3.4 Saved By Grace – Thy Way Saves Oh Lord!

Lesson 3.4

What is meant by the term grace? To whom has grace been extended? How can a person be a recipient of grace? Some have thought that anciently, before Christ, people were saved by keeping the law but after Christ came they are saved by grace. This is contrary to Scripture for the Bible plainly states “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11.

Did David understand that men were not saved by works?

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.”

Romans 4:6

Did Moses understand God’s grace?

When God proclaimed His name to Moses he said, “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”

Exodus 34:6

Note: God’s grace was as available then as it is today. In fact several times in Exodus Moses talks about finding grace

How was Abraham saved?

“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Romans 4:1-5

Note: Noah was also saved by faith as indicated by Hebrews 11:7. Likewise Moses was saved by faith. Read Hebrews 11:24-26. Israel had the same saving gospel that we have. It was taught to them by types. Read Hebrews 4:1, 2

Is anyone justified by the works of the law?

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Galatians 2:16

How can a person be just before God?

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:24

Upon whose action does justification by faith depend?

“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Romans 3:25, 26

Note: Notice that justification depends on God the divine judge. He has set forth Christ to demonstrate His justice (righteousness) and also that He might justify anyone who puts his faith in Christ

What has God done to save man?

He has done two things.

1. He removed the death sentence.

2. He provided a perfect righteousness that man might be in a right relationship with Him.

He removed the death sentence by the death of Christ and He provided a perfect righteousness by Christ’s perfect life on earth.

Hebrews 4:15

What is the righteousness which saves a man?

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”

Romans 3:21-24

Note: Only the righteousness of God revealed through Christ can save. Christ is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29, last part. We are “saved by his life.” Romans 5:10, last part. Saving righteousness is granted by God through Christ

(2 Corinthians 5:21).

Who is the source of saving righteousness?

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

1 Corinthians 1:30

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Philippians 3:8, 9

Note: Righteousness comes from Christ. Jeremiah refers to Him as “The LORD our righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:16, last part

Look at Paul’s reasoning in Romans 5:17-19. Christ is the only person who ever lived a perfect life. He died for the sins of all. He was resurrected and today He is alive. He is our righteousness. This can never be changed. Read John 5:11, 12.

Does keeping the law confer righteousness?

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Romans 3:20

Note: Salvation does not come by right doing. If it did then it would be salvation by the law. Jesus makes it clear in Mathew 5:20 that the kind of righteousness proclaimed by the scribes and Pharisees was insufficient to enter heaven. They were ignorant of and refused to submit to God’s righteousness which is a gift to those that believe in Christ (Romans 10:3). Read also Philippians 3:9

Conclusion

Christ does not offer His righteousness to a person on the premise that he can go on sinning. He gives His righteousness so that man can have the power to obey God. Paul says, “Do we then make void the law by faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31. God’s law is the standard of righteousness, but man cannot obey the law to gain merit in God’s sight. Read Galatians 2:16. Allow Christ to cover you with the robe of His righteousness. Obedience of God’s law is a fruit of ones salvation. It comes as a loving response to a gracious Savior. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” We are saved by grace for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10)

3.3 Repentance and Confession 3.5 The New Birth