From
Monastery To Free Grace , by Tim Grady .
{1. Beginnings .}
My name is
Tim Grady . Born Aug. 21 , 1958 in Kankakee , Illinois to Dr. and Mrs.
Grady , and had ten brothers and sisters : seven sisters
, and three brothers .
I was raised in an Irish Roman Catholic home , and was an altar boy for nearly 10 years , with a tremendous respect for the clergy ; all things traditional , religious , and Roman Catholic . I remember having a serious interest in one day donning the holy vestments .
After eight years of Catholic grade school (St. Theresa's) , I followed my three older siblings to Bishop McNamara high school , where I spent two years , until transferring to a public high school (Eastridge) for the remaining two years .
Life was changing , and my interests and values were in flux .
After enrolling at Loyola University in Chicago during the fall of 1976 , I was convinced by the Dean Of Studies , that taking off from school and moving to California , would be a better option . I put my thumb out on Interstate #80 , and headed West !
I was raised in an Irish Roman Catholic home , and was an altar boy for nearly 10 years , with a tremendous respect for the clergy ; all things traditional , religious , and Roman Catholic . I remember having a serious interest in one day donning the holy vestments .
After eight years of Catholic grade school (St. Theresa's) , I followed my three older siblings to Bishop McNamara high school , where I spent two years , until transferring to a public high school (Eastridge) for the remaining two years .
Life was changing , and my interests and values were in flux .
After enrolling at Loyola University in Chicago during the fall of 1976 , I was convinced by the Dean Of Studies , that taking off from school and moving to California , would be a better option . I put my thumb out on Interstate #80 , and headed West !
{2.
"Head west , young man"... the land of the mystics .}
Arriving in
Pacific Grove , California , was a welcomed shock . Life was noticeably
different - right away .
Surrounded
by the majestic mountains which meet the Pacific Ocean , was far
more compelling than the sight of endless corn and bean fields on the flat
Midwestern plains .
The
cultural differences provided an even greater contrast . The '60's culture
of the 'Summer Of Love' ; Berkeley's Haight Ashbury and
the "Grateful Dead/surfer dude vibe", was instantly recognizable .
The openness to all-things-spiritual was in the air .
As time
went by , on the Monterey Peninsula , I became closely associated
with a mystical community of Catholics at the Carmelite Monastery off of
Highway 1 , just south of Carmel . Nestled amidst the florid Juniper trees ,
the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean provided the pulse for this
surreal and poetic enclave .
Often , I
would hitchhike in the morning from Pacific Grove to the Monastery - perhaps 10
miles - followed by breakfast in Carmel with Catholic
friends . a good way to kick off the otherwise mundane events of
work and study (Monterey Peninsula College) .
This period
saw my interest in reading Catholic mystics accelerate (St. Theresa of
Avila ; St. John Of The Cross ; Thomas A Kempis ; The Desert Fathers -
Philokalia ; and everything written by Trappist monk Thomas Merton )
.
Through
these friends , I was directed to a bookstore in Carmel , owned by the sister
of a monk from the Immaculate Heart Hermitage in Big Sur , California ; some 56
miles south of Carmel on the majestic Coastal route (Highway 1) .
My
fascination was instantly piqued , and I arranged to go down for a
"retreat" for three days , while contemplating the meaning of
life , and my place in it .
{3.
The climb to the Cloister ... to be a Benedictine .}
Once again
, I stuck my thumb out , and hitched a ride down the winding and spectacular
Highway 1 to the
(Benedictine)
Monastery known as 'New Camaldoli' ; the American branch of the
Italian motherhouse .
See the
Monastery here : http://www.contemplation.com/
Getting out of the vehicle , I started climbing the access road 3.5 miles to the top , where it levels out , and the grounds of the Monastery are evident . Overlooking Santa Lucia Bay of the Pacific Ocean , one becomes instantly transfixed with the textures , sights , smells , and sounds of one of the best meetings of land and sea in the world . The peace I felt was other worldly .
It seemed
, after several retreats in Big Sur , that this indeed was my calling. I
phoned Father Louis at New Camaldoli , and arranged for a meeting with the
Abbot Father Bruno , and Father Adam - who was the Novice Master in
1977 . It was as though the portals to heaven had swung wide open , and life
would no longer be a question mark , but an answered prayer . I would be
entering the Novitiate for the summer of 1977 .
It seemed
as if the collective thoughts of the Catholic saints and mystics I
had treasured , was now being realized for me . This was profoundly
moving , and a cause for great joy and expectation .
As it
turned out , the rhythm of monastic life was quite agreeable . Rising at 3:30
a.m. for morning prayer . Back at 6:00 a.m. for Mass , followed by breakfast
and free time until 12:00 lunch . Then , four hours of work - whether
in the garden ; cleaning rooms , in the kitchen , or cutting firewood
(etc.) . The days had a definite pattern that provided stability .
What was
intriguing was the manner of the older brethren and the conversations that
took place , when time allowed . I was in awe of the rectitude they showed in
their fastings and devotions , whether praying the rosary daily , or
incessantly (under the breath) repeating the 'Hesychyst prayer' from the Early
Desert Fathers : "Lord Jesus , have mercy upon me a sinner" .
I wanted
dearly to emulate their example . Some of them , like Father Bede , would go
weeks without any human contact , because there is a housing area of
"cells" specifically for that on the eastern flanks of the
grounds .
The
isolation ; focus on prayer ; contemplation ; self denial by
fasting or wearing uncomfortable items (hairshirts etc.) ; praying to
the saints and the Virgin Mary for intercession ; the holy sacrifice of the
Mass - were the heartbeat of this "spiritual factory" .
As it
turned out , Father Adam was headed to Italy for a meeting of all the Novice
Masters and Abbots of the Camaldolese Order , at the end of the summer of 1977
. As such , he spoke with me about my future and recommended that I go
back out in the "world" , and commit to vows later in life . Most of
the monks , over the years , made this decision in their late 20's
, whereas , I had just turned 19 . I agreed that this made sense ,
and at the end of that summer , I headed back to Monterey , along with a short
visit back to Illinois .
{4.
Re-entry to the "world" ... sort of .}
Upon
returning to the Monterey Peninsula , I joined the Oratorian community Of St.
Philip Neri , where I stayed for nearly three years in a semi-monastic
setting . Father Emeric Doman was its Rector , and I drove him each day to say
Mass at the Navy Postgraduate School , among other parishes. Brother(s)
Peter , Matthew, and Richard were all studying theology in Berkeley for the
priesthood , and lived in quarters next to mine .
See
Oratorian Community here : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oratorian-Community/118167334866926
This is
when , for two years , I taught the high school Confirmation/Catechism class at
St. Angela's Parish in Pacific Grove . The interaction was very invigorating
, being around so many hopeful young people on their way to promising
careers , soon to be in the collegiate ranks .
See
here : St. Angela Merici parish ; Pacific Grove , California : http://www.stangelamericipacificgrove.org/about-st-angela-merici/
...
These were
some of the best times of my life . I had great chats with these folks about so
many burning issues , while majoring in philosophy at the
college . Frequently encounters in all manner of spiritual dialogue ,
was a daily expectation . The challenges were many , and the
responses varied while applying the maxim : "why do you believe that
to be true ?". Truth continued to sort out the winds of doctrine ,
circulating at a fever pitch .
Around this
time (1980) , I had developed a friendship with several "evangelical
bible believers", who introduced me to some rather startling information -
speaking of challenges . They were quite friendly and engaging . I was
invited to their homes for dinner and bible study where the conversations
became more specific . What they pointed out , was that salvation had nothing
to do with belonging to an organization , but a personal relationship with
Jesus , as found in the bible . I did not fully grasp what this
meant , but it opened another door of curiosity .
Later ,
other areas of doctrine were being questioned by my "Jesus freak"
friends . This was a time of great unrest and discomfort for me . All that
I thought I believed , was now under close scrutiny . I felt like I was on the
defensive , and my answers were getting harder to summon .
{5.
Grace breaks through .}
Soon
thereafter , it became evident that the bible was clear about this
"personal relationship thing" , and that it truly is a matter of
believing , as opposed to belonging to an Institution or outward
Organization . I did not really grasp all the implications of this world
changing realization , but a step toward what I perceived of as freedom , was
clearly taken .
Shortly
thereafter , in 1980 , I left the Oratorian Community and moved outside
where I lived in makeshift tents on the beach (Spanish Bay in Pacific
Grove/Pebble Beach) , and forested areas near Carmel
, for nearly 11 years . It seemed as though I was living in a
John Steinback novel . In fact , this was where Steinbeck used to hang out
with friends while writing books like 'Cannery Row' . The pounding tones of the
surf , and the invigorating odors of the sea breeze , lent an air
of tranquility that helped in working through the issues I was
confronting .
Through the
'80's , I became involved in Classical music as a vocal performer in ensembles
, and as a soloist in the Carmel Bach Festival ; the Monterey
Symphony ; Pro Musica of Utah (Salt Lake City) ; Camerata Singers of Salinas ;
and as a founding member of I Cantori Di Carmel . These were days filled
with the glories of sharing in some of the greatest artistic expressions
ever authored , and the camaraderie among fellow participants .
As well , I
became heavily involved in the political arena . I ran against Clint Eastwood
for mayor of Carmel in '86 ; again in '88 ; and several other offices on
the Monterey Peninsula (along with a couple in Siskiyou County
(Mount Shasta) , California ('92-'98) .
Along with
those engagements , there came a developing sense of spiritual/worldview
refinement . I was attending Calvary Chapel in Pacific Grove , and had
several friends there who proved helpful in answering crucial questions .
{6.
Clarifying Grace .}
A lingering
question was : how does anyone know that they are saved ? I was finding the
answer to this question quite elusive . My question became : how do you
KNOW that you know ?
I was
persuaded that John 3:16 was plain enough to answer that , though there were
friends who believed that one could "lose salvation" through bad
behavior , or by way of "apostasy/falling away" . Or
, there were those who held that lots of sin/"bad fruit" would surely
indicate that someone was unsaved , and that they were not somehow one of God's
"elect" . These were the conflicting opinions I was finding within
"evangelicalism" .
During the
late '80's I would listen to Christian radio throughout the day , and would
practically set my clock by Dr. Walter Martin's apologetic show 'The Bible
Answer Man' . Reading apologetic texts from he (and others from the
Christian Research Institute) , along with all things written by
Dr. Norman Geisler and Dr. Francis Schaeffer - became the daily rhythm
that explained so much of the enduring "why's" of this life . This ,
coupled with majoring in Philosophy in college , underscored a continuing
thirst to give reasons for "why I believe WHAT I believe" . In
short , it provided the mechanics to wade through all the competing winds of
doctrinal truth claims .
Going back
to college in '90 at Eastern Mennonite U. (Harrisonburg , VA.) , was an
experiment on several levels . I had become influenced heavily by the pacifist
writings of Leo Tolstoy , that led to an interest in the Amish/Mennonite
worldview . In taking an old Testament course from a Princeton Phd. professor ,
who held to the view that the bible was NOT - in fact -
historical , my views sharpened with respect to Mennonite theology , and led to
an in depth appraisal of their doctrine concerning pacifism . And
, most importantly - justification/salvation .
On both
counts , I became persuaded that neither view held up to biblical scrutiny .
After one semester in the books , it was "back to California",
once again .
{6.
Northbound - freedom bound in Mt. Shasta/Weed .}
Shortly thereafter
, it became clear that it was time to head for other environs . I had developed
a keen interest in wilderness trekking while frequently exploring the Los
Padres National Forest near Big Sur , California . Looking at the maps of the Mount
Shasta/Weed area , and being interested in attending
Weed's College of the Siskiyous , it seemed agreeable to my growing
disenchantment with the $ high
rollin'/overly commercialized/overdeveloped California
"dream" .
Having
been through the Weed area before , I recalled how easy it was to feel
anonymous there , being surrounded by boundless acres of timber , trails and
peaks . This seemed the perfect remedy for disillusion .
1992 would
be another turning point . My sense of freedom was growing . Behind me lay
a series of events that led to an ever increasing desire to clarify
that liberty .
Going to
the Weed Berean church , along with small group bible studies ,
widened the circle of friends while living there from '92 until '99
. This was an era marked by clarification of life's most important
question : what must I do to be saved?
Just prior
to this span , Dr. John MacArthur's book 'The Gospel According To Jesus',
hit the shelves . I was familiar with his radio broadcast 'Grace To You' ,
which aired daily on the Redding , Ca. Christian radio station
. A friend from the church had a copy , and another book with a
competing viewpoint titled 'Absolutely Free' , by Dr. Zane Hodges .
{7.
Center of the dartboard .}
It was
instantly evident that this issue - justification by faith - was indeed the
center of the dartboard . In reading through both views , I was struck with how
Hodge's view seems so easy to parallel with scripture , which so clearly
affirms assurance of eternal life as a present possession . MacArthur's view
seemed to suspend any such certainty , and made living the Christian life a
constant guessing game . His popularization of "Lordship Salvation"
blurred the distinction between justification and sanctification , and turned a
once-in-a-moment event of believing , into a process known as
'discipleship' . Some of the finer points of this issue awaited further
refinement , but the door to the heart of truth was opened .
After
commercial fishing out of Seward Alaska in '94 , I returned to the Weed/Mt.
Shasta area and finished off studies at College Of The Siskiyous in late May of
'95 . Then it was time to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada -
a 2,750 mile trek through the mountains and wilderness stretches in California
, Oregon , and Washington . This would take 134 days to complete , and
was a profound life - changer .
Nearing
the conclusion , between Stehekin Wash. and Rainy Pass (Wash Hwy. 20) , a
25 mile stretch , I encountered eight bears in one day ; seven blacks
, and one Grizzly . One was a momma black and her cub , and I was in between
them ... not exactly a desirable scenario ! But , she let me go ,
which explains why I'm still writing this !
There were
so many invaluable encounters with people on the trail , often discussing
worldview issues and what was most meaningful in their lives . Well over 90% of
them came from a humanist and/or New Age perspective , with an implicit faith
in some form of macro-Evolutionary Cosmology . Coming from a Creationist biblical
worldview will often make one feel like a stranger in a strange land !
This trek
provided ample proof of the Lord's faithfulness in supplying comfort and wisdom
in very challenging circumstances . It was so clear how there really is nothing
to worry about , as I frequently read from Luke chapter 12 :
"22Then, turning to his disciples,
Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about
everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.
23For life is more than
food, and your body more than clothing. 24Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in
barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
25Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life? 26And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the
use of worrying over bigger things?
27“Look at the
lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon
in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today
and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you
have so little faith?
29“And don’t be
concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the
world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you
everything you need.
32“So don’t be
afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the
Kingdom" .
Re-entry
back into the work-a-day world after the trail was a difficult transition
. Settling back in , and working as a tree faller while operating a
firewood business , was truly satisfying in many ways . Being out there in
the altitude of the mountains amongst the trees , vistas , and
open spaces ; without time constraint or a boss for several years
, rated at the top for the jobs I've had .
This time
also saw tremendous growth in clarifying biblical truth , and honing in on the
"center of the dartboard" .
{8.
Back to the Bay ... Area.}
It was not
long after returning to Weed , that a friend and his family whom I'd lived
with were going to move to the bay area and he'd work with a Grading & Paving
Co. out of Pleasanton , California . They would live in Tracy , just east over
the Livermore grade . I was invited to join them , and decided that
$27.00/hr. might not be a bad idea after all !
As it
turned out , I stayed until mid '2000 . During this time , I had met a former
Jesuit priest (18 years head of St. Joseph's parish , San Jose ,
Cal.) named Bob Bush , and his wife . After hearing them on a
50,000 watt Christian radio station in Oakdale , California (KCBC) , I phoned
them to talk about Jesus , the bible , salvation , and having been a
Benedictine monk . They lived near Oakdale , and invited me for a visit .
They then
invited me to participate with them on-air during their broadcasts . This would
last for nearly two years . It was truly amazing to have so many callers
understand that they too could have certainty of eternal life simply by
believing Jesus' promise (John 6:47) . Much of the time , we would read
straight out of the Catholic Catechism ; The Canons And decrees Of The Council
Of Trent ; or Vatican Council 2 , to prove - from Official Catholic
sources - what they taught about authority , tradition , sin ,
salvation/justification, purgatory , indulgences (etc.) . In comparing
tradition with the bible , some were persuaded that the two were irreconcilable
.
Once again
, the operative principle is that the bible alone is the authority , and
if anything contradicts what it says , "anything" must go - not
the reverse .
The message
that grace is unmerited favor and cannot be earned , was received by some . I
found tremendous hunger in more than a few of the callers . I
look back fondly on those days , as a profitable venue for bringing people
out of bondage to works righteousness , and their uncertainty of salvation
.
My
love for Roman Catholics continues to be deep . Echoing the Apostle
Paul : "I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also
bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that
I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed
from Christ for my brethren...' (Romans 9:1-3) ; and :
"What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness,
have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness,
has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they
did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.
For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As
it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling
stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame . Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 9:30-10:4)" .
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame . Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 9:30-10:4)" .
{9.
Clarifying Calvinism.}
After
Y2K passed , life in the Bay Area for me was coming to a close . It was also
becoming evident that people within the 'Ex-Catholics For Christ Conferences'
community - including Bob Bush , Dr. John MacArthur , Dave Hunt & the
Berean Call , and many other ex-priests and nuns - had sharp
disagreements about what the "center of the dartboard" was .
In studying
the history of Calvinism at that time , particularly Dr.
Laurence Vance's 'The Other Side Of Calvinism' , it was clear that those who
promoted a ..."you can't be saved if you have bad fruit (works) in
your life" view , were tied to this 5 point Calvinist system . Dr. R.C.
Sproul , Dr. James White , Dr. John Gerstner et al ,were some of the most
eloquent apologists for that position , and had a tremendous sway over
many friends .
Their
position reduced to : you CANNOT be certain that you are one of God's secret
and unknowable "elect" , because you must persevere till the end of
your life in faith and good works to "prove" it .
As well ,
there were several - including Bob Bush & his wife - who believed you could
"lose your salvation" . This has been termed the
"Arminian" position , though it is found in belief systems unattached
to that tradition .
It seemed
to me that either way , Calvinist or Arminian , one could not be
sure of what Jesus had so clearly guaranteed . In the end , either
way , one would be in doubt of salvation until death . Both were looking
at performance(works) instead of looking to Jesus for what He certifies
. Again , Jesus' words in the bible could not be reconciled with either
view ( John 3:16,5:24,6:47,11:17-27,20:31 etc.) .
Yet again ,
the bible alone is the authority . Not any institution , tradition , or
person .
A book I
read , at that time , sharpened the focus on this all important issue . Dr. Bob
Wilkin's "Confident in Christ" was a further elaboration on Dr. Zane
Hodges "Absolutely Free", written more than 10 years earlier .
Written in an easy-to-understand fashion , this book crystallized and
articulated all that seemed to be on my plate , at precisely the right time .
Wilkin's website at www.faithalone.org
became my daily "pilgrimage" , as I would copy all the journal
articles before leaving the library . His subsequent books 'Secure And Sure',
and 'Road To Reward' (and 'The Ten Most Misunderstood words In The Bible',
which I have not yet read), remain invaluable resources in understanding the
freedom and liberty that salvation by grace through faith connotes
.
Over these
books , and what they articulate - that certainty of eternal life IS the good
news - a parting of the ways happened with many friends and associates , some
of whom I'd known for many years . Jesus made it clear that He and His word are
to be valued above all allegiances in this world , and that division based on
truth is imperative (Matthew 10) .
To
this day , I am not at all surprised that the majority have never been right
about what matters most : truth . And in this case , the truth of everlasting
life .
{10.
North to Wahington ; Peru ; Marriage/Family Life}
As it
turned out , I moved to Anacortes , Washington in 2001 and have done road
construction ; worked as a scaffold erector in the refineries ; worked at
Boeing in Everett ; and a flagger on the highways .
In 2003
& in 2005, I was able to hike the Continental Divide Trail (3,100
miles) from above Glacier Natl. Park , Montana/Canada , to the Mexican
border at Columbus , New Mexico . In '05 , it was a benefit for the
Crisis Pregnancy Center in Salida , Colorado . Both treks took 102 days to
complete , again providing incalculable moments to treasure . God's
handiwork (creation) is the greatest art form and never fails to challenge
point to the One who !
Since then
, I was tremendously privileged to mountaineer and trek in Peru ,
Chile , Bolivia , and Argentina in 2007. Twice more to Peru
involved meeting my wife (Vanessa) , and returning with her in 2008 . We
now have two sons : Solomon Jehoshua (age 5) ; and Josiah Hezekiah (age 3) .
Her family continues to reside in an eastern district of Lima (La Molina)
, Peru's capital . In a better world , we would live six months
there ... during their summer , of course !
We continue
to live twenty miles from Anacortes , in Sedro Woolley ,
Washington - five miles east of I-5 on the way to the glorious
North Cascades .
{11.
In Conclusion}
Above all ,
the journey called "life" takes all sorts of twists and
turns , where each of us walks a slightly different trail . What
remains true for all is that everything in this world changes
and cannot afford certainty . Interestingly , we measure
ourselves , and others , against the backdrop of "achievement",
thereby hoping to find and project some form of "identity".
Yet , these
phenomena are subject to the modulations of circumstance .
In
sum , things that change cannot give certainty . Only the Promise of
the One who cannot lie , nor change , gives such assurance .
While
at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:17-27) , His beloved friend , Jesus
clearly affirmed the certainty of eternal life to all who are persuaded that He
will give it to them , by believing in Him for it :
" So when Jesus came, He found that he had already
been in the tomb four days. Now
Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary,
to comfort them concerning their brother.
Now Martha, as
soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting
in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been
here, my brother would not have died. But
even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
He did not lie to Martha and Mary . He did not lie to me .
He took me from climbing the mountains of changing works (the monastery/religiosity) , to the solid rock of unmerited favor . There is no rest while climbing .
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
He did not lie to Martha and Mary . He did not lie to me .
He took me from climbing the mountains of changing works (the monastery/religiosity) , to the solid rock of unmerited favor . There is no rest while climbing .
His
guarantee is the only thing that is certain , and gives eternal
rest ... without cost .
