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From careful observation it is apparent that many people have a mistaken
view of the marvelous grace of God. People are heard to say, God's grace
will save me and it will not be from any works which I do. And many times
they will even start to sing that great song, Amazing Grace. It seems to
be the thinking of many that since we are saved by grace there is nothing
for us to do, and that our salvation is guaranteed. The end result of
this thinking is that all men, everywhere, will be saved. No one will be
lost, since God's grace has been extended to all mankind.
But this teaching is not found in the scriptures. It comes from the wisdom of men. It is true that the grace of God hath appeared to all men, but let us not stop just there. The remaining part of that verse tells us there is something that we must do. "Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and, godly in this present world... looking unto Jesus, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:11-14). As can be seen, a person zealous of good works who denies ungodliness and worldly lusts and lives soberly, righteously and godly is very busy doing things of a positive nature. He is doing works that he may enjoy the grace which has been extended to all men. This grace includes the forgiveness of our sins, as well as the hope of eternal life. Another passage which is so often cited has a definite meaning here. "By grace are ye saved through faith..." (Eph. 2:8). We fully understand that "faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). The word of God tells us about the many people who obtained favor (grace), pleasing God and doing the things he required (Heb. 11). This same word tells us things which we must do to appropriate the grace of God. It is not the works of the old law of Moses which Jesus fulfilled at the cross. It is obedience to the words of Jesus such as, repent or perish, confess my name before men, believe and be baptized for the remission of sins. When we hear God's word, believe it and obey it, we too can be saved by the grace of God through our working faith. |