The Grace of God

THE GRACE OF GOD:

What is the greatest biblical truth a student should learn in Africa when studying in a theological college?

Charles Kimweli, a graduate of Scott Theological College and Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology in Kenya, is a pastor in the Africa Inland Church and a Bible translator. He has a bright and perceptive mind. His answer was straightforward. “The greatest biblical truth that changed my life,” he said, “was the grace of God.”

He believes that the average African Christian has a serious problem in knowing how to be rightly related to God. Most African Christians feel that they must somehow merit or earn the right of being right with God. The truth of God’s grace, of being accepted by Christ on the merits of his death, is not well understood.

I have spoken with others who come from churches with a Reformed tradition in Kenya who felt the same. African Christians, whatever their church affiliation, tend to be Arminian in their personal beliefs despite the official, doctrinal creeds of the Church.

This seems to be a common bent of man’s thinking and is found in many western churches as well. Besides, this view seems to be supported by biblical teaching. Doesn’t James teach the necessity of good works? “What good is it, my brother, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” (2:14). Biblical teaching in the African Church is an urgent need so that they understand that faith in Christ alone saves them, but that faith which saves them must be the kind of faith that manifests itself in good works.

On the other hand I inquired from Pastor Peter Ngugi, also of the Africa Inland Church in Githumu in Central Kenya, where the East African Revival broke through and made a significant impact on the Anglican, Presbyterian and Africa Inland Churches. In his opinion, it is not true. African Christians do understand the grace of God which alone is the way to be accepted by God. We note that the Revival Movement with it strong emphasis on the true nature of the Gospel impacted those churches greatly.

A great need in the African Church is to teach the Gospel in depth. Depending on our own merits can only lead to fear in the face of death. On the one hand I have witnessed funerals of Christians in Kenya who had a strong, vibrant faith. The testimonies were markers of triumphant faith in the grace of God and confidence of salvation. On the other hand I have observed weak Christians fearing for their future, uncertain of their future destination.

Christians wherever they are found must understand the basis of their salvation – it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The cross of Christ must be uplifted. His offer of free grace must be offered, grounded on the shed blood of Christ for sinners.

Thank God for his grace which made me a child of God through faith alone.