The false practices are usually called "spiritual disciplines."

These are not commanded by God, there is no promise attached to them, and they are often very difficult for people to practice. They are contrived by men and not commanded by God. We speak of many examples and cite contemporary sources and books.

The mystical replacements for means of grace are designed to enable states of consciousness, not faith in the promises. Being 'conscious of presence' is not the same as believing Jesus' promise "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." We show how pagan the spiritual disciples have become as they push aside the means God has ordained for our salvation and sanctification.