Saved By Grace B.A.S.I.C. Training

What is this thing called GRACE? Most agree it indicates the “unmerited favor” of God. It is a gift of God given to sinful mankind to save them from their sins. But, how is grace administered by God? What is our responsibility (if any) in receiving grace? We must insist salvation is by grace. But what about faith? Repentance? Baptism?

Why do we need grace? Because of the law of sin and death. Romans 3:23 – “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Righteous deeds cannot merit salvation Romans 3:20 -- Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

The presence of life in the blood… Leviticus 17:11 -- For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. Animal blood insufficient for full atonement: Hebrews 10:3-4 -- But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Only SINLESS BLOOD will suffice: Matthew 26:28 -- This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 20:28 -- Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Romans 3:25 – God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

God Supplied the Means of Atonement (Grace) Ephesians 2:8-9 -- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Other attempts at salvation are futile! Galatians 5:4 -- You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

Our part is to believe in Christ Jesus and obey Him John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus Did What We Can’t Do For Ourselves Romans 5:9 -- Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!

Ephesians 1:7 -- “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” Hebrews 9:12 -- He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

2 Timothy 1:8-10 -- So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

So the message of GRACE is this: God did for me what I cannot do for myself. God supplied the means for forgiveness. Jesus gave His body and blood as a sacrifice to pay for my sins, which I cannot pay for myself. God provided the plan. I must supply the faith and the obedience by which the plan is accomplished in my life.