It is a term that refers to a shallow acknowledgment of Christ's historical significance as the Son of God. 'Easy believism' has its roots in a 'faith alone' tenet that says all you need is a cursory belief in Jesus to be saved. This liberal concept misrepresents the truth found in scripture.
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The essence of this doctrine is found in Ephesians 2:8–9: For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.
But the next verse reveals the results of that salvation: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Genuine saving faith will always lead to a changed life, but an 'easy believism' theology assumes that if you just say the 'sinner's prayer' you'll be saved ... even if there is no brokenness, no real conviction of sin, and no true surrender to Christ's Lordship.
There is a related term; 'carnal Christian'. This infers that a person can receive Christ as Savior during a religious experience yet remain in an ungodly lifestyle. It is a belief that a man can be an unrepentant adulterer, liar, or thief, and still be considered 'saved' ... he’s excused as 'just an immature carnal believer'.
Applying 'cheap grace' as a religious salve on a sin-laden life deceives one into thinking that self-indulgence is acceptable in the eyes of God. That is a soul-destroying lie.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8
Salvation is certainly free, but, at the same time, it costs us everything. Evidence of sanctification will be seen in those who truly surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.
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