cheap grace

There have always been legitimate theological arguments about justification, as well as less noble but understandable interconfessional squabbles. But it may also be the case that there is another, more subtle (and thus more dangerous) theological reason for at least some aspects of the current situation regarding justification. To paraphrase Dietrich Bonhoeffer, parts of the Christian church have become enamored with cheap justification. Cheap justification is justification without justice, faith without love, declaration without transformation.—Inhabiting the Cruciform God, p. 41

<idle musing>
Just like cheap credit, cheap grace is alluring. But, in the long run, again, just like cheap credit, it will eat you alive. It isn't real and, so, it can't save or transform.
</idle musing>