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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. -- Romans 8:14
This week we want to consider the doctrine (teaching) of grace; we could also call it the way of grace. We are looking at this teaching in contrast to legalism, or man-made rules (requirements) within the church.
1 – Legalism affects us from the outside; it is a work of the flesh.
2 – Grace changes us from the inside; it is the work of a sovereign God.
3 – Legalism can be easy, we simply allow others to tell us what to do, then we are accepted.
4 – The way of grace can be hard. It requires that we be students of the Word. We must know God's Word if we want to apply it in our daily lives.
5 – The legalist works to earn his assurance and salvation.
6 – The true Christian who is following the way of grace, works because he is a child of God. His works are the fruit (evidence) of a changed heart, mind and will that are in submission to God.
In his book, "Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ," Thomas R. Schreiner makes this statement about works. "One must work to be saved. And yet this work is absolutely dependent on God's transforming work, and the latter is the only basis on which the former can be accomplished." In reality, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in us that enables us to have good works (fruits of righteousness).
Here is some Scripture to back up what I am saying. Philippians 1:6 says, "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." God begins the effectual call in the lives of His children through many different means, including providence. He then brings about regeneration and gives us faith and love.
I Timothy 1:14 says, "And the grace of our Lord Jesus was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:15-16 says, "Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:15-16 says, "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you."
In the Garden of Eden, after man chose to sin against God, The Eternal Creator extended grace to Adam and Eve when they would not come to Him. He pursued them and sought them out as an act of mercy on His fallen creatures. His grace followed when He chose to send a redeemer to pay the ransom price for sin.
Romans 5:1 points us to the way of grace. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." And verse 5 shows us the result of true saving faith. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Have you experienced true regeneration? Do you have true saving faith? Then you also have experienced God's love in your heart enabling you to love the brethren and produce fruit unto good works. Contact the author at thoughtsonword@gmail.com if you have any comments or questions.
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Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. He has self-published four books, Common Thoughts on The Word in 2016, Eye of a Needle in 2017, Common Thoughts on The Word II in 2019 and A Bridge Between in 2023. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a children's book.