Hyper-Grace
The teaching that believers never need to repent, confess sin, or pursue holiness
What Is It?
The hyper-grace movement distorts the biblical doctrine of grace by teaching that believers never need to repent for sins after conversion, should not confess sins, and that any pursuit of holiness is 'legalism.' It misapplies verses about our position in Christ (justified, forgiven) to deny our condition on earth (still capable of sin and needing ongoing sanctification). This teaching produces either antinomianism (lawlessness) or spiritual pride, and contradicts the clear biblical commands to repent, confess, and pursue holiness.
Key Errors
- Teaches believers never need to repent after conversion
- Claims confession of sin is unnecessary
- Calls pursuit of holiness 'legalism'
- Confuses justification with sanctification
- Ignores New Testament commands to believers
Scripture Refutation
1 John 1:8-10
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”
John commands believers to confess sins — written to Christians, not unbelievers.
Revelation 2:5
“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Jesus commands the church at Ephesus to repent — Christians can and must repent.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Pursuit of holiness is commanded, not optional or legalistic.
Romans 6:1-2
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
Paul directly refutes the antinomian abuse of grace.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.”
True grace teaches holiness, not license to sin.
Historical Context
The modern hyper-grace movement emerged in the early 2000s through teachers like Joseph Prince, Paul Ellis, and Andrew Farley. While emphasizing important truths about grace and freedom from legalism, the movement overcorrected into error by denying the believer's ongoing responsibility for confession and sanctification.
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