The fifteenth in a series of 17 blogs answering anticipated (or actual) objections to material set forth in A Way of Escape, i.e., the fifteenth in a series of 17 blogs answering anticipated FAQs.
OBJECTION #15 (of 17)
In your book’s Second Edition (pages 15 and 136-137), you argue for a second way of escape by claiming that most Bible-and-accountability-based purity programs are, in fact, teaching escape by works. You err by insisting that Galatians 6:1-2 and James 5:16—proven Scripture passages for the restoration and healing of a fallen Christian brother—are, in fact, teaching restoration and healing by works.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2).
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).
RESPONSE
No, I have never stated that Galatians 6:1-2 and James 5:16 teach restoration and healing by works; only the man-made, Bible-based purity programs that cite these two Scripture passages to justify their multiple-years-long programs of healing.
No one questions the vital role that Galatians 6:1-2 and James 5:16 can play in the restoration and healing of a fallen Christian brother. And aftercare is certainly also a necessary part of the restoration and healing process. What I take exception to is citing these two Scripture passages as biblical justification for the creation of 2-to-5-year duration [1], flesh-starving, accountability-based purity programs—and then insisting that accountability is the only way for the addict to heal, when Scripture clearly teaches that there is another way, a much-easier-to-successfully-navigate, wholly Spirit-powered way (Galatians 5:16).
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Two-to-five-year (2-to-5-year) duration purity programs require a whole lot of hard work, as all builders of the higher-profile, Bible-and-accountability-based purity programs acknowledge (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/the-hardest-thing-v15). Remarkably, some even use the very words “hard work” and “work” when describing how difficult it will be for a fallen brother to successfully navigate their purity programs:
This is going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your life ... You’re going to have to really put in the hard work to break this addiction [2].
... this type of internal transformation requires work. More work than most people are used to ... It’s hard work ... God will honor your hard work [3].
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn of a much easier way to heal. Readers learn how to heal, not by starving the flesh, but by feeding the Spirit instead. They learn how to heal by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
The still-struggling now have another option. The still-struggling now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from temptation and resulting sin (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
REFERENCES
1. Conquer Series: The Battle Plan for Purity (12-disc DVD set), Volume 1, Disc 1, Track 1—Redeemed, KingdomWorks Studios, Stuart, FL, 2017
2. Wiles, J., Conquer Series: The Battle Plan for Purity (12-disc DVD set), Volume 1, Disc 2, Track 8—Air Combat Maneuvering Training Story, KingdomWorks Studios, Stuart, FL, 2017
3. Weiss, D., Clean: A Proven Plan for Men Committed to Sexual Integrity, First Printing, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, pages xvi and xviii, 2013
