By Daniel Tong
My interest in the discussion of the emerging hyper grace movement was piqued after a talk held at SJC by Dr. Roland Chia. During the talk, Dr Chia highlighted this book. I found it irrelevant to my journey then – after all, theology nuances are for pastors to study and debate over, not for me, right?
I was mistaken. Two years later, upon reflecting on the increasing importance to deepen my roots in sound biblical doctrines, especially in our post-truth culture, I decided to dip into Law and Grace.
The book’s author, Daniel Tong, a Singapore Anglican pastor since 1993, is well known for his A Biblical Approach to Chinese Traditions and Beliefs.
Law and Grace informs all believers to live a life of faith with greater appreciation for two of God’s special gifts; His Law and His Grace. Tong has written a reader-friendly book for the layman to enter a deeper understanding of the relationship between His Law and Grace, and most importantly, our response to God.
Is God being too strict on us? Do we still need to follow the Law? Aren’t we already saved by Grace through faith, what then is the purpose of the Law?
On one extreme, we accuse the Church of being too legalistic; worshipping a God ready to strike us with lightning any time we sin.
Wait, did God not promise us eternal healing, blessings, and forgiveness in the name of Grace? Don’t I have the freedom to live life to its “fullest” my way?
On the other extreme, we accuse the Church for encouraging a liberal lifestyle of disobedience and neglecting the pursuit of holiness.
Law and Grace wonderfully presents the Gospel in a refreshing way, illustrating how both extremes result from a misunderstanding of Scripture. This book provides a balanced and detailed analysis on what the Church really is harping over. Is the Law and Grace really in tension? No, Tong concludes that they complement each other. The book ends with a rallying call for readers to live a Christian life of committed obedience to the Law in full dependence on the power of God’s Grace, not in one’s own strength and willpower.
This book was a tremendous blessing to me and I strongly recommend it to all who seek to learn biblical truths to better worship our Holy God; He who welcomes us home with open arms of Grace and so desires to sanctify our very hearts to be in pursuit of Him through the Law (John 14:15).
Bryan Au
Treasure Trove Reader and Member of SJC
