Hyper-Grace theology

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Hyper-Grace also called the modern grace message is a soteriological doctrine in Christianity which emphasizes divine grace and holds to eternal security. The view has been mostly popularized among certain expressions of Charismatic Christianity. Hyper-Grace has been advocated by Christian teachers such as Joseph Prince, Paul Ellis and Andrew Farley among many others. [1] [2] [3] [4] The term "Hyper-Grace" has been given to the view by its critics, however the term has been embraced by some who teach it. [2]

Contents

History

Hyper-Grace has mainly arisen out of theologians during the 20th and 21st centuries within the Charismatic movement. The doctrine of Hyper-Grace has caused some controversy within the Charismatic movement. [2] [3] The disagreements between Hyper-Grace theologians and other soteriological views has caused a controversy within Evangelical Christianity. The doctrines of Hyper-Grace have been critiqued by Evangelical authors such as Michael Brown and R. C. Sproul among others. [5] [6] [7] [8]

Joseph Prince Joseph Prince.png
Joseph Prince

More prominent theologians and teachers who have been identified with the movement include:

Theological views

Hyper-Grace is characterized by holding to eternal security with a high emphasis on divine grace. Hyper-Grace advocates hold that the believer is not under the Mosaic law in any sense, that one's sinful actions cannot hurt fellowship with God, denies the necessity of regular confession of sin in the life of a believer and holds to the belief that every Christian will have an equal possession in heaven. [3] [10] [11] [12] [13] However, Hyper-Grace advocates reject viewing grace as a "license" to live in disobedience, viewing it as the only way to stay away from sin and emphasizing the natural consequences sin may have. [9] [14] Thus, advocates of the view have argued that grace is the most powerful motivator of obedience. [15] [16] Hyper-Grace rejects the idea of "Lordship Salvation", arguing that it leads to self examination and doubt. Advocates of Hyper-Grace deny that salvific repentance should be viewed as contrition and hatred for sin, instead being a change of mind, thus a synonym for belief in Christ. [17] [18]

This view is particularly similar to Free Grace theology with many points of agreement, however Free Grace theology is distinguished from Hyper-Grace by the emphasis of Free Grace theologians on the temporal judgements a believer can experience for their sins. [1]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Lazar, Shawn (2017-10-18). "Wrath and Righteousness – Grace Evangelical Society" . Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Ellis, Paul (2014-04-02). The Hyper-Grace Gospel: A Response to Michael Brown and Those Opposed to the Modern Grace Message. KingsPress. ISBN   978-1-927230-40-4.
  3. 1 2 3 Brown, Michael L. (2014). Hyper-Grace: Exposing the Dangers of the Modern Grace Message. Charisma Media. ISBN   978-1-62136-589-1.
  4. ↑ Synan, Vinson (2018). The Truth about Grace. Charisma Media. ISBN   978-1-62999-504-5.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Brown, Michael L. (2016-05-03). The Grace Controversy: Answers to 12 Common Questions. Charisma Media. ISBN   978-1-62998-920-4.
  6. ↑ "How should we respond to the hyper-grace movement?". Ligonier Ministries. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  7. ↑ "Abusing Grace". Grace to You. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  8. ↑ Norris, Daniel K. "'Hyper-Grace' Message Creating Culture of Lawlessness". Charisma News. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  9. 1 2 Ellis, Paul (2014-03-09). ""Hyper-Grace" by D. R. Silva". Escape To Reality. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  10. ↑ Barker, Paul (2017-04-04). "The Hypergrace of Joseph Prince: A Review of 'Destined to Reign'". The Gospel Coalition | Australia. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  11. ↑ Canfield, Jeff (2023-02-02). Margins: A Study of Theological and Natural Boundaries. Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISBN   978-1-6667-6700-1.
  12. ↑ Prince, Joseph (2020-04-21). Destined to Reign Anniversary Edition: The Secret to Effortless Success, Wholeness, and Victorious Living. Destiny Image Publishers. ISBN   978-1-68031-453-3.
  13. ↑ Farley, Andrew (2014-06-24). Relaxing with God: The Neglected Spiritual Discipline. Baker Books. ISBN   978-1-4412-4608-0.
  14. ↑ Morrison, Stephen D. (2014). "Freedom From Sin – D.R. Silva". S. D. Morrison. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  15. ↑ Brown, Michael (2017-01-30). "Hyper-Grace: Setting the Record Straight With Pastor Joseph Prince". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  16. ↑ Farley, Andrew (2014-06-24). Relaxing with God: The Neglected Spiritual Discipline. Baker Books. ISBN   978-1-4412-4608-0.
  17. ↑ Prince, Joseph (2013-10-22). The Power of Right Believing: 7 Keys to Freedom from Fear, Guilt, and Addiction. FaithWords. ISBN   978-1-4555-5317-4.
  18. ↑ Farley, Andrew (2023-10-17). 101 Bible Questions: And the Surprising Answers You May Not Hear in Church. Simon and Schuster. ISBN   978-1-68451-476-2.
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