Grace Vs Works

		*Crying In the Wilderness* *Web Ministry*
Home Reference Articles/Sermons		Grace vs. Works This is a topic while many confessing to believe seem to in some ways attempt to dilute. Of course the focal scripture is Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Let me state my qualifications, I’m a sinner saved by grace. Like Brother John Newton wrote in the lyrics to Amazing Grace, “I once was lost but now I’m found”, I likewise was once lost and on my way to hell but like Noah, I found grace in the eyes of the Lord. I am no Bible Scholar, I hold no doctorate, I hold no degree and if I did, I would count it as dung in order to gain the wisdom and understanding that can only come from God. I am what I am by the grace of God. Would you look at that? I’ve already mentioned grace three times (four if you count the reference to Amazing Grace) and I haven’t even got started! In my travels whether it has been as a Gospel singer or Evangelist, I’ve encountered and sometimes endured many different views and beliefs. I’m puzzled the most by those who claim to be from my own camp (Baptist). Now division is not my goal but the truth and the defense of the Gospel is. I’ve often heard saving grace preached only to be diluted with works. This is far more common than anyone would care to admit. As if the above verse is not enough, let’s look at the following verse. Ephesians 2:9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Now without doubt and controversy, salvation is not of works and I rejoice that the beloved Apostle was led to add the clarity that it is not of works and even provide some reasoning, “lest any man should boast”. Speaking against boasting is a common theme throughout the Word of God and He intended us to get the point. We have no place for boasting in ourselves as it is God who deserves all glory, honor and praise! Let us now prove this out so it is forever settled. John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Beloved, now we can see that without Christ, we can do nothing and that we must abide in Him. Of boasting, let’s remember the following: Luke 17:10 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Once we’ve done that which is our duty, we’re to say that we are unprofitable servants! Our flesh certainly doesn’t care for that one. Proverbs 25:14 “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” Romans 2:23 “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” Romans 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law o f faith.” It is plain then that we should be very careful with boasting and that the Lord expects humility from us. Now, we do have some latitude for boasting. We may boast in the Lord giving him the glory but not of our flesh! Paul would boast in God’s children and by so doing would uplift them in spirit. 2 Corinthians 7:14 “For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.” While Paul would boast of what God had accomplished, he was careful with his boasting and we should be as well. 2 Corinthians 10:13 “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed t o us, a measure to reach even unto you.” Before we get back to the main topic, let’s end with the warning from James. James 3:5 “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” This one scripture could be used for days of discussion and instruction. The main controversy appears to revolve around works. It seems difficult for the carnal or natural mind to be able to grasp that grace alone is enough. Looking at the definition of the word “carnal”, let’s first go to the origin of the word itself. Using an etymology dictionary we find the following; “ c.1400, "fleshly, sensual, sexual," from M.L. carnalis "natural, of the same blood," from L. carnis "of the flesh," gen. of caro "flesh." If you don’t know what etymology is, don’t feel bad, I haven’t known long. The definition of etymology is: “the derivation of a word” or “an account of the history of a particular word or element of a word” or “the study of historical linguistic change, esp. as manifested in individual words.” Today’s dictionaries have the definition as follows: “pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual: carnal pleasures. not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly: a man of secular, rather carnal, leanings.” I believe we can state with confidence that we do not wish nor should we desire to be carnally minded. Works do indeed have their place in a born-again believer’s life but they had absolutely nothing to do with your salvation when you received it. If you received salvation without works, it should also be evident that your salvation is not kept by your works. Again, this is hard for the carnal mind to comprehend and sometimes I wonder if some do not add works to salvation in an effort to inspire others to have works? We’ll cover that a little later if God permits. Let us now cover the place of works in a born-again believer’s life. I’ve seen a lot of good people stumble and wrestle over the following scripture: James 2:20 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” Before we rule our faith as dead, before we go back and see that though we were saved by grace, faith was the vehicle, before we panic and reason within our carnal minds that if our faith is dead then also must be the grace, let’s remember the Words of the Lord Jesus when he was tempted by Satan. Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by br ead alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” We must take all of God’s Word, eat the whole roll and not part and parcel it. We don’t perform good works to become saved although we should have good works because we are saved! Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Again, I fear that some feel that being saved is not inspiring enough to produce good works, I pity them. It would be enough for me that my Master commanded me to possess good works but He goes even farther. If we perform good works, He rewards us. I know, I know, some of you are waiting to see how many crowns you will receive and how many stars you will have in them but let me warn you again of being carnally minded. Our Lord is a "cash Paymaster" as one of the Preachers I grew up around used to state. He pays you off in this life. Well, you might say, “why don’t you have this or why don’t you have that?” Let me clear that one up. We are not talking about worldly or temporal things but He pays us with the presence of His Holy Spirit. When I stand to sing, to preach, to witness, kneel to pray or whatever He directs, I receive my payday. I might also add here that He has always paid me far more than I deserve. OK, since I’ve mentioned crowns, I’ve ran into those who believe some will receive more Heavenly rewards than others. One even told me that since he was a preacher, he would automatically receive more. This couldn’t be more contrary to God’s word and yet I believe it ties back to the earlier statements about some requiring more benefits in order to inspire good works. Let’s look at the scripture. Matthew 20:1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.” Verse: 2 “And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.” Verse: 3 “And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,” Verse: 4 “And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.” Verse: 5 “Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.” Verse: 6 “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Verse: 7 “They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” Verse: 8 “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their h re, beginning from the last unto the first. “Verse: 9 “And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.” Verse: 10 “But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.” Verse: 11 “And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,” Verse: 12 “Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” Verse: 13 “But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?” Verse: 14 “Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.” Verse: 15 “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” Now that we have established by His infallible Word that He has agreed with every man the same reward, let us move onto what He called us to do. He has called us to go into the entire world, tell of His wondrous grace, preach His Gospel and be a light to a lost and dying world. Let’s stop the bickering amongst ourselves over how many crowns and how many stars. If ye are yet so carnal minded, how many heads would it take to wear all of the crowns that you have found in His Word? Let me now pose another way of looking at the crowns. Paul makes mention of a crown of rejoicing. Let me say that I’ve been blessed to wear that one a few times already! The crown of righteousness that he mentions as he writes to Timothy, I believe to be the glorified body that we’ll receive on that day. I know that my righteousness is as filthy rags and that my righteousness is in Him. We also know that He speaks of Christ being crowned with glory and honor and we know that we’ll receive of His. James mentions the crown of life and that one belongs to all the born-again believers. Peter makes mention of us receiving the crown of glory and the Revelator also makes mention of the crown of life and again we look to the glorified body promised to all born-again believers. Now leaving the Word of God momentarily, we will look at an Article of Faith that the older Baptist used to hold to. “We believe that good works are the effects of the faith of God's elect and follow being born of the Spirit of God and are evidence of a gracious state.” The above Article is from some Churches in California but the New Hope Baptist of Georgia that I was raised in had a similar one. Here is a version from the Camp Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Georgia, “We believe that good works are the fruit of the Spirit and follow after regeneration and that they can only justify us in the sight of men and angels and are evidence of our gracious state.” Some might say that this is a Primitive Baptist view but I will say that it is true, sound, and Biblical and should be accepted by all. Please do not get hung up on the word “elect” used in the first example as I found no proof tying that article to the Primitive Baptist and the one that came from the Primitive did not mention election. Focus rather that good works are an evidence of your gracious state and not a prerequisite for salvation. My fervent prayer is that we have expressly established that salvation is by grace, period! Not by works, not by what Church you attend, not by how many services a week you attend, not by how much money you donate, not by how many sick you visit, not by how much you witness, not by how much you testify, not by how many unfortunates you’ve helped but simply by grace. Now beloved, we are the sons of God, let’s explore this Amazing Grace? We know the first time it is mentioned. Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Jacob made mention of it many times and his son Joseph found it while in Potiphar’s house! Moses also found it. Exodus 33:12 “And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.” Little Ruth found it, her great-grandson David the King found it, Esther the Queen found it , those that were left of the sword in Jeremiah’s day found it, all born-again children of God found it and last of all, I found it! Glory to His Name! Folks, you just can’t improve on grace nor can you find something better. To give an idea of grace’s importance, it is mentioned in 159 different passages in the Word of God. We hear Peter speak of growing in grace, true grace, the God of all grace, giving grace to the humble, manifold grace, grace of life, grace that was brought and grace that was prophesied of. Grace must have been precious to Peter. I believe Paul mentions it around 86 times in his epistles and this does not include the times it is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He speaks of receiving it, being justified freely by it, by faith having access to it, an abundance of it, it reigning, being under it, being elected by it, because of it, according to it, it being exceeding, it being all, it being His (the Lord’s), being called by it, it being perceived, being able to frustrate it, fallen from it, it being rich, a dispensation of it, it being given, it being ministered, it being known, it being sung, it being spoken, being strong in it, it bringing salvation, finding it, the Spirit of it, having it, it being with us and it being unto us. I probably missed a few but you should get an idea of how wonderful, precious, abundant, amazing, free and rich His grace truly is. Let’s complete this topic with a passage from: Zechariah 4:7”Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.” The headstone mentioned in this passage is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Rock of our salvation. If He is brought forth, whether it be during a Church Service, a cottage prayer-meeting, an opportunity to witness, a conversation among friends, etc., those that are closest to Him will still bring Him forth with shoutings! Thanks be unto God I still hear the shouts crying Grace, grace unto it! If you are saved, you are saved by Grace. You did not work for it neither did you nor yet do you deserve it. Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” If we got our just deserts, hell would be our home. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” How thankful then should we be for this marvelous Grace and that He who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us? 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Romans 5:20 “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Crying In the Wilderness

Web Ministry

Grace vs. Works

This is a topic while many confessing to believe seem to in some ways attempt to dilute. Of course the focal scripture is Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Let me state my qualifications, I’m a sinner saved by grace. Like Brother John Newton wrote in the lyrics to Amazing Grace, “I once was lost but now I’m found”, I likewise was once lost and on my way to hell but like Noah, I found grace in the eyes of the Lord. I am no Bible Scholar, I hold no doctorate, I hold no degree and if I did, I would count it as dung in order to gain the wisdom and understanding that can only come from God. I am what I am by the grace of God. Would you look at that? I’ve already mentioned grace three times (four if you count the reference to Amazing Grace) and I haven’t even got started!

In my travels whether it has been as a Gospel singer or Evangelist, I’ve encountered and sometimes endured many different views and beliefs. I’m puzzled the most by those who claim to be from my own camp (Baptist). Now division is not my goal but the truth and the defense of the Gospel is. I’ve often heard saving grace preached only to be diluted with works. This is far more common than anyone would care to admit. As if the above verse is not enough, let’s look at the following verse. Ephesians 2:9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Now without doubt and controversy, salvation is not of works and I rejoice that the beloved Apostle was led to add the clarity that it is not of works and even provide some reasoning, “lest any man should boast”. Speaking against boasting is a common theme throughout the Word of God and He intended us to get the point. We have no place for boasting in ourselves as it is God who deserves all glory, honor and praise!

Let us now prove this out so it is forever settled. John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Beloved, now we can see that without Christ, we can do nothing and that we must abide in Him. Of boasting, let’s remember the following: Luke 17:10 “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” Once we’ve done that which is our duty, we’re to say that we are unprofitable servants! Our flesh certainly doesn’t care for that one. Proverbs 25:14 “Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.” Romans 2:23 “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” Romans 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law o f faith.” It is plain then that we should be very careful with boasting and that the Lord expects humility from us.

Now, we do have some latitude for boasting. We may boast in the Lord giving him the glory but not of our flesh! Paul would boast in God’s children and by so doing would uplift them in spirit. 2 Corinthians 7:14 “For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.” While Paul would boast of what God had accomplished, he was careful with his boasting and we should be as well. 2 Corinthians 10:13 “But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed t o us, a measure to reach even unto you.” Before we get back to the main topic, let’s end with the warning from James. James 3:5 “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” This one scripture could be used for days of discussion and instruction.

The main controversy appears to revolve around works. It seems difficult for the carnal or natural mind to be able to grasp that grace alone is enough. Looking at the definition of the word “carnal”, let’s first go to the origin of the word itself. Using an etymology dictionary we find the following; “ c.1400, "fleshly, sensual, sexual," from M.L. carnalis "natural, of the same blood," from L. carnis "of the flesh," gen. of caro "flesh." If you don’t know what etymology is, don’t feel bad, I haven’t known long. The definition of etymology is: “the derivation of a word” or “an account of the history of a particular word or element of a word” or “the study of historical linguistic change, esp. as manifested in individual words.” Today’s dictionaries have the definition as follows: “pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual: carnal pleasures. not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly: a man of secular, rather carnal, leanings.” I believe we can state with confidence that we do not wish nor should we desire to be carnally minded.

Works do indeed have their place in a born-again believer’s life but they had absolutely nothing to do with your salvation when you received it. If you received salvation without works, it should also be evident that your salvation is not kept by your works. Again, this is hard for the carnal mind to comprehend and sometimes I wonder if some do not add works to salvation in an effort to inspire others to have works? We’ll cover that a little later if God permits.

Let us now cover the place of works in a born-again believer’s life. I’ve seen a lot of good people stumble and wrestle over the following scripture: James 2:20 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” Before we rule our faith as dead, before we go back and see that though we were saved by grace, faith was the vehicle, before we panic and reason within our carnal minds that if our faith is dead then also must be the grace, let’s remember the Words of the Lord Jesus when he was tempted by Satan. Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by br ead alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” We must take all of God’s Word, eat the whole roll and not part and parcel it. We don’t perform good works to become saved although we should have good works because we are saved! Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Again, I fear that some feel that being saved is not inspiring enough to produce good works, I pity them. It would be enough for me that my Master commanded me to possess good works but He goes even farther. If we perform good works, He rewards us. I know, I know, some of you are waiting to see how many crowns you will receive and how many stars you will have in them but let me warn you again of being carnally minded. Our Lord is a "cash Paymaster" as one of the Preachers I grew up around used to state. He pays you off in this life. Well, you might say, “why don’t you have this or why don’t you have that?” Let me clear that one up. We are not talking about worldly or temporal things but He pays us with the presence of His Holy Spirit. When I stand to sing, to preach, to witness, kneel to pray or whatever He directs, I receive my payday. I might also add here that He has always paid me far more than I deserve.

OK, since I’ve mentioned crowns, I’ve ran into those who believe some will receive more Heavenly rewards than others. One even told me that since he was a preacher, he would automatically receive more. This couldn’t be more contrary to God’s word and yet I believe it ties back to the earlier statements about some requiring more benefits in order to inspire good works. Let’s look at the scripture.

Matthew 20:1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.” Verse: 2 “And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.” Verse: 3 “And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,” Verse: 4 “And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.” Verse: 5 “Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.” Verse: 6 “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Verse: 7 “They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” Verse: 8 “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their h re, beginning from the last unto the first. “Verse: 9 “And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.” Verse: 10 “But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.” Verse: 11 “And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,” Verse: 12 “Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” Verse: 13 “But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?” Verse: 14 “Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.” Verse: 15 “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?”

Now that we have established by His infallible Word that He has agreed with every man the same reward, let us move onto what He called us to do. He has called us to go into the entire world, tell of His wondrous grace, preach His Gospel and be a light to a lost and dying world. Let’s stop the bickering amongst ourselves over how many crowns and how many stars. If ye are yet so carnal minded, how many heads would it take to wear all of the crowns that you have found in His Word? Let me now pose another way of looking at the crowns. Paul makes mention of a crown of rejoicing. Let me say that I’ve been blessed to wear that one a few times already! The crown of righteousness that he mentions as he writes to Timothy, I believe to be the glorified body that we’ll receive on that day. I know that my righteousness is as filthy rags and that my righteousness is in Him. We also know that He speaks of Christ being crowned with glory and honor and we know that we’ll receive of His. James mentions the crown of life and that one belongs to all the born-again believers. Peter makes mention of us receiving the crown of glory and the Revelator also makes mention of the crown of life and again we look to the glorified body promised to all born-again believers.

Now leaving the Word of God momentarily, we will look at an Article of Faith that the older Baptist used to hold to. “We believe that good works are the effects of the faith of God's elect and follow being born of the Spirit of God and are evidence of a gracious state.” The above Article is from some Churches in California but the New Hope Baptist of Georgia that I was raised in had a similar one. Here is a version from the Camp Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Georgia, “We believe that good works are the fruit of the Spirit and follow after regeneration and that they can only justify us in the sight of men and angels and are evidence of our gracious state.” Some might say that this is a Primitive Baptist view but I will say that it is true, sound, and Biblical and should be accepted by all. Please do not get hung up on the word “elect” used in the first example as I found no proof tying that article to the Primitive Baptist and the one that came from the Primitive did not mention election. Focus rather that good works are an evidence of your gracious state and not a prerequisite for salvation.

My fervent prayer is that we have expressly established that salvation is by grace, period! Not by works, not by what Church you attend, not by how many services a week you attend, not by how much money you donate, not by how many sick you visit, not by how much you witness, not by how much you testify, not by how many unfortunates you’ve helped but simply by grace. Now beloved, we are the sons of God, let’s explore this Amazing Grace? We know the first time it is mentioned. Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Jacob made mention of it many times and his son Joseph found it while in Potiphar’s house! Moses also found it. Exodus 33:12 “And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.” Little Ruth found it, her great-grandson David the King found it, Esther the Queen found it , those that were left of the sword in Jeremiah’s day found it, all born-again children of God found it and last of all, I found it! Glory to His Name! Folks, you just can’t improve on grace nor can you find something better.

To give an idea of grace’s importance, it is mentioned in 159 different passages in the Word of God. We hear Peter speak of growing in grace, true grace, the God of all grace, giving grace to the humble, manifold grace, grace of life, grace that was brought and grace that was prophesied of. Grace must have been precious to Peter. I believe Paul mentions it around 86 times in his epistles and this does not include the times it is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He speaks of receiving it, being justified freely by it, by faith having access to it, an abundance of it, it reigning, being under it, being elected by it, because of it, according to it, it being exceeding, it being all, it being His (the Lord’s), being called by it, it being perceived, being able to frustrate it, fallen from it, it being rich, a dispensation of it, it being given, it being ministered, it being known, it being sung, it being spoken, being strong in it, it bringing salvation, finding it, the Spirit of it, having it, it being with us and it being unto us. I probably missed a few but you should get an idea of how wonderful, precious, abundant, amazing, free and rich His grace truly is.

Let’s complete this topic with a passage from: Zechariah 4:7”Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.” The headstone mentioned in this passage is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Rock of our salvation. If He is brought forth, whether it be during a Church Service, a cottage prayer-meeting, an opportunity to witness, a conversation among friends, etc., those that are closest to Him will still bring Him forth with shoutings! Thanks be unto God I still hear the shouts crying Grace, grace unto it!

If you are saved, you are saved by Grace. You did not work for it neither did you nor yet do you deserve it. Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” If we got our just deserts, hell would be our home. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” How thankful then should we be for this marvelous Grace and that He who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us? 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Romans 5:20 “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”