Dear FGA,
As those who hold to Free Grace Theology we are often
accused of defining faith as simply mere mental assent. This is often
interpreted as meaning we simply believe a set of facts in our head and do not
really believe in the person or work of Jesus. I recently found myself being
accused of this and reminded my accuser what the FGA actually believes. The FGA
covenant actually says what we believe and who we believe in, is the person and
work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- The
Grace of God in justification is an unconditional free gift.
- The
sole means of receiving the free gift of eternal life is faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whose substitutionary death on the
cross fully satisfied the requirement for our justification.
- Faith
is a personal response, apart from our works, whereby we are persuaded
that the finished work of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection,
has delivered us from condemnation and guaranteed our eternal life.
- Christ
has delivered us from condemnation and guaranteed our eternal life.
- Justification
is the act of God to declare us righteous when we believe in Jesus
Christ alone.
- Assurance
of justification is the birthright of every believer from the moment of faith
in Jesus Christ, and is founded upon the testimony of God in His
written Word.
- Spiritual
growth, which is distinct from justification, is God’s expectation for
every believer; this growth, however, is not necessarily manifested
uniformly in every believer.
- The
Gospel of Grace should always be presented with such clarity and
simplicity that no impression is left that justification requires any
step, response, or action in addition to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Make no mistake; we do not simply “believe a set of facts”.
We believe in a person and the work He has done and the results He has
accomplished for us. We call that - Good News!
More good news---FGA presented its second Regional Conference
for 2013 April 20th in Salem, Oregon. There were 58 people who
gathered for a day of fellowship and theological exploration. Dr. Ken Wilson
taught on the theology of Augustine. This was from part of his doctoral
dissertation at Oxford University, England, which will be published. Dr.
Charlie Bing also spoke concerning the ministry of FGA and the message of
Grace. The sessions were recorded and will be available. Please look at the FGA website
for details and for a photo slideshow of the conference. We will host two other
Regional Conferences. Dr Bing and Dr. Yankee Arnold will be speaking in
Tampa, Florida on May 18th and Dr. Charlie Bing, Dr. Norm Geisler, and
Pastor Donnie Preslar will be presenting at the FGA North Carolina conference
on June 22nd. Also, we are excited about the variety of
ministries FGA members are involved with both nationally and internationally.
The Lord is using all of us to preach the freeness of the gospel and the grace
of God. My hope is that you are enjoying the grace of God in your life and
ministry.
Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us,
Until He comes for us,
Dr. Fred Chay
President, FGA
President, FGA