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Pelagianism: Do Better
We recently talked to the Rev. Dr. Mark Clavier on The Wayside Podcast about the heresy of Pelagianism. This heresy goes back to the 5th century but has many modern adherents (many unknowingly so). This heresy has a high view of humanity and a low view of sin. It claims that all of us can take steps towards salvation by our own efforts. God created us good so we can choose the good for ourselves. Grace isn’t needed and neither is God because we can do it on our own. In modern terms, this is a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of heresy.
Pelagianism is very popular in the Western church and especially in America because it focuses on our ability to work out the good purposes we have for ourselves and the world. However, in talking with Mark Clavier, it also is apparent that a high view of humanity leads to an enslavement of our incompetence.
If the Gospel is turned into a “do better” narrative, then we will be locked in a prison of our making. The only response to those who have done something wrong or failed in one way or another will be to do better and be better. Generally speaking, that may not seem all that bad of a thing to say because we can do better, but there is no grace and no mercy when we fall short. We will never be “good enough” in Pelagius’ book.
When it comes to the amazing nature of the Gospel, grace fills in the gap. We will never be able to do enough to earn salvation. The whole point of the Good News is the acceptance that we cannot be our own Savior. No matter how hard we try, we humans cannot rescue ourselves.
It is only by God’s grace that we are liberated to bear fruit for His kingdom. Grace begins and ends everything that a Christian does. It is much better to be driven by God’s grace than Pelagius’ guilt.
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