Michael L. Brown (Charisma House)
Is the modern grace movement the beginning of a grace awakening or an open door to grave error? Christians on both sides debate the issue with fervor—and sometimes lacking a measure of, well, grace.
Author Michael Brown takes a refreshing tone in his newest book, Hyper-Grace. He doesn’t come out bashing and lambasting those who would differ from him, but rather first recognizes teachers in the modern grace movement as brothers and presupposes they have a true relationship with a mutual Savior. Phrases such as “I agree with him here,” “This is really good, but I have a problem with …” and “Come, let us reason together” pepper the book’s pages.
Ultimately, Brown is concerned that although certain teachers in the modern grace movement’s intentions are good and their messages have liberated some, the movement’s teachings have also confused others. Also, many who follow these teachings, he says, are liable to drift into error and not appreciate the true nature of the grace of God, which includes loving discipline and the encouragement to pursue holiness.
Brown works through Scripture to illustrate a fuller counsel—how a call to good works empowered by the Holy Spirit does not negate the grace that saves and sanctifies. He addresses the difference between conviction and condemnation, while arguing that actively participating in and cooperating with God in our sanctification process does not negate the finished work of Christ on the cross—instead, it honors it.
Hyper-Grace will enrich believers’ understanding of the gospel. If read with an open heart, it can bring unity to the body of Christ. —Deborah Grady
