God's Grace And Our Faith (Part 3)

We have looked at the many characteristics of God's grace and our faith and now let us investigate how the two work together in God's salvation. I would like to begin by studying the passage we used at the very beginning.

Eph.2:8,9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

It is my opinion that this passage has been among the most abused passages in the Bible. It would really help if people would study the entire chapter and book of Ephesians before they make decisions as to what it teaches. Yet, we can learn some important things just in analyzing these two verses.

It first states that we are saved by grace, through faith. I completely believe this is true and no one can deny it unless they do not believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God. What is it that some fail to understand? It is that God’s grace and our faith are working together. God does His part and we do our part. Paul clearly states that salvation is the gift of God. Many assume that since we are not saved by anything we do; God does not require anything from us. This is just not the case. Having faith is definitely something we do. James helps us understand that faith is more than just mental ascent (Jas.2:19). Faith should be defined as acting upon belief. Our belief alone will not save us; nor will just doing what God commands save us either. It is only when our faith is combined with God's grace, salvation is possible. We still do not earn it, but we must respond to the free gift and meet God's grace halfway.

Some will continue to protest because of verse 9. Yet, it should be obvious that there are works of man (works that God did not command) and works of God (works of righteousness). In all I presented on faith, it should have been easily seen that faith is dead without works (James 2). Students of God's Word need to remember that God is not the author of confusion (I Cor.14:33); and that being true, should realize as well that God does not contradict himself.

When we read, salvation is a gift and it is not of works of man in Ephesians, and then read from James that faith without works is dead; there must be a way to reconcile what appears on the surface to be a contradiction. The only logical explanation is that there are two different kinds of works under consideration. Paul was speaking against works of the Law of Moses and James was speaking of works of righteousness.

Look again at Ephesians chapter two with me and you will see that Paul spoke of the Law of Moses.

Eph.2:11-16
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

It should be clear that Paul was speaking of works of the Law of Moses even in verses 8 and 9. Paul’s main point is that both Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ. Paul also compares the partition in the Jewish Temple to a spiritual partition that separates all sinners from God. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they died spiritually. They were separated from God. Death is a separation and sin separates us from God. Yet, Christ’s blood broke down this separation.

Now consider verse 17. The gospel was preached to both Jews and Gentiles. Verse 18 continues by explaining it is through Jesus, we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access by one spirit to God. This is very significant information. We have access to God. In the Old Testament times, the Jews had priests who were their representatives before God. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Hollies. The spiritual partition which separated man from God is represented in the literal partition that separated the Holy of Hollies from the rest of the sanctuary. But now Christ has taken this spiritual partition away and we can approach God’s throne in prayer as never before. Jesus is our high priest and our advocate (Heb.10:19-27 I Jn.2:1).

Consider these verses as well.

Heb 10:36-39
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.37 For yet, a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

The writer of Hebrews is clearly showing that living by faith is much more than mental ascent and if we revert to living a life full of sin, our souls will not be saved. Yes, it is true that we do not earn our salvation by anything we do, but we are to live in a covenant relationship with God in order to receive His free gift of eternal life. Will we make mistakes and will we occasionally sin? Yes. The difference is that sin is not ruling our lives. We seek to live a life that pleases our Father in Heaven. This is how we show our love and thankfulness for all that He has done for us. It is also how we show our trust in Him. We believe that He will have a place for us in Heaven if we willfully choose to live under this New Covenant. The gift is not given to anyone regardless of whether or not they believe the gospel. It is not even for those who only give lip service regarding their belief. It is to those who trust Him and show their trust in obedience.

Heb.5:8-10
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;10 Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Do not be fooled. Satan is still attempting to make mankind believe his lies are the truth of God’s Word. He told Eve that she would not surely die if she ate of the fruit of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. He tries to tell many today that there is nothing required of us to be saved. The New Testament clearly says otherwise. Study all of it and do not let anyone mislead you. I pray this series is beneficial to all who read it. I also expect everyone to study the scriptures daily to see if what is presented by me or anyone else, is so.