‘Not Of Works’

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.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Human nature leads us to an abundance of self-righteousness.  We like to think of ourselves as being able to work our way into the favor of God.  This becomes the foundation of the largest representation of religion in the world.  There are many versions of this works-based religion.  They all bear this common theme, that if we work hard enough, long enough at doing the, ‘right’ things, whatever they are, God will accept us on the basis of our works.  Paul presents the only alternative to works-based religion:  The Gospel of Free Grace.  All religions in the world, regardless of their particulars, divide over this one single issue: is acceptance with God on the basis of His Grace or my works?  There is no other alternative.  Paul, John, Peter and the rest of the writers of Scripture all come down on the side of Free Grace.  Christ, Himself, Whose word is the end of all argument, set forth the Gospel of Free Grace throughout His ministry.  His reiteration of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount serves as the schoolmaster to bring us unto Himself.  Our acceptance with God, our salvation from self, sin, depravity, and all the consequences, are ‘by grace’ and ‘not of works, lest any man should boast.’

Our Wise and Holy God,
we rejoice that salvation is Your Work from start to finish.
We praise You that we cannot boast of any of our own goodness,
nor of the value of our own works,
to make us acceptable to You.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning