Free Grace Theology Sample

Position and Condition

Hebrews 10 puts these two categories side by side in verses ten and fourteen. Hebrews 10:10 says, “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” 

The word “sanctified” here is in the perfect tense hagiasmenoi, an action completed in the past with results extending to the present. We are completely sanctified right now through one sacrifice for all time.

Our Father sees us as perfectly holy. We are completely sanctified in our position in Christ in heavenly places.

But we know we are not perfectly holy. We are aware of our sinful nature and the many times we fall into sin’s clutches. But that is in our condition here on earth. We have these twin truths juxtaposed: what’s true in heaven and what’s true on earth—at the same time.

I’m not sure we can comprehend all that this means, but we can be encouraged by this: Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” 

There’s that word “sanctified” again. This time, it is not in the perfect tense. It doesn’t speak of a completed action in the past. It is in the present tense and speaks of the ongoing process of sanctification by which we are made progressively more and more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). It’s a statement about our condition.

It’s hard to understand how we can be holy in our position in heaven but unholy in our condition on earth. Here is the beauty of Free Grace theology—nothing in our condition on earth can change our position in heaven. Our position in heaven is completely secure while God continues to work on our condition on earth—if we’ll let Him.

God does not force us to become holy. But He will progressively make us holy if we don’t grieve the Spirit. Knowing that He doesn’t kick me out of the family is comforting if I miss the mark. My position in the family is secure.

Nothing I do in my condition on earth can change my position in heaven;

but a focus on my position in heaven can change my condition on earth.

This transformation is the sanctifying process accomplished by the Spirit of the Lord. He is the Sculptor. Our responsibility? Behold the Lord. As we focus on our position in heaven, the Spirit of the Lord is at work and transforms our condition on earth. When we focus on Jesus, we become like Him.

Get a copy of the book, Living by Grace  and other resources by GCSD for different platforms for every believer. From devotionals like this one to Bible studies, study guides, books, Grace Cafe on YouTube, Saving Grace Podcasts, monthly webinars, and more. Contact us today!