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Scripture Reading:  Romans 3:21-26

 

Part 1

 

Works and Salvation (#2)

Intro.

1.  Theologians have constructed unscriptural horns of a dilemma:  We are told, “Salvation is either by grace or by works, but cannot be by both.”  (“Salvation by Works or by Grace of God?”, http://www.biblicalresearch.info/page285.html)

  a.  “If you accept salvation by grace you must reject all works.” 

  b.  “If you accept any kinds of works, you are rejecting God’s grace.”  (“Works Salvation Is No Salvation At All”, Life Line Ministries)

2.  When we Scripturally define grace, faith & works, no “dilemma” exists!

 

I.  GRACE, FAITH & WORKS.

  A.  The Relationship Between Grace, Faith & Works – Eph. 2:8-10.

    1.  Grace (charis): “good-will, loving kindness, favor…the word (charis, jrp) contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved” (Thayer, 665-666).  (God’s part in human redemption.)

    2.  Faith (pistis):  “Conviction of the truth of anything, belief…trust” (Thayer, 512).  (Heb. 11:1)  (Man’s part in human redemption.)

    3.  Works (ergon):  “an act, deed, thing done” (Thayer, 248).

      a.  Works “of yourself” (Eph. 2:8-9) – Deserving action, of merit, deserving of a wage.

      b.  Works “of law” – cf. Rom. 4:2-4-Sinless law keeping-  It is correct to say that we are not saved by these kinds of works!  (Rom. 3:20)

      c.  Works “of faith” (Eph. 2:10) in which God prepared for us to live (walk).  -Obedient faith-  It is incorrect to say that these kinds of works have nothing to do with salvation!  (Jas. 2:24)

    4.  Law (nomos):  "command...precept or injunction...rule" (Thayer, 427).

      a.  Law of works - Rom. 3:27 (Gal. 3:12).

      b.  Law of faith - Rom. 3:27 (3:22, 25-26).

      c.  Law of faith is established (stands) - Rom. 3:30-31.

        -Saved by the free gift of God (grace) through a rule of faith!

  B.  Salvation is the Gift of God – Eph. 2:8-9.

    1.  Purposed, provided & promoted by God – Eph. 1:3-10; Rom. 1:16.

    2.  Saved by God’s grace – cf. Rom. 5:8; Tit. 2:11; 2 Tim. 1:9-10.

  C.  The Gift of Salvation is Received on the Condition of Faith – Eph. 2:8.

    1.  If salvation is unconditional it would be universal – 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

    2.  Yet, “Lord, who has believed our report?” (Rom. 10:16)

    3.  Hearts are purified by faith Acts 15:9.

    4.  Faith is accounted for righteousness – Rom. 4:5-8.

  D.  A Working Faith is a Saving Faith – Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:24.

    1.  Salvation by law (perfect law-keeping, sinlessness) is not the issue; but rather righteousness through faith in Christ – Rom. 3:21-23.

    2.  Righteousness of (acc. to) faith Rom. 1:17; 4:13-16; 9:30-32.

 

II.  THERE ARE NO CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE GRACE OF GOD & THE WORKING FAITH OF MAN Gal. 5:4-8.

  A.  There is a Conflict Between Grace & Works of Law – Rom. 11:6; 4:2-4; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5.

  B.  There is No Conflict Between Grace & the Works of Faith – Gal. 5:4-7; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-7.

  C.  A Working (active) Faith does not Merit Salvation; it Humbly Obeys the Conditions on which God Saves Sinners – Lk. 6:46 (Matt. 7:21-23); Heb. 11:6 (10:39); Acts 10:34-35.

  D.  Faith that Works is the Response of:

    1.  Love – Gal. 5:6; Jno. 14:15.

    2.  A humble servant – Lk. 17:10.

    3.  Trust in God’s word – Rom. 6:17-18.

 

Conclusion

1. The grace of God & the faith of man – Rom. 3:21-26:

  a.  God has provided salvation from sins through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ – 3:23-24.

  b.  Salvation is accessed & obtainable through man’s faith – 3:21-22, 25-26.

2. Without grace, no salvation is available; without faith, no salvation is obtained.

3. God has done/is doing His part…will you do yours? – Acts 2:40-41