Daily Encouragement: Day 310

Adapted from Handbook to Spiritual Growth

GROWING IN GRACE

Christian growth is not achieved by outer rules or ritual, but by an inner relationship. Legalism emphasizes an external set of rules and prohibitions rather than the inner life in the Spirit. The biblical balance between the excesses of legalism and license is liberty. Instead of doing what we have to do or doing as we please, we have the true freedom in Christ to do as He pleases. Liberty in Christ stresses inner transformation as the key to outer manifestation. Growth in grace is accomplished by knowing and depending upon the person of God.

William R. Newell put it this way: “To preach devotion first, and blessing second, is to reverse God’s order, and preach law, not grace. The Law made man’s blessing depend on devotion; Grace confers undeserved, unconditional blessing: our devotion may follow, but does not always do so,—in proper measure.”