This morning after my time of fellowship with the Lord again, I once again had that distinct thought to blog here again on grace.
So, I guess I need to follow thru on what God is clearly pushing me forward to share, eh? Lord Jesus, may my words be acceptable to You!
My church is studying the book of Romans for bible study. Awesome, amazing stuff in the book of Romans! I am thoroughly enjoying the study and learning so much!
Last night, we studied Romans chapter 10 & 11.....( some of my favorite chapters in the entire book) .......
This passage jumped out at me and I knew I needed to share it here.
" And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace otherwise work is no longer work. " - Romans 11:6
If we believe we are saved by grace + _________ ( fill in the blank) then it's no longer grace, friends.
Abraham, the "father of the Jews" was justified by God because of His faith, not because of his good works.
" For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. " Romans 4:2-3
" If" Abraham had been justified by "his works" he has nothing to boast about before God.
" Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." -- Romans 4:4 & 5
If we are saved by "works" or by "grace + works" then the wages of our works is not counted as grace. The wages of our works then are counted as "debt".
The whole awesome amazing thing about grace is that it has nothing to do with our works... but on the whole entire work, life, and blood of JESUS Christ the Messiah!
Abraham was made right with God even before he was circumcised. It had nothing to do with circumcision and "works". Romans 3:10
As a born again believer, I am made right with God thru my faith and belief in the *work* Jesus did . More specifically, the work He did on Calvary.
It has nothing to do with my good works. Sure, God cares about our good works. The purpose of our good works was clearly defined by Jesus when he said :
" By this is my Father glorified, when you bear much fruit." John 15:8
Our "fruit" or "good works" are to bring glory and honor to God. Not to seek favors or to gain something from God, and definitely not to be able to "gain" or "work out" where we will end up in the eternities.
Jesus worked out our salvation on Calvary.
His blood is what justifies us.
" Since we have now been justified by His blood. " Romans 5:9
Grace is not grace if we add works or anything else to it.
It is solely the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that saves us, and allows us access us to the throne of God to live eternally is His presence.
Anything else, simply put.... is not grace.
That's the message I have today here for those who stop by and read. That is what God has led me to share. I hope it leads you to think deeply about grace... for those of you who already understand how awesome and amazing His grace is, I say to you, Praise God.. and to those of you who are still wondering if the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is enough... I say to you, YES, YES, YES! His blood is enough.
Amen & Amen it is enough ,
Gloria
