Comfort Doctrines (4)

Comfort Doctrine A teaching that gives false spiritual comfort to one who does not want to be held accountable for sinful activity.

Comfort Doctrines (4) Are we saved by works?

Salvation by works Good works outweigh evil works – enough Works based religions Minimalism Picking and choosing Do some Christians have a problem with this?

God’s grace the PRIME factor in our salvation! Understanding Grace God’s grace the PRIME factor in our salvation!

Understanding Grace What is grace? Our Salvation Understanding Grace What is grace? xa/ri$,(charis) “that which affords joy, pleasure delight…” (Thayer) “God’s forgiving mercy, as gratuitous and opposed to merit.” (McClintock and Strong)

Understanding Grace What is grace? Our Salvation Understanding Grace What is grace? “particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude…

Understanding Grace What is grace? Our Salvation “… A favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor.” (Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament)

The importance of grace Eph. 2:8-9 Our Salvation Understanding Grace The importance of grace Eph. 2:8-9 Rom. 3:23-24 Titus 2:11-13

Understanding Grace A gift offered but not forced upon us Our Salvation Understanding Grace A gift offered but not forced upon us Jericho – Josh. 6:1-20, vs. 2 – “I have given…” (grace) Vs. 3 – “You shall march” (obedient works) Heb. 11:30 – “By faith”

Understanding Grace A gift offered but not forced upon us Our Salvation Understanding Grace To give conditions to receive God’s grace does NOT negate that it is His gift. A gift offered but not forced upon us Gideon – Judges 7:1-22, vs. 9 – “I have delivered” see also vs. 2 (grace) Vs. 3 – 300 men followed instructions (obedient works) Heb. 11:32, 34 – “By faith”

Understanding Grace What does His grace consist of? Our Salvation Understanding Grace What does His grace consist of? Sending Jesus to die Accepting His sacrifice His message revealed to us His plan of salvation Spiritual blessings Willingness to keep forgiving us

There are works that do not save Our Salvation Understanding Works There are works that do not save Ephesians 2:9 Romans 3:20 Romans 4:2-4

BUT there are commands that MUST be obeyed Our Salvation Understanding Works BUT there are commands that MUST be obeyed Gal. 6:2 – fulfill the law of Christ, Rom. 3:27, 8:7 Gal. 5:6 – “faith working though love” Jas. 1:22, 25, 2:24

Understanding Works Commands that MUST be obeyed Our Salvation Understanding Works Commands that MUST be obeyed 1 John 5:3-4 – keep His commandments, 1 Jn. 2:3 Rom. 8:17,18 – “obeyed from the heart…” Heb. 5:9, 1 Pet. 1:22, Matt. 7:21-23

How do we reconcile these texts? Our Salvation Understanding Works How do we reconcile these texts? We must identify the types of works addressed!

Will you obey God’s will today?