If you struggle with grasping God's grace, read this book

[looking4joy]

Besides the Holy Bible itself, the Word of God - many pastors write what I call pastoral books to pastor the ministry of the Holy Spirit to Christians - something they are called to do by God. Christian Living, Christian Life, and Christian books in general are all in this category. Some books are better or more appropriate than others.

I found a wonderful book that really is appropriate to me, called "Healing Grace, Finding the Freedom from the Performance Trap," by David Seamands. Being brought up in a performance oriented church, I was recommended this book by my Christian counselor.

This is the most spot on writing about how to heal from the guilt, condemnation, perfectionism, and scrupulosity some of us struggle with. I highly urge you to read it if you can't feel grace or grasp it much.

 

[brinny]

Thank you.

 

[Job8]

This is the most spot on writing about how to heal from the guilt, condemnation, perfectionism, and scrupulosity some of us struggle with.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

2 Timothy 3:16,17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 John 2:1-3
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.


As to "guilt" and "condemnation" and "struggle", that is another matter altogether. Too many Christians have no idea of their true position in Christ, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

But grace does not nullify perfectionism. Indeed, the whole idea is that we will be ultimately "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). That is what election and predestination is all about.

 

[looking4joy]

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

2 Timothy 3:16,17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 John 2:1-3
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.


As to "guilt" and "condemnation" and "struggle", that is another matter altogether. Too many Christians have no idea of their true position in Christ, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

But grace does not nullify perfectionism. Indeed, the whole idea is that we will be ultimately "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). That is what election and predestination is all about.

It doesn't mean not to strive for perfection. Perfectionism, the way I think the author of the book is using it as, is an obsession to be in good standing by our works - our works being our own righteousness. Our works are to be a fruit of salvation, but salvation is not meant to be a fruit of works - simply put. This is what I meant to say by the word "perfectionism".

 

[Job8]

It doesn't mean not to strive for perfection. Perfectionism, the way I think the author of the book is using it as, is an obsession to be in good standing by our works - our works being our own righteousness. Our works are to be a fruit of salvation, but salvation is not meant to be a fruit of works - simply put. This is what I meant to say by the word "perfectionism".

No argument there. So we both are on the same page. Again, it goes back to a proper understanding of our salvation in Christ and our position in Christ. Scripture says we are "complete in Him", and we have "entered into His rest".