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Costly VS Cheap Grace
In the current spiritual climate, the Apostolic World Christian Fellowship (AWCF) emphasizes a critical theological distinction for its ministers: the difference between "Cheap Grace" and "Costly Grace." Drawing from the teachings of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we are forewarned that the failure to distinguish between these two can lead to a church filled with nominal members rather than true disciples.
1. Identifying "Cheap Grace" in the Modern Church
"Cheap grace" is defined as a religious system that offers the benefits of the Gospel without the requirements of Christ. It is characterized by several dangerous trends:
- Forgiveness without Repentance: Preaching that individuals are forgiven without requiring a fundamental change of heart or a turning away from sin.
- Baptism without Discipline: Offering the ritual of baptism without the accompanying ecclesiastical discipline or accountability that marks a life surrendered to God.
- Communion without Confession: Inviting participation in the sacred acts of the church without a personal examination of life and character.
- Nominalism: Creating "church members" who are "nominal Christians"—leaders who may be "cold as ice" because they possess grace without the cross, without sacrifice, and without Jesus Christ.
2. The Mandate of "Costly Grace"
In contrast, "costly grace" is the "pure gospel" that must be sought and lived day to day. It is the grace that "cost the sacrifice of Jesus Christ" and, therefore, demands everything from the believer.
- Total Surrender: Salvation without surrender is not discipleship. Costly grace requires following Jesus daily and aligning one’s internal passions with outward actions.
- Life Transformation: This grace is not just a theory; it demands a change in how a minister speaks, behaves, and is perceived by their neighborhood. It is a call to reflect the character of Christ, particularly in the most private arena: the home.
- Endurance (Permanecer): A true disciple is one who remains and endures despite trials, sickness, or even threats of death.
3. Historical Models of Costly Discipleship
Ministers are encouraged to look to historical "empowered disciples" who exemplified this costly grace:
- The Apostle Paul in Lystra: After being dragged out of the city, stoned, and left for dead, Paul did not hide in fear. Instead, he returned to the same city to continue preaching, demonstrating that a true disciple is defined by their actions and resilience under fire.
- Polycarp of Smyrna: Facing execution at age 86, Polycarp refused to save his life by blaspheming Christ, famously stating, "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King?".
4. Ministerial Application: Leading by Serving
The leadership motivation is expected to always correlate to this theology.
- The "Basin and Towel" Model: True discipleship is modeled by Jesus, who washed the feet of even those who would doubt (Philip), deny (Peter), or betray Him. Licensed ministers must follow this pattern, understanding that the unction they receive is not for "theater" or "impressing people," but for humble service to the broken and the poor.
- The Home as the First Pulpit: A minister’s discipleship is not proven in the pulpit but in the home. A leader must reflect Christ by loving their spouse and children, ensuring the "Word of God be not blasphemed" by a lack of character in private life.
Conclusion: The Call to Die
Ultimately, costly grace is a call to die. As the sources remind us, "When Jesus calls you, he calls you to die" so that Christ might live in you. For the AWCF minister, this means accepting that while the "spirit is willing, the flesh is weak," and one must constantly ask for the "spirit of prayer" to avoid the distractions of materialism and secularism that lead back to cheap grace.