Biblical Grace -- What Is It?
What Happens When Lost Men and Women Find Salvation Through God's Grace?
BY GRACE WE ARE SAVED!
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephes. 2:8 Throughout the Scriptures there is one fact that can easily be recognized: Man cannot save himself! The human race willfully chooses to continue in sin and rebellion (Rom 3:10), and every person has sinned grievously against God (Rom 3:23)!
Every sinner is destined to spend eternity under the just punishment of a holy God, burning in an eternal abyss where mercy and forgiveness will never again be available (Rev 20:15). Man's only hope is the atonement of Jesus Christ which was procured upon the cross of Calvary! In God's great love and mercy He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for the sins of the unjust (1 Pet 3:18). In that redemption God's grace was clearly manifest (1 John 4:9). Oh, worthy is the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world! We are saved by grace and grace alone. But what does this mean for the man who receives the grace of God by faith? What will the grace of God produce in a man or woman's life? How do I know whether or not I have received the grace of God?
LAW AND GRACE
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
Many people are confused concerning the subjects of law and grace. Some church-goers label any doctrine that requires morality a "gospel of law." We must understand what the Bible says about the differences between law and grace. Some would have us believe that the law of God is completely irrelevant in this age. Is the law of God without value in this dispensation of grace? How does grace transcend the law of God?
The law was given by God in addition to the promises "because of transgressions" (Gal 3:19).
It was designed to regulate conduct, to define sin (Rom 3:20),
to show Israel their inherent tendency to violate God's will and to do evil (Rom 5:20),
and to awaken their sense of need for God's mercy and redemption (Rom 7).
The Son of God came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17).
In fact, Jesus said that not one letter of the law would pass away until all things are fulfilled! Why is this so? What and who is the law for today?
The answer to these questions is simple; the law is unchanging and its function is the same today as it has always been: to lead sinful mankind to the blood stained cross of Jesus Christ! Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine... 1 Tim. 1:9-10
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator....Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:19, 24
The purpose of the law is to show men and women their need for the grace that God offers through Jesus Christ.
The law can save no one (Rom 3:20).
Neither can the law make anyone holy (Gal 2:21).
The law is a spiritual mirror whereby the sinner sees his gross need for God's mercy.
Next, look at what the Bible says about the grace of God and its purpose. Remember that the root problem with mankind is SIN. Sinners are estranged from their Creator because He is holy and they are unholy (Isa 59:2).
The mission of Jesus Christ was to eradicate sin. He was manifest to destroy the works of Satan (1 John 3:8),
save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21),
and make man free from the bondage of sin (Luke 4:18; John 8:32, 36).
Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a Roman cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven to restore our fellowship with God. His death on the cross destroyed the breach between God and man for those who obey the gospel. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross... Col. 2:13-14
The law plays an important role in bringing people to the place of true, godly repentance (Ps 19:7).
When someone repents of their sins (turns away from all that the Bible calls evil), believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, and trusts Him for salvation, then God extends His full grace to that person. It is that manifold grace which touches the sinners heart, brings about the new birth (John 3:3),
forgives him of his sins past (Rom 3:25),
and delivers him from this present evil age (Gal. 1:4)!
The true grace of God radically transforms the hearts of men; there is no doubt when someone has been a partaker of His grace!
WHAT IS BIBLICAL GRACE?
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ... Titus 2:11-13
Here in this New Testament passage, the attributes of grace are clearly defined. This definition contradicts what modern teachers proclaim.
The Bible declares that a true believer is being constantly taught to deny ungodliness (wickedness) and worldly lusts (the fashionable trends of this present evil age) and to live soberly (moderately), righteously (just), and godly (holy), in this present world (now, today, before heaven).
Why is it that so many church-goers profess to be partakers of God's grace, yet their lives are unchanged? Many are brazen in defense of their worldly, shameful, and sinful testimonies! Dear friend, don't be deceived. GRACE TEACHES MEN TO SAY NO TO SIN AND YES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS...thus saith the Word! How wonderful is the true grace of God!
GRACE TRANSCENDS THE LAW
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4
How does the grace of Jesus Christ transcend the law? The grace of Jesus Christ frees the believer from sin! Jesus Christ makes His people free from sin (Matt 1:21)!
Under the law, the sinner sees his sin, and struggles against it, but he has no power to overcome; he sinks deeper and deeper into despair. In his desperation he cries out to God in repentance, humbly surrendering to His will.
Then, he is united with Jesus Christ and receives the grace of God. He still recognizes what sin is, but now he has power to overcome (Rom 6:14),
and the devil is put to flight (James 4:7).
Oh, what a marvelous difference it is! "What the law tried to do by a restraining power from without, the Gospel does by an inspiring power from within!" Catherine Booth (Co-Founder of the Salvation Army)
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:4, 18
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1 John 3:6-7
What a great and marvelous salvation! May we never take for granted the grace of God which is offered through the blood of Christ!
BEWARE OF FALSE GRACE!
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 4
The Bible warns that there are false teachers who turn the grace of God into lasciviousness (fleshly indulgence). They convince multitudes that the grace of God allows mankind to live in rebellion to God's commandments. They define grace as "unmerited favor;" therefore, there is no need to be concerned with lifestyles..."after all, we're just forgiven sinners!" Oh, what lies are being preached today! It is indeed possible that a Christian may sin (1 John 2:1),
but repentance will soon follow and he will continue in his life of holiness! The normal Christian life is free from sin and rebellion.
Dear friend, don't let the empty words of false teachers deceive you. Search the Scriptures and open your heart to the Holy Ghost! Humbly bow before the cross of Christ and cry out for the true grace of God which will save you from your sins!
(special thanks go out to: http://www.gospeljohn.com/grace.htm)
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3 comments:
Roland, I have copied what you wrote to me and will respond here.
Why is it that so many church-goers profess to be ... Why is it that so many church-goers profess to be partakers of God's grace, yet their lives are unchanged? Many are brazen in defense of their worldly, shameful, and sinful testimonies!
Maybe you could clarify a bit for me.
1) What sinful things are they doing?
Here is my response to question number one.
When a church does not follow biblical guidelines on how God wants church to be, then there is a problem. The examples we get from Jesus, Paul, Peter, Timothy and others is one of preaching repentance of sins, and putting trust and faith in Jesus Christ. No one is ever told that "God loves you" in order to have them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. If God loves you is found in the Bible it is found "after" someone has already repented and are followers of Christ. So when a church ONLY preaches grace and refused to preach against sin, that in itself is sinful in that it does not glorify what Jesus did on the cross. People MUST recognize they are sinners. I have heard others say that it is obvious to them that they are a sinner, then why did Paul say he had not known what sin was BUT by the LAW? Just because someone says they know they are doing wrong does not bring about change. The Bible tells us that the Law is perfect for converting the soul and when a church refuses to use the key to reaching the lost, they become an ineffectual church. And while we are at it, a church that grows is no sign of a church that is biblical and is filled with saved people. Look at the Mormon church. They are filled every Sunday and they preach a false gospel.
2) Will people still sin after salvation?
my repsonse...
Yes they will still sin. The difference is their attitude about sin. When you look at a person who wants to sin and is still living in their sins, they have not put off the old nature. When a saved person sins, he HATES the sin that he does. He instantly hates it and ask for forgiveness and does not continually do it day in and day out.
2a) Since I know you will answer somthing like, "Yes, but it will bother them and they will do it less and less"
How much sin is too much?
my response...
why put a number on it. If I say 10 sins is too much does that give a person license to sin 9 times joyfully? One sin is too much. That is why we need God's grace. Because just one sin is enough to send us to hell according to the Bible. And even though a saved Christian will sin, he is in anguish because of his sin. I have seen too many professing Christians who are so very flippant about their sins and they have no intention of changing. You cannot serve two masters!
How long does it take?
Could someone be plagued by one particular sin and struggle with it their entire life?
(Questions 2 and all of 2a are rhetorical and only meant to make us think. If you want to answer them, go ahead, but you are missing the point)
my response, I will respond and I do know what the point is.
We are constantly growing. And yes, there are some sins like homosexuality that people struggle with, there are drunks who cannot stop drinking. It takes a decision and an attidute of wanting to change. Desiring to be HOLY just as God is Holy. We are called to holiness and righteousness. So if someone wants to make an excuse for "why" they cannot change, they do not believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about change within us. I would suggest to that person that they be in the Bible daily and for them to stop reading other books by every Tom, Dick and Harry. When people start filling their minds with all different sorts of opinions, they will struggle to find a balance. They will become confused as to what is true and what isn't. No where in the Bible does it tell us to be reading 50 books a year to grow. No where does it say that, so why do some many professing Christians waste their time filling their minds with junk when the ONLY book they need to read is the Bible. God will not enlighten their minds with the wisdom of His Words if they continually fill their minds with the garbage that is out there. We need to stick to what the Bible says, It is true just as God is true and just as Jesus is our Savior who died on the cross for us. Not all people will go to heaven. Only those people who have put their faith and trust in Him and have been obedient to His Word. Obedience calls for following Him and believing what He says. He says repent, we repent, no if's, and's or but's about it! When we are saved the fruit of repentance and the fruit of thanksgiving will come upon us instantly!
And you are right, the law points us to Jesus, who fulfilled the law.
3) And now that you have people pointed there, how do you get them to grow?
my response...
When a person has seen how exceedingly sinful they are, they will "desire" to get into God's Holy Word. They will want to absorb all the information they can so they can follow Him. I am there as an encouragement, to help answer their questions and to give them guidance. I shold not "have" to tell them to be reading their Bibles every day. If I have to tell them to do that, then they do not have the love for the Lord that they need to have. When a person is truly saved, he will "WANT" to grow, he will want to be in church, he will want to witness to every person he see's because he understands that he "was" headed for hell but is now saved because of the grace of God!
Growth will come by hearing the Word and how will they hear it if no one preaches it to them. When a church "only" preaches a message of grace with no mention of repentance a person will not grow. They will fall away. They will be the ones spoken of in the parable of the good and bad soil. The will accept the news with gladness, but will fall away when tribulation comes. A true follower of God will not fall away when hard times come, he will cling to His Savior even more!
(I have removed several comments from my blog as I do not wish to have people go to sites that are doing nothing more than bashing me and my teachings. I will not allow false teaching to be spread through people who only want to post a comment in the hopes that people will come to their site and see how they make derogatory comments about me and my teachings. So, from now on, until I see the negativity stop from certain commenters, I will copy and paste comments at my discretion, and will reply this way. People have come on here acting all friendly and then stab me in my back on their own sites. Not exactly true Christian behavior and it is very immature)
Good post. And I'm sure you've stepped on a lot of toes. In our postmodern society, the cardinal sin is being sure of something as an absolute.
We know the truth, not because it comes from *us* (it doesn't) but because God:
1. Spoke
2. Didn't stutter
3. Equips his children to understand it.
Many people seem to be willing (eager?) to equivocate on one or all of the above.
Tim
*2a) Since I know you will answer somthing like, "Yes, but it will bother them and they will do it less and less"
How much sin is too much?*
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Just noticed this. To someone born of God, this is an unecessary question, because the regenerate heart wants to obey God, not violate what He wants. The unbeliever dives into sin (and even looks for excuses to do so) while the regenerate man stumbles. The second one isn't asking "how much sin is too much?"
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