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Law and Grace
In our modern day Christian society the subject of "law and grace" has been greatly misinterpreted. Therefore it can be very confusing for sincere people to mentally sort through this very important theological subject. Most Christians are "programmed" to believe that "works" are not required for salvation, therefore all that is needed is the grace of God. This pamphlet will explain and show from the Bible that certain "works" must be a part of a believer's life in order for the grace of God to be effective. The world's churches teach that when believers accept the merits of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, they then are free from the penalty of God's laws. This is why it is falsely assumed that "works" are not necessary for salvation, and that believers are under what is called "grace"; and not under what is called "law". On the surface this would seem very logical, and indeed the Bible plainly teaches that we are saved by God's gift of grace through faith, as it clearly explains in Eph. 2:8.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: (KJV)
It is very true that by giving a "gift" means that it has nothing to do with earning the gift (that is, by works). However in the minds of many Christian people this concept of grace given as a gift, which is not being earned by works, will mean that God's law is "done away". The world's churches seldom ever explain that law and grace cannot be rightfully separated, and that one cannot exist without the other. If we are honest with ourselves, common sense will tell us that there would be no need for grace if God's law was "done away". It is however very true that certain "works of the law" are done away, simply because these types of laws pointed toward the true sacrifice for sin, which was Christ. Gal. 3:10, 13 explains that we would be under the curse (death), if we did not continue to do all things written in the book of the law (including animal sacrifices).
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (KJV)
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: (KJV)We are not cursed simply because Christ became that curse for us, therefore we are not to continue in these "works of the law". These types of works would make a mockery of the sacrifice of Christ, as Paul carefully explained to the Galation Church. However it must be understood that certain works are required that will confirm and demonstrate our faith. The apostle James explains that without works, faith is dead. Read and understand James 2:20, 26.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (KJV)
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (KJV)The profound importance of this truth means that "works" are directly linked to our faith in the same manner as the body would be dead without the spirit. Please understand this! If God's law is "done away" (as the world's churches falsely assume), then what is the law that must be obeyed that produce these "works" that James writes about, which proves our faith? Jesus Christ in Matt. 22:36-40 clearly explained the two simple "laws of love" toward God and toward our neighbor, which all the law and the prophets "hang on".
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (KJV)
According to Christ, these two very simple basic precepts of law give validity and strength to all the law and all the writings of the prophets. It is obedience to these very simple laws that are derived from the Ten Commandments that bring forth the works that define the faith of a believer in Christ. However there is a major problem, and the problem is not with these two very simple laws! The problem is with sinful flesh not able to live up to the perfection that these laws demand. This is why it can be legally said that we are not "under the law", and at the same time it can also be legally said that we are "under grace" (Rom. 6:14-15).
Romans 6:14-15 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (KJV)However does this mean that the law is now void or "done away", as many of the world's churches falsely believe and teach? This question is answered for us in Rom. 3:31.
Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (KJV)
The correct faith, (notice I said correct) will automatically produce certain works, which in turn establishes the intent of the law. It is not double talk to say that we are not "under the law", and at the same time to say that we "establish the law". However it is very possible to miss the intent of the law by applying the rule of legalism, which is known as the "letter of the law". Paul explains that the written code (letter) of the law kills. This is because the "letter" does not allow for any violation of laws, therefore good works without the "letter" will allow the spirit to give life. Read 2 Cor. 3:6.
2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV)
Good works come as a result of what we believe, and by responding to the truth! Our faith will come into question, and it will not be the proper faith if we do not have good works and fruits to back it up! It is therefore not a contradiction with what James said in 2:20, 26 (as we have seen), and what Paul said in Eph. 2:9.
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)
It is a simple matter of understanding the premise of Paul and the premise of James. Paul's premise on works is that a believer is saved through faith in the grace of God, and not on works. James premised that works come as a result, proving a certain faith. Proper works makes it possible to receive the grace of God not in vain, as it clearly explains in 2 Cor. 6:1. Notice the word "workers" in this verse.
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (KJV)
God is able to cause all of his grace to bring forth every good work. This simply means that when more grace will abound, more good works will also abound. This is explained in 2 Cor. 9:8.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work: (KJV)
Grace is given by an all-wise forgiving God simply because this is the only way salvation is possible, which in turn is designed to bring forth good works. It is very possible that this grace can fail if these certain works are not done, and if believers allow offenses or any root of bitterness to trouble them (Heb. 12:15).
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; (KJV)
It is also possible to "fall" from grace if believers are involved in the law that pointed toward the sufferings and sacrifice of Christ. See Gal. 5:4.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (KJV)
God wants to extend his grace to where it can bring the best results, and the attitude known as "humility" is very fertile ground for God's Spirit to flourish and nourish believers to bring forth the desired fruits by their works. James 4:6 and 1 Pet. 5:5 explains why believers must be "humble".
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV)
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (KJV)The word "humble", which means to abase (lower oneself), is the key that unlocks all the treasures of spiritual knowledge, and will literally move God to freely justify believers. To be humble means to realize the utter helpless and sinful condition that we were all born with. Then it is to realize the ultimate perfect sacrifice that was needed to repair this damage, and was also required to reconcile the Heavenly Father with his children. Humbled by this realization, a believer is then cut to the heart and moved to respond in heartfelt repentance toward a loving God and toward other fellow kinsmen. Believers that are spiritually moved and touched by this type of love that was done for them while they were yet sinners, will also naturally want to assemble and fellowship with others of like mind. Since they are "lowered", they will also want to submit to proper authority (as we have seen in 1 Pet. 5:5). Believers that are not moved to do these good works should seriously question their faith, and then prayerfully seek proper humility and fellowship. Christ's Church cannot be built without proper fellowship! The doctrine of fellowship is explained in my booklet, "What is the Church?". Also please read my booklets, "Repentance and Obedience" and "The Seventh Day". These booklets explain law and grace in much more detail.
Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net