聖潔 -- 恩典與律法的共同指標 / Holiness -- the common goal of grace and law

As the debate goes on between those for the necessity of law even in having divine grace, and those who believe that in grace we already have the spirit of law toward holiness, a misunderstanding remains by those who deem proponents of pure grace as promoting a license to sin.

在律法與恩典的討論，認為律法還是必須作平衡的人，

他們對主張在恩典中信徒已經有了至聖潔的律法精神的，常懷有一個誤解，以為注重恩典的就是想要放縱罪。


If such is the view unchanged, there can never be found a common ground, let alone any possibility for conciliation between the dissenters under one truth.

如果這種想法不改變的話，那很可惜，我們將無法找到這個重要討論上的共同點，而減少讓兩方的爭議，在一個真理上，得到調解的可能性。


Let's underline the primary motive of either view, and the fear each camp holds of one another in consequence: those upholding the boundaries set by law fear rampant disregard of holiness and condolence of sin. Those promoting grace fear believers not resting in the eternal righteousness brought about by His divine forgiveness.

在觀念上，讓我們列出兩方的動機，和更重要的，在他們的憂慮, 如果沒有堅持所認為的想法會造成的後果: 相信律法是必須的平衡與界線認知, 他們怕的是罪的擴散，與容忍罪的信仰心態。而覺得恩典需要完全的被彰顯的人, 不想看到的是信徒得不到在完全赦免所賜的永久稱義，與感受不到神的寶血所建立的不變安息。


The assumption from the other side is that those under the grace camp do not want holiness, wants very much to sin, and are only using grace as an excuse to sin by doing away with God's justice (law). We see no such accusation from this side toward those of the law. We believe they are sincere in wanting to be holy for God.

強調律法的人對注重恩典的信者，有一個根深蒂固的想法，但是很少被質問。那就是，"喜歡" 恩典的人不想要聖潔，仍是愛好罪的生活，只是想要利用恩典廢去神的公義，而繼續犯罪。但是從純恩典說講的角度，並無對強調律法的信者有任何懷疑他們有沒有真心想要克服罪，向聖潔，遵從神的旨意。


But is this fair? The only way for two sides to come to an agreement is if there be a common goal. If the objective is different, then there is no way -- and no need, really -- to talk. If one side thinks the other side doesn't want the same thing in living a holy and Christ-like life, then there is no understanding possible for the grace perspective.

但這樣講公平嗎? 只有在一個共同指標的存在，兩方面的討論才有可能得到協議。如果目的不合，那再多的討論都是無用，也是無謂的。在一方面的先定性結論上認為，只要是要求完全的恩典信息, 就是不與他們同樣的想要活出如耶穌生命的聖潔. 這樣他們也就不可能會理解到 (也不會給機會) 從恩典的觀點看如何克服罪，與達聖潔。


Can we accept that all sincere Christians of all beliefs want very much to lead a righteous and holy life as our natural and loving response to the Lord?

我們可不可以接受，只要是虔誠的基督徒，每一個人都希望活出神的義，與聖潔的生命，作為信徒對神愛最為自然的回應?


Let us not forget that one can be holy without the law. The law was given to show those who think they are holy (and those who are not aware) how sinful they are. Holiness is a law unto itself, and needs not the law to remain holy. We love our children and obey our parents even not knowing the law, and so it is that by our willing invitation of Christ into our hearts we also live out the love and not just the perfunctory requirement of the law.

讓我們不要忘記，不是只有在律法裏才可能有聖潔。律法的目的是指出那些自以為聖潔的信徒 (與還未有認知罪的人) 他們有多麼的罪惡。聖潔本身就是一律，並不需要律法才能維持。我們雖無律法的規定，但還是愛子女和遵守父母，所以並不是從一個必須遵守律法的才能夠近聖潔，而是由信的邀請耶穌在我們心中，讓祂的愛 (律法的最高境界) 活出神的生命。


We are holy not because of the law but the spirit of Christ living inside. When we love we don't need the law, for the love of Christ constrains us to obey (law) and compels us to serve (command). (2 Corinthians 5:14)

我們的聖潔不是因為遵守律法，而是耶穌的靈魂活在裡面。我們只要有愛就不需要律法的督促，因為耶穌的愛是我們的拘束 (遵守律法)，也促使我們服事(祂的使命)。 (哥林多後書 5:14)


If so, the argument for necessity of law to curb sin falls by the wayside. Those who desire not to sin will not sin more for the gift of grace, and the ones not concerned with the gravity of sin will not, by the teaching of law, come to repentance of the heart, nor continue in obedience. Such faith is based on the threat of punishment, and not from receiving of forgiveness a love that moves the heart.

如果是這樣, 那主張必須要教導律法才能克服犯罪的問題就不成立. 本來就不願犯罪的人不會因為得到恩典而變為喜愛犯罪. 再來, 本來就不覺得罪是有多大關係的, 也不會因為律法的限制而得由心的悔改, 或會有持續的遵守. 這種信仰是從懲罰的威脅, 而不是感受到赦免的愛那時的真心感動.


Only in our constant inspiration by, and response to grace, can the obedience truly come from the transformation by the holy spirit, so that the flesh cannot boast. The teaching of law does not eliminate sin, but will only increase sinful desires and behaviors. (Romans 5:20, Romans 7:8)

唯有建立在恩典, 和繼續在恩典的感動與回應裏, 我們的遵守才是屬聖靈的改造, 讓肉體不得自誇. 但是如繼續在律法的教導中, 這只會增加罪的慾望與/或行為. (羅馬書 5:20, 羅馬書 7:8)


Not fearing the punishment of disobeying law will not lead to more sin, but to have the true rest in the grace of total forgiveness that is His divine purpose.

當我們沒有了畏懼違背律法的懲罰, 這不單不會導致更多罪, 而是會給予信徒真正的安息在恩典, 活出耶穌的榮耀 -- 神賜給我們完全赦免的神聖宗旨.


And this is the truth of the gospel -- all grace, no law.

這是福音的真理 -- 完全恩典, 沒有律法.