17/05/2015 - WHEN GRACE IS NO LONGER GRACE

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And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11.6

One of the basic differences between the religious and the followers of the Word of God is that the latter do nothing to deserve blessings, while the former believe that they must strive and sacrifice a lot, but even though they might do so, they attain nothing. Now, our example is the Lord Jesus, therefore our actions should be guided by His teachings. If God asks no sacrifice nor has taught them so, from whom did they learn this from?

The facts that took place in the times of the Old Testament must be understood as a figure of what happens in the New Testament. Since there is no need of shedding blood in order to redeem sin or to fight people, like it happened in those times, there is no way how to pay a price at all in order to be blessed. If it is by works, grace is no longer grace, even though we are in the time of grace.

The greatest example that righteousness – as well as receiving of blessings – comes by faith is Abraham’s, who lived before the Law. Since he believed in God, this was credited to him as righteousness (Gen 15.6). It happens in the same way to those who believe in what the Holy Scriptures says. Those who learn their rights in Christ determine by faith that evil may leave. They take possession of the blessing and have a positive result. If it were in another manner, the Lord would have told us so.

Everything that has been promised is given by divine grace. We do not have to imitate people from various religions that do not receive anything, since they do not obey the Word or believe in what is written. They are not an example for us. How can God use and bless those who continue to worship images, praying to them, or declaring that people who were special in their causes are saints? (Ex 20.4) Such people challenge the Lord with such inventions.

The Word says that respecting the wicked in judgment is not good (Prov 18.5). Now, every time that we pray or take a position of faith, we are executing the Lord’s judgment. If anyone uses arguments that do not concern the Word, he is disrespecting the Author of Scriptures, and therefore, is unclassified as beneficiary of the divine favor. Everything that we achieve from God is given to us by grace, through faith (Ep 2.8).

The grace that acts according to how God created it does not need any physical effort that comes from man’s invention. What the Word says is what you need to defeat the evil one’s operations. The Lord’s grace is powerful to accomplish everything that the Omnipotent promises. There is no way how man, even if he is well-intentioned, may help the Most High in accomplishing His work, for He does not accept human glory.

Those who desire to see the wonders of the Almighty in operation must follow the steps taught by Jesus in the gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 22 and 23. If they are stubborn and do not serve the Lord, they will be using unholy fire, and thus, may have the same end as the two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Nm 3.4). Be firm in the grace, for by it, through faith, you will be victorious.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares