Only by grace

Grace is a wonderful, misunderstood, and unfortunately, often abused concept. Without growth in grace, there is no growth in practical righteousness. In proving this, the author also attempts to show its essence, properties, beauty, and power. Throughout the entire book, Timur Rasulov compares grace with legalism in various spheres of life. He demonstrates the advantages of undeserved mercy and the destructive shortcomings of Pharisaism. This is an attempt to convey to the reader the exceptional importance of grace, both in the matter of salvation and sanctification. The author of the book writes: "There was a time when I mainly used grace in soteriological terms - saved by grace. But the well-known scheme of growth in grace gradually led me to a deeper understanding of the daily need for undeserved mercy." It seems to me that every Christian, coming to God, perceives grace precisely as a means of salvation. But as for "being sanctified," I will do it myself, because now I am a spiritual "Hercules" with a "new nature." Not at all. Having accumulated hundreds of "spiritual bumps," one has to admit that sanctification without grace is as unthinkable as being saved by deeds. Some despair, while others put on a mask of external piety, thinking that this is the true life in Christ. Another book by my friend Timur Rasulov is intended to help both groups not only see and understand the action of grace but also learn to abide in it and be its conduits. Mikhail Shvetsov, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church, Yaroslavl.