In his book "What’s So Amazing About Grace," Philip Yancy wrote this:
“Jesus forgave the thief hanging on a cross, knowing full well the thief had converted out of plain fear. That thief would never study the Bible, never attend synagogue or church, and never make amends to those he had wronged. He simply said, ‘Jesus remember me,’ and Jesus promised, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God, but rather what God has done for us.”
It is important to remember that grace is one of the most important aspects of theology that separates Christianity from almost all other religious traditions.
A number of years ago there was a conference on comparative world religions. Wise and scholarly persons were in a spirited debate about what is unique about Christianity.
Someone suggested it was the concept of the incarnation, the idea that God took human form in Jesus. But someone quickly said, “Well, actually, other faiths believe that God appears in human form.”
Another suggested it was the resurrection – the belief that death is not the final word. Someone slowly shook his head. Other religions have accounts of people returning from the dead.
As the debate wore on, noted educator and author C.S. Lewis walked into the room. He sat down and took in the conversation. At a break in the din, he asked, “What’s all this rumpus about?”
Everyone turned in his direction. Trying to explain themselves they said, “We’re debating what’s unique about Christianity.”
“Oh, that’s easy,” Lewis said. “It’s grace.”
The room fell silent. Lewis told them that Christianity alone claims God’s love comes free of charge, no strings attached. No other religion makes that claim.
After a moment someone commented that Lewis had a point. Buddhists, for example, follow an eight-fold path to enlightenment. Hindus believe in karma, that your actions continually affect the way the world will treat you. Someone else observed the Jewish code of the law implies God has requirements for people to be acceptable to him.
At the end of the discussion everyone concluded Lewis had a point. Only Christianity dares to proclaim God’s love is unconditional. It is an unconditional love called grace.
Christians boldly proclaim that grace really has precious little to do with us, our inner resolve, or our lack of inner resolve. Rather, grace is all about God – and God freely giving to us the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and love.
Isn’t that amazing?
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Grace sets Christianity apart from other religions