Which of the Scissor Blades is More Important?

(Eph.2:8-9)

              One of the most controversial issues in Christian theology and study is whether salvation is the free gift of unmerited grace or is earned through good works. Paul's statement that "a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Rom. 3:28) is frequently cited to support the former view, while James's statement that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20) is often quoted in favor of the latter view. Most of us would probably feel that we understand the subject of Grace, somewhat. But try to explain what grace is and what grace does…we might have some difficulty explaining it. C. S. Lewis wrote that this dispute "does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary"

              One problem of misunderstanding the doctrine of Grace is assuming that the word "Grace" possesses only one meaning. Often, we will learn one definition for a word, then we will assume that this definition applies wherever that word appears. This often leads to religious error.  We can define the meaning of Grace, yet never really know what Grace actually consist of. We know that it is the favor of God. We know that it is something that we have not deserved. We know that it possesses the opportunities for our salvation and redemption from sin. But we need to know what Grace encompasses.

              A fact that all agree on is that we cannot by ourselves or through our own means obtain the favor of God. Man cannot forgive himself of his sins. No work done by man alone can ever remove one sin, or gain eternal salvation. This was the point that Paul was making in that most famous verse:  “For by grace ye are saved through faith…not of works lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8).  Paul ALSO teaches that we all have sinned and come short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23). As such, we are in our sins and in need of salvation.

              No one can earn their salvation. We are incapable of that kind of righteousness, as were the ancient Israelites. BUT (as we have discussed before) no one can lose their salvation, either. Let me try to make this clear. When we lose something, it is a mistake. We used the analogy not long ago that salvation isn’t misplaced like you lose your car keys…it is something that is willingly put to the side or thrown away.  It is in this sense that I am using the word "lose." I do, however, believe that the Bible speaks plainly of a class of people who, knowing the truth, knowing the consequences, choose to reject salvation.  We’re given the choice between death and life…spiritually.  

              Our salvation can come only through Jesus Christ (I Thess. 5:9; Acts 4:12). To receive the benefits of the Grace that God offers, we must seek Christ. In order for us to be the recipients of the grace of God, it is necessary for us to see HOW that grace saves us. When Paul said, "For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast"…we learn that in salvation both God and man have a part. God's part is to provide a way of salvation, or a means whereby man can be saved; this he does by His grace. Man's part is to accept the salvation which God so freely offers and this is done through faith.

              The scriptures teach that we are saved by a combination of several principles. Paul said we are saved by the preaching of the gospel (I Co. 15:1-2).  We are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8).  We are saved by belief and baptism (Mk. 16:16)..but NO ONE PRINCIPLE exclusively saves.  Baptism does not save alone, neither does faith, neither does works. We are saved when we combine all of the essential principles that are outlined in the New Testament. Only then, can we obtain salvation.

              This is a principle that can be seen in the way we look at Scripture.  We have to look at ALL of Scripture to get the entire story.  For example: look at the Gospel account of the betrayal of Jesus. 

              It is true that no man can save himself by his own works, but he must work according to God's revealed plan (in Scripture) in order to be saved. We’re told in Philippians 2:12, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". Also, James states in James 2:24, "Ye see then that by works a man is justified and not by faith only". It’s interesting to see that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord according to Genesis 6:8, but that Hebrews, Chapter 11:7, says "By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith". Noah was saved by the grace of God (YES), but it was through faith on his part which prompted him to obey God's commands. A person is saved from his sins by the grace of God…but that soul MUST believe what God has said and obey the Gospel which is God's power unto salvation.  (Rom 1:16).       

         Galatians 2:21 presents an interesting, and fearful idea, that the Grace of God can be frustrated. “do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. In essence Paul is saying, “Don’t frustrate God by trying to save yourself by some other way than what God has specified.” God's grace appeared to all men, but that grace teaches men to be sober, righteous and godly, in this present world. (Titus 2:11).

Grace is also frustrated by not having faith in what God has said:  Faith is what allows us to have grace.  As Paul would say in Rom. 5:1-2: “Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2).  We have faith and grace THROUGH CHRIST and we understand how to obtain Christ through HIS WORD!

           But many just refuse to believe God’s words…and God’s word is where we learn about all the aspects of grace and faith. Faith comes from the Word of God. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things! But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So faith cometh from hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:12-17).  The Bible tell us how to have the grace of God through CHRIST.  Therefore, by not believing what the Bible says…many don’t have access into the grace of God THROUGH FAITH.

              Some also frustrate the grace of God by trying to be saved by some other word, doctrine, or teaching.  This was the case with the Galatians in 5:2-7: “Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing [they were trying to be saved in some other way]. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace [did you catch that?  If we trust in some other way, some other word than that which has been given to us through the word of God we have fallen from grace]. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:2-7).

                We are saved by God's righteousness, not by any work of our own: Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but NOT according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:1-3).  People can be zealous for Christ…zealous for God and still not have the righteousness they need because they have not yet OBEYED God.

               Yet, even though God saves…even though we cannot save ourselves…this doesn’t eliminate obedience on our part. Paul would say: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10).

There are many today that try to toss obedience into the backseat and exalt the grace and faith that we have in Christ. But this frustrates the Grace of God.

But on the other end of the spectrum…some people don’t alow the grace of God to work in them:  The Hebrew writer says in Heb. 13:20-21: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working IN YOU that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21).

                You see…all that we do is by the Grace of God.  All that we accomplish is by the grace of God:  Paul said, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13).

               All that we do is because of Christ. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20). For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!”

                  By grace ye are saved, through faith!  God holds out the gift of salvation to all them that will believe.  Once you have faith in the Lord….you will confess Him as your Savior.  You will want to walk in His ways and obey His words.  You will want to fulfill the commands of His gospel.  You will want to arise and be baptized and have your sins washed away by his blood (Acts 22:16).  The grace of God has appeared to each of you this evening…and it has been told to you what you need to do.  Don’t frustrate God by not coming to Him…so won’t you come now?