Sinning that Grace may Abound

Christopher Jackson has written another excellent piece at First Things detailing exactly what is wrong with Tullian Tchividjian’s “gospel.” We need this sort of analysis. We need it because not only were the Christians in Rome prone to thinking that maybe sin was beneficial and even necessary for grace, but also because the theologians of the Augsburg Confession have always had a bit of weakness in this direction that required the correction of the Formula of Concord. In any case, give the Jackson piece a read and while you’re there follow the links to his other posts.

In the meantime, here is a taste of Jackson’s analysis and warning:

Traditionally, Christians have considered sin, death, and the devil their enemies. But in Tchividjian’s writing and preaching, as is often the case with those influenced by Radical Lutheranism, other Christians become the enemy. Sin, on the other hand, becomes a friend, as it is the means by which one comes to appreciate the gospel.