Ep. 22: Brad Wilcox: What we get WRONG about grace & ordinances
Nov 11, 2024
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Brad Wilcox, a professor at BYU and a counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, delves into the nuances of grace and ordinances. He highlights grace as a proactive gift, akin to a scholarship, and its vital role in spiritual transformation. Wilcox examines the significance of ordinances as meaningful covenants, advocating for a deeper connection with God. He also emphasizes mental health and continuous growth in faith, portraying salvation as a transformational journey towards becoming more Christlike rather than merely gaining entry to heaven.
Grace is not just about forgiveness but also empowerment for personal growth and spiritual improvement in one's life.
Ordinances should be viewed as vital relational commitments to God, fostering spiritual progress rather than mere transactional obligations.
Deep dives
Understanding Grace in the Context of Latter-day Saint Doctrine
Grace is a central theme in Latter-day Saint beliefs, yet there has been confusion about its role, particularly in relation to personal effort and the Atonement. The conversation underscores the necessity of clarifying that grace isn't merely about being forgiven but also about being empowered to change and improve. The speaker emphasizes that while individuals often approach grace nervously, fearing a misalignment with more evangelical views, a balanced understanding of grace integrates both acceptance and the call to action. This nuanced approach encourages members of the faith to recognize both the sufficiency of Christ's grace and their responsibility in the journey toward spiritual growth.
Grace as a Proactive Offering
The concept of grace is illustrated through a comparison to a scholarship, highlighting that it is a gift that doesn’t require repayment, emphasizing its proactive nature. Grace is something that Christ offers freely, akin to the emblems of the sacrament being proffered to individuals, who still have the choice of whether to accept it. This understanding fosters a relationship where individuals can actively choose to embrace Christ's grace and mercy in their lives. The grace provided by Christ is not about earning salvation but is meant to be a facilitative force in personal development and spiritual progress.
Covenants and Ordinances as Expressions of Faith
Covenants and ordinances are portrayed not as mere checklists but as vital components of a transformative relationship with God and Christ. The discussion revisits the importance of understanding ordinances—such as baptism and sacrament—as symbolic acts that represent deeper spiritual realities rather than transactional points. This deeper comprehension allows individuals to see these acts as manifestations of their ongoing commitment to and relationship with Christ, which in turn fosters spiritual growth and reliance on divine grace. Rather than viewing ordinances as obligations, seeing them as affirmations of loyalty opens avenues for experiencing Christ's enabling power.
The Impact of Understanding Grace on Mental Well-Being
The conversation highlights that a proper understanding of grace can significantly influence mental health, contributing to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and perfectionism among believers. Research conducted among Latter-day Saints indicates that those who view grace as a gift rather than a reward for performance experience higher self-esteem and greater life satisfaction. This implies that embracing grace brings a sense of hope and reduces the burdens of expectations, paving the way for individuals to engage more fully in their spiritual lives. Ultimately, a clearer grasp of grace as a gift leads to a more profound connection with God, fostering resilience and positivity.
Brother Brad Wilcox joins David Snell to talk about "His Grace is Sufficient" 10+ years later, along with how ordinances fit into a grace-based plan of salvation.
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Music by Zach Sundwall.
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