Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Obstacles to Grace?

Last week I was invited into a discussion concerning one short phrase, "obstacles to grace."  The question under consideration could be stated as follows, "Does the phrase 'obstacles to grace' inform or misinform one's understanding of the gospel of grace?"  I realize that some might complain that such a discussion is unhelpful and simply a wrangling over words. That may be the case.  Even so, I liken it to two objects placed on different trajectories. If the two objects begin in the same general place, their difference in trajectory may not be so easily observed. Nonetheless, as the two objects move in the direction of their respective trajectories the difference becomes obvious.  A short phrase like 'obstacles to grace' may seem harmless enough prima facie.  However, I think it may be an unhelpful phrase and have negative import in relation to one's understanding of the gospel of grace.