No more grace

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

This little verse, though it sounds a little confusing perhaps, really explains works and grace. Paul is reasoning through the conflict of grace and works. He is how he puts it, parrowphrased slightly.

If salvation is by grace it can’t be by works. Because if it were by works than grace would no longer be grace. Grace would be cancelled out. If it is grace it makes to no sense to say it requires works.

If salvation is by works it can’t be by grace. Because if it were by grace than works would no longer be works. Works would be cancelled out. If it is works it makes to no sense to say it requires grace.

It makes no sense to say it is grace and works that saves. It is either grace or works.

And the Bible makes is clear which it is – ‘for by grace you are saved through faith, and even that is not of yourselves, is the gift of God. Otherwise one could boast that he saved himself.’

And if works could save why did Jesus have to die? Why could He just have come and taught the message of good works. If works could save it is certain that Jesus died in vain.

But grace and works do work hand in hand to achieve salvation but after salvation. People can of course do good works without being saved, that is obvious. But for the believe grace, received by faith will produce good works. True faith will always do it. It is ordained by God that those who are truly saved by grace, through faith, will walk in good works.

Works cannot bring about salvation – but true salvation always brings about good works.