Lesson Nineteen: The Danger of Absolvetism in Deivism: Grace, Accountability, and Consequences
Dear Radiant.Life community, welcome to Lesson Nineteen, where we will be exploring the dangers of Absolvetism. This lesson invites reflection on how the balance of grace, accountability, and consequences shapes our lives and leadership. We’ll unpack biblical wisdom and historical lessons to better understand how God's grace can transform us, but never as an escape from the natural consequences of our actions. Let this study inspire you to cultivate a life of integrity and spiritual discernment, as we grow in wisdom together.
In Deivism, one of the most profound principles is the Law of Harvest, a universal concept that asserts, "you reap what you sow." This lesson explores how this law aligns with divine justice, grace, and personal responsibility. Through the lens of biblical narratives, historical events, and philosophical insights, we will unpack the significance of sowing and reaping as it applies to moral conduct, spiritual integrity, and leadership. At its core, the Law of Harvest reflects the natural and spiritual order, where every action has corresponding consequences. This law operates not only in the physical world, where planting seeds yields crops, but also in the moral and spiritual realms. It affirms that our thoughts, words, and deeds—whether righteous or sinful—lead to outcomes that impact both our present and eternal destiny. Unlike legalism, which imposes rigid rules without the relational context of grace, and karma, which views consequences as an impersonal force, the Law of Harvest in Deivism is grounded in the relational grace of God. It invites individuals to align their lives with divine principles, knowing that God's justice ensures that every action bears fruit, whether good or evil.
To understand this law more deeply, we look to the example set by Jesus. In John 8:11, when Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more," He extends grace in the form of forgiveness. However, this forgiveness comes with the expectation of transformation and a change in behavior. Jesus does not dismiss the moral consequences of her actions but provides her with an opportunity for repentance and a new path forward. This moment demonstrates that grace, while freely given, is not a license to continue in wrongdoing; rather, it is a catalyst for moral and spiritual improvement. Grace in Deivism functions similarly: it offers a chance for transformation while upholding the reality of accountability. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this balance between grace and accountability in Romans 6:1-2, writing, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" Paul's rhetorical question and answer highlight that grace should not be exploited as an excuse for continuing in sinful behavior but should inspire a genuine commitment to righteousness. This sentiment counters the concept of Absolvetism, a misunderstanding of both grace and justice that falsely equates grace with an unearned exemption from moral obligations.
In Deivism, integrity and righteousness are paramount. Grace is not a tool for evading the consequences of one's actions but a means of transforming one's life to align more closely with divine principles. This transformation requires acknowledging the reality of one's actions and their impacts on oneself and others. It involves taking responsibility for one's choices, knowing that divine grace offers forgiveness and the strength to pursue a righteous path, but it does not erase the natural outcomes of those choices. Ezekiel 18:20 reinforces this truth, stating, "The soul who sins shall die." This verse underscores that individual responsibility remains intact, even when grace is present, and that the moral consequences of one's actions cannot be ignored. The story of Zimri in 1 Kings 16:15-19 offers a vivid illustration of the Law of Harvest in action. Zimri, a military commander, seized the throne of Israel by assassinating King Elah, but his reign lasted only seven days. When the people of Israel learned of his conspiracy, they made Omri, the commander of the army, their king, and Omri quickly marched against Zimri. Realizing his defeat was imminent, Zimri set fire to the palace and perished in the flames. His brief and violent reign ended in disgrace, as he reaped the consequences of the violence and treachery he had sown. Zimri's fate reflects the reality that those who live by violence will ultimately be destroyed by it, echoing Jesus' words in Matthew 26:52: "For all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword."
Zimri's demise also highlights a fundamental truth of the Law of Harvest: the seeds we sow, whether good or evil, will inevitably bear fruit. The harvest is determined by the nature of the seeds planted, and once those seeds are sown, the harvest cannot be altered. This principle applies not only to individuals but also to nations, communities, and leaders. Zimri's story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the choices we make have lasting consequences and that, while God's grace offers the possibility of redemption, it does not shield us from the natural outcomes of our actions. In Deivism, the Law of Harvest encourages a balanced understanding of grace that incorporates both accountability and responsibility. The belief that one can act harmfully and avoid repercussions simply because of divine grace is a distortion of true spiritual principles. God's grace does not eliminate the need for integrity, nor does it absolve individuals from the moral and social consequences of their actions. As Proverbs 11:3 teaches, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them." Integrity, in this sense, is not merely about ethical behavior but about living in harmony with divine principles, consistently aligning one's actions with righteousness and justice.
Another historical example that demonstrates the Law of Harvest is the life of Adolf Hitler. Hitler's rise to power was marked by manipulation, deceit, and violence, culminating in the devastation of World War II and the Holocaust. His policies of hatred, intolerance, and brutality led to the extermination of millions of Jews and others he deemed undesirable. However, Hitler's reign of terror ultimately resulted in his own downfall, as he ended his life in a bunker while Allied forces closed in on Berlin. The seeds of violence and destruction that he had sown throughout his life brought about his personal demise and the near-total destruction of Germany. Hitler's fate exemplifies the principle that those who live by violence and tyranny will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
The Law of Harvest in Deivism teaches that while we are under God's grace, our actions still yield natural results according to divine principles. This law operates not as a form of rigid legalism but as a reflection of God's justice and grace working in tandem. As Paul writes in Galatians 6:7-8, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life." Paul's words affirm that the seeds we plant—whether in the flesh or in the Spirit—determine the kind of harvest we will receive, both in this life and in eternity. In practical terms, Deivism advocates for sowing seeds of righteousness, kindness, and love, knowing that these actions align with divine principles and lead to a harvest of spiritual growth and eternal life. When we sow to the Spirit, we participate in God's grace, which empowers us to live in accordance with His will. This is not about following a set of rigid rules but about living in harmony with the relational grace of God, which calls us to cultivate a life of integrity, compassion, and justice. As we sow good seeds, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the well-being of others and the world around us. While the Law of Harvest emphasizes personal responsibility, it also acknowledges that some consequences may not be immediately visible. The psalmist wrestles with this reality in Psalm 73, where he observes the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. However, he eventually realizes that the reaping process extends beyond the present life and into eternity. This understanding reminds us that even when the wicked seem to prosper, their actions will eventually bring about their downfall, whether in this life or the next. The Law of Harvest assures us that God's justice will prevail, and those who live righteously will ultimately be rewarded, while those who sow seeds of wickedness will face the consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, the Law of Harvest in Deivism offers a profound framework for understanding the relationship between grace, accountability, and consequences. It teaches that while God's grace provides the opportunity for forgiveness and transformation, it does not negate the natural outcomes of our actions. The seeds we sow—whether in righteousness or sin—will inevitably bear fruit, and we are called to live in accordance with divine principles to ensure a harvest that reflects spiritual integrity and godliness. By sowing seeds of kindness, love, and righteousness, we align ourselves with God's grace and justice, knowing that our actions have both immediate and eternal consequences. The stories of Zimri and Adolf Hitler serve as stark reminders of the reality of this law, while Paul's teachings encourage us to sow to the Spirit and reap the rewards of eternal life. Let us, therefore, live with integrity, embracing the grace of God while remaining accountable for the seeds we sow, trusting in the divine order that governs both the present and eternity.
Reflection Questions:
How does the concept of the Law of Harvest shape your understanding of personal responsibility in light of God's grace?
In what ways can Absolvetism be a dangerous misunderstanding of grace? How can leaders guard against this in their communities?
How do you think Zimri’s and Adolf Hitler’s stories illustrate the relationship between one's actions and the consequences, both immediate and long-term?
Concluding Prayers