"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Romans 11:6

     The New Testament has plenty to say about both grace and works. The Bible teaches that the two are related, but we must rightly divide the word of truth to understand their connection. Many denominations teach that we obtain salvation through our works. However, when we take an objective view of the Bible we will see that it teaches that the grace of God precedes any ability of man to accomplish good works. Once we are saved by the grace of God, then we are capable of behaving in a way that is pleasing unto our Lord.

     In Romans chapters 10 and 11, the Apostle Paul writes about the condition of his kinsmen, the nation of Israel. His desire was that they might be saved (10:1). Was his wish that they could somehow be saved eternally? No. His desire was that they would be saved from ignorance of the truth (10:3). They had zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. At the time of Paul's writing, the religious elite in Israel had perverted God's law into a system of works in order to establish their own righteousness. Their system was a salvation-by-works religion. Paul spends the remainder of chapter 10 establishing that true righteousness is through Jesus Christ. In Chapter 11 he recalls Israel's history of unrighteousness. During the time of Elijah, they forsook the worship of God and worshipped Baal. However, even during that dark time, God had reserved seven thousand men that had not bowed to Baal. Paul assures believers that the same grace of God that was present in the time of Elijah also reigns today. He establishes the truth that works do not purchase God's grace for a Christian.

     Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines grace as the free, unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits that men receive from Him. Notice the description of free and unmerited. As we study the Bible you will notice that in the acts of grace initiated by our Lord, we are always passive in receiving His favor. Psalms 84:11 records that, "the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory:" In his description of Jesus in John 1:16-17, John the Baptist exclaims, "And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." The Bible proves that our salvation is by the Grace of the Lord. Romans 5:20 states, "But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." Heaven is home for every of child of God because of His grace. We are also sustained in this world because of His grace. His grace is sufficient for us in spite of our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)!

     Biblical works involve any action on the part of a Christian. This includes but is not limited to belief, faith, acceptance, love, charity, baptism, walk, and service. Anything involving action on our part is a work. If one subscribes to the idea that we must believe in the Lord in order to be saved, then he believes that salvation is obtained by works. Remember that Paul wrote, "And if by grace, then it is no more of works:" To add anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is to subscribe to the belief that we must do something to obtain salvation. The Bible teaches that without the grace of God in salvation we are spiritually dead. Dead men can do no works whatsoever. Those that are dead are inactive. Ephesians 2:7-9 Paul writes, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"

     When we are made spiritually alive through the work of Christ, then we can serve the Lord through works. In our next column, we will discuss the role of works as it pertains to Christian service. Grace and works are related in a wonderful and beautiful way! Both are vital parts of our life in Christ. But before we can understand the value of good works and how to make them part of our daily lives, we must strive to understand that the grace of God precedes the ability of man to engage in good works. Belief, love, and a faith in God do not earn us salvation; but it is a result of the gracious working of the Lord in our lives. This Biblical truth takes away the opportunity for men to take credit for their salvation. Belief in this doctrine is the only way for us to give all glory and honor to the God of Heaven and Earth. When we are blessed to feel the presence of the Lord in our lives then we ought to serve him to the best of our ability.

Monday, August 21, 2006

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Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church

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