Renewing Your Mind The Grace of God
19 snips
Oct 21, 2025 
Michael Reeves, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology, delves into the profound nature of God's grace contrasted with medieval Catholicism. He explains Luther's transformative claim that grace is not just a boost but creates righteousness through Christ. The discussion tackles the misconception that grace encourages sin, emphasizing that true grace leads to genuine holiness. Reeves also highlights grace as a personal union with Christ, providing believers with liberating assurance and a desire for Christlike living.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Grace As Fuel In Medieval Theology
- Medieval Catholicism treated grace as a boost that helps us become holy enough to merit heaven.
- This view makes grace conditional on our preparedness and effort rather than purely Christ's work.
Grace Creates, Doesn't Build On Us
- Luther reframed grace as God creating righteousness out of nothing, not building on our works.
- Grace alone means Christ's righteousness is given to us, so we rely entirely on Christ, not self-effort.
Pray To Receive Christ's Righteousness
- Learn Christ and his crucifixion and pray while despairing of yourself, Luther counseled.
- Say to Jesus, 'you are my righteousness' and rest in his exchange of sin for righteousness.