Page 93 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

Study Section 12: Finances (continued)

12.1 Connect.

The Church is living in the age of GRACE. Jesus Christ at his death fulfilled the demands of
the LAW on our behalf and ushered in a NEW COVENANT. The veil of the temple was ripped
in two from top to bottom and now we have direct access to the Father through our
mediator, Jesus Christ. Our response to this unmerited favor must we one of LOVE. We love
Him because He first loved us and demonstrated His love in His sacrificial death for us. And
our love compels us to give. We give not out of obligation, but from a heart overflowing with
gratitude. With these thoughts in mind, if we are no longer under the LAW of the TITHE, then how does
God want us to give? Has He laid out any giving plan in the New Testament? The answer is a
resounding YES. Let’s see how believers are to give to God and others in the age of GRACE….

12.2 Objectives:

1. The student should be able discuss the New Testament teaching on what we call GRACE
GIVING as the method promoted for the Church.

2. The student should be able investigate the foundations in Scripture for Grace Giving.

3. The student should be able to justify Grace giving based on a comparison of its requirements versus
the Law system.

12.3 So what does the New Testament teach us about giving?

The New Testament teaches GRACE GIVING!

As Christ fulfilled the demands of the Old Testament Law, He rent the veil of the temple from
top to bottom. This was a symbol that His death fulfilled the demands
of the Law and He ushered in a new covenant of GRACE to all who
believe.

Grace is not a hang-loose, undisciplined sort of living. Nor is grace the balance
point between legalism and licentiousness. Further grace as a system is totally
opposed to legalism and licentiousness, which are two sides of the same coin.

Legalism and licentiousness both operate on the principle of, and in the realm of the flesh. Legalism is
an attempt to earn standing before God through human effort and leads to pride or condemnation,
depending on how well you do. Licentiousness casts off all restraints and lives to gratify the flesh.

But God’s grace is His unmerited favor based on Christ’s sacrifice. The motivating power in grace is the
indwelling Spirit of God. The person under grace responds out of love and gratitude to God and
depends upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to conform his life to what God requires. With that basic
understanding of grace, let me spell out some things that grace giving is NOT, and some things that it is.

92