John Stott on Hyper-grace Sanctification and Legalism

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For some time evangelical church leaders have expressed various biblical concerns with the theological trajectory of the free-grace/ hyper-grace sanctification movement.  In recent years certain Christian authors and preachers have attempted to outdo one another in effort to be even more "gospel-centered" and "grace-orientated" than the next guy (or gal).  As such, a large number of books have been published on gospel-centered preaching, gospel-centered parenting, gospel-centered counseling, gospel-centered athletics, gospel-centered dog rearing, etc.  No Christian is against genuine, grace-driven ministry and gospel-centered living.  But just like the super market, not every product that claims to be "organic" is truly pesticide free.  Such is the case with some gospel-centered literature.  Upon careful consideration some gospel-centered material is actually off-centered.  

Biblical discernment is essential.  We must be aware of the true so we can beware of the counterfeit.  We must ask God to help us discern the very subtle differences between right and almost right.  Christians must know their Bibles, love theology, and be actively part of a Word-saturated local church led by qualified shepherd-leaders.  

In the judgment of this Christian blogger, Bryan Chappell (slightly) over-corrected his theology many years ago in effort to avoid the potential ruts of "legalism."  Elyse Fitzpatrick and Tullian Tchividjian went much further and as a result have gotten themselves into trouble (see sanctification, grace, and the obedience of faith;  The continued folly of hyper-grace sanctification).  Tullian was removed from the Gospel Coalition and Elyse was uninvited to the annual Woman Discipling Woman conference.  

Tullian, a leader of the hyper-grace movement, was later found to have been living a double life of gross sexual sin/adultery, etc and was removed from pastoral ministry.  In hindsight, it appears Tullian passionately promoted a hyper-grace sanctification paradigm to appease his guilty conscience.  From Tullian's point of view, how can I uphold what the Scriptures teach concerning progressive sanctification and personal holiness if I am secretly sleeping with congregants?  Sometimes people change their theology in order to accommodate their own beliefs and private practices. Hence passages like 1 Timothy 4:16, Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Sanctification, Grace, and the Obedience of Faith.

"Stop being a theological nitpicker."  "What do you have against Elyse Fitzpatrick?"  "You MacArthur people are all truth and no grace."  "Don't you know doctrine needlessly divides.  Love conquers all (contra Ephesians 4:11f)." 

As many of you know I have taken some heat from friends for critical comments that I have made concerning Elyse Fitzpatrick and Pastor Tullian Tchividjian.  I am not alone here.  My specific concerns have been echoed by many pastors who are much better scholars than I am (please check out my recommended resources below).  If you are new to this important discussion, the following article by Richard Phillips is a good place to start; Where the Sanctification Controversy Lies.

Having said that, I think it would be profitable if I clarified my theological position with an article rather than simply post lengthy comments on Facebook.  My passing reference to Elyse Fitzpatrick today has to do with the ongoing controversy surrounding Fitzpatrick's "hyper grace" sanctification paradigm (imperatives vs. indicatives; God's love of benevolence v. his love of complacency, law & gospel; faith & obedience, Jesus + Nothing equals everything, etc).

Elyse's ministry partner and close friend Tullian Tchividijian was removed from the Gospel Coalition (his ministry blog was removed anyways) for issues related to sanctification, grace, and the obedience of faith.  On this point Phillips adds, "This is not a small number of angry men who are 'attacking' Tullian. Rather, a large body of Reformed scholars and leaders, including The Gospel Coalition but extending far beyond it, are gravely concerned that Christians are being told that they cannot pursue holiness and that their pastors should not tell them to do so."