The Main Danger of the ‘Hyper-Grace’ Message: Error Through Overemphasis

In this book he compares what he calls the “mixed grace” message with the “hyper-grace” message.

• Mixed grace is grace + effort; you’re saved by grace and kept by works.

• Hyper-grace is grace alone; you’re saved by grace and kept by grace.

Now what is wrong with that comparison? There is actually truth in both statements, but because the book is emphasizing the hyper-grace message it de-emphasizes the other perspective. Here he rightfully declares that we are saved and kept by grace, while minimizing the importance of effort and works. The Scriptures, however, have so much to say concerning the importance of our works, the truth of it being so obvious, that it is ridiculous and an insult to true Christian intelligence to elaborate on it in any great depth here.

It is like asking, “Does obedience save you or keep you saved?” Yes and no. We’re saved by grace through faith, but faith without works is dead. Actually, imbalances constantly occur when we isolate certain Scriptures at the expense of the sum counsel of the Word.

For example, by isolating the following Scriptures we could conclude that we are indeed saved by works and obedience.

“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jam. 2:24).

“And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32).

“And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him“ (Heb. 5:9).

But the middle-of-the-road truth is that works and obedience are outflows of an inward grace and faith. They are evidence of our salvation.

Here’s another one of his comparisons:

• Mixed grace says forgiveness is maintained through repentance and confession.

• Hyper-grace says forgiveness is a done deal; in Christ we are eternally forgiven.

Once again there is truth on both sides, but the error is spawned from overemphasizing one at the expense of the other. The aircraft is off course by 5 degrees in both statements.