Back in December, I started pondering what the implications of really believing in the belief we are saved by God’s grace displayed on the cross, known as “saved by grace alone”. I started thinking about some of the things I hear, some things I say, and challenged myself with a thought. If there was a promise someone would not turn from their sin, would I still present the Gospel to them? Would I believe they are saved when they accept Jesus’ saving Grace, knowing they will never turn from their sin? I wrestled with these questions, over and over again. Answering them in every way I knew how. In theory, I believe we’re saved by Grace alone, but the implications of this belief were rocking my world. Do I believe in saved by Grace beyond it as a theory? I didn’t, and still don’t know how to answer those questions. Scripture is clear, we are saved by the Grace of Jesus. But I don’t think I live that way.
I brought these questions up to my super intelligent “dad-slash-boss” on our way out to our Christmas Eve
celebration. We talked about it, and some of the crazy beliefs we have about God. My Dad had mentioned a lot of the times, the god we preach is like the god of ISIS, and not the God of the Bible. He recommended the book A More Christlike God by Brad Jersak. I read the book. And it rocked my world. 
I’m still processing the book. I’m processing all the areas it challenges my theology – what I was taught and what I practice. I’m processing what it means for me now, how I minister and communicate the Gospel message. I’m processing all of the backwards beliefs I’ve held about God. I’m processing the miraculous gift of Grace that was displayed on the Cross. I’m accepting it with fresh eyes, with renewal and relief.
In reading this book, I’ve been able to see God through a different filter. One that isn’t judgmental. Or angry. Or wrathful. I am able to see God as an infinitely merciful, grace-giving and loving God. He is in constant pursuit of me each time I turn my back. I see God as love, and only love. And that perfect love is revealed through Jesus Christ. The book calls us to examine our own images of God, whether they are of God as the deadbeat Dad, an angry tyrant, punishing judge or absentee landlord. If we examine our images of God and look to Jesus to see how he perfectly reveals the loving and merciful nature of God our lives can forever be changed.
I encourage everyone to read the book, even if you know you’ll disagree. At the very least, watch Brad Jersak’s 45 min presentation of the gospel.
Elizabeth Horn 