Are we saved by the grace of God? Absolutely! Ephesians 2:5 says, “by grace ye are saved:” and in verse 8 of the same chapter we read, “For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men (Titus 2:11). Anyone who denies that we are saved by the grace of God is very misinformed and, or grossly ignorant of the word of God. In the first century Paul preached the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24). We know for certain the grace of God came and was given by Jesus Christ (I Cor. 1:4, John 1:14). Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believed on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness (Rom. 4:4,5). We are told that by grace we are saved through faith and not of works lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8,9). Well there we have it, one is saved by grace and faith, not our works that we should boast. We don’t have to do any works, only have faith to be saved.

But wait, Acts 10:35 tells us, “but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” James teaches us faith that hath not works is dead, being alone. I will show you my faith by my works. Was not Abraham justified by works when he offered up Issac his son upon the alter? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. See thou how faith wrought with his works was faith made perfect (James 2:17,18,20,21,22,24). Jesus clearly teaches we must do the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21). The penitent men on the day of Penticost asked, “what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Jesus told Saul to go into the city and it would be told him what he must “do” (Acts 9:6). The jailer at Philippi asked, “what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

Now may I ask, how can this be? We seem to have a contradiction in God’s word. Some scriptures tell us we are saved by grace through faith and no “works” are required. Yet other scriptures tell us we are justified by “works” and without “works” our faith is dead. How can this possibly be true if God’s word does not contradict its self? If only one kind of “works” is under consideration here then we have a direct contradiction. But on the other hand if we are speaking of two different kinds of “works,” then it all makes perfect sense. There are “works” of obedience, such as when Abraham took his son to offer him as a burnt sacrifice. He was simply following the will of God. When God commands us to hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized, we are simply doing the “works” of obedience to his will, as opposed to “works” of merit where man would seem to place God under obligation to man. We can never be good enough, live our lives so perfect, or do enough “works,” as to obligate God to save us. We are absolutely saved by the grace of God, through faithful obedience to the commandments revealed in his truth. As we said before the grace of God has been offered to all men (Titus 2:11). How do men accept that grace, so freely given? They hear, believe, repent, confess and are baptized in accordance with the holy commandments of God. We must do the “works” of obedience to the will of the Father, to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21). We are not doing our own “works,” we are following God’s divine instructions in order to be saved by his grace. Think about it, and let the scripture speak for its self and stand on its own merits. May we all strive so to do.

We invite all who would, to come together with us to study God’s word and worship him in spirit and in truth. We are the Church of Christ, Kedron congregation on the Coopertown Road, Russellville, KY. We neither add to God’s word or take from it. Bible study at10:00, Worship at 11:00 each Sunday morning. If you have questions please call, 270-657-2455 or 270-755-2005.