ROMANS 11:6

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Let me remind you what grace is. Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. So, anytime someone gives you something you don’t deserve, you are receiving grace. That’s different than mercy. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve – like hell. God’s mercy is extended to me because of His grace towards me through His Son, Jesus Christ. You really need to know the difference in those two. Aren’t you glad you have His grace and His mercy?

Paul is continuing his teaching on the importance of justification by grace and grace alone. The Jews were adamant that only through their obedience to the law could they be justified. Paul knew all too well the futility of that thinking. Remember, Paul was Jewish and had been a Pharisee. He knew the difference in grace and works firsthand. That is why he spent so much time on this topic in his letters. He wants everyone to understand the free grace that is offered to anyone who turns to Jesus.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about today’s verse. “And from this it follows that salvation cannot be partly by grace and partly by works. It is not because people can advance any claims to the favor of God; but from his mere unmerited grace. He that is not willing to obtain eternal life in that way, cannot obtain it at all.” I am reminded of Galatians 2:21. “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Paul writes a similar statement in Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Only God’s grace is sufficient to pay the price for our sins. That grace was made manifest in His Son, Jesus Christ. What else do you need? Nothing! Nothing else can help you. No one can pay the price for your sins, except Jesus. There’s nothing you can do, no matter how holy you try to live, to earn that grace. It’s a free gift from God based on your decision to follow His Son.

I have six grandchildren which I would give my life for if asked. If there was something I could do to earn them their salvation, I would do it. But there’s nothing I can do. They each have to make that personal decision to follow Jesus or not. And based on that decision they will or will not be with me and their Mimi/Nana in heaven. I pray every day for them to know Christ personally and follow Him. I know God desires to see them come to Him. I pray they are listening. Are you?

Lord, thank You for the gift of grace that requires nothing from me except believing in and following Your Son.

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