But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Cor 15:10).
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal 2:20).
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Tim 4:7–8).
The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops (2 Tim 2:6).
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Cor 9:24–27).
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us (2 Tim 2:12).
I’ve read many works by people within the larger Free Grace community who hold a Keswick, or exchanged-life, view. The issue of grace and works is a prevalent one in Keswick theology.
Dr. Charles Ryrie wrote a book titled Balancing the Christian Life. Balance is important in the Christian life, and that is especially true when we grapple with God’s grace and the works that He wishes us to do.
Before reading further, look at the verses cited above and see if you can see the need for balance on this question.
Reading only the first two texts, with no other Scripture at all, we might conclude that the Christian life is entirely passive. Christ simply took over Paul’s life. We might speculate that He does that for apostles only. Or maybe He does that for all believers.
But what if you read the last four texts by Paul? You’d think that every believer, including apostles, must exert effort, and that victory in the Christian life is not assured.i
The key is to balance both truths.
It is true that God enables believers to live godly lives. It is only by His good favor—that is, His grace—that we can please Him. But while His grace is sufficient, it must be combined with our effort. Paul uses athletic, military, and farming metaphors. We must fight, run, work hard, and endure in order to be chosen by Christ at the Bema to rule with Him forever.
All believers will be in the kingdom (John 3:16). But only overcoming, victorious believers will reign with Him forever.
If we think we can live the Christian life apart from God’s enablement, then we are headed for a spiritual fall. But if we think that God will live the Christian life for us if we just let go and don’t exert any effort, then we are headed for a different sort of spiritual fall.
Instead of “Don’t try, rely,” think: “Try as you rely.” Instead of “Let go and let God,” think: “Go and do, and God will be right there with me every step of the way.”
Keep grace in focus and your Christian life will be balanced and pleasing to God.
