James 2:18-26

Grace is not legalism, nor a license It is only by grace we can be saved – but it is not by grace only. It is only by faith we can be saved – but it is not by faith only. Contrast between a Law system and a Grace system, Jn. 1:17; Rom. 4:15

Abraham – not saved by works, Rom. 4:1-5 (Gen. 12:13; 20:2) David – not saved by works, Rom. 4:6-8 (2 Sam. 11:1-5; Ps. 32:1-5) Christ’s obedience was not imputed (credited) to either; nor to us.

Jews boasted in the Law, Rom. 2:17-25 It was given at Mt. Sinai, Dt. 5:1-21 The Law could not justify, Gal. 2:16 Christ fulfilled the Law, Mt. 5:17,18; Lk. 24:44; Col. 2:14

“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but a debt,” Rom. 4:4. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:5.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God,” Gal. 5: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live,” Rom. 8:13.

Faith is the work of God, Jn. 6:28,29 If no work is necessary – belief is excluded The faith that saves is the faith that obeys, Rom. 6:17,18; Jas. 2:21-26 What God teaches must be done – it is not a work of the Law, of human merit, nor of the flesh – but a work of God.

Reader’s Digest, May, 1997 – “You Don’t Have to be Perfect” “Guilt is useful as a motivator to change. But it is useless and destructive when it paralyzes the person with a sense of unworthiness and unloveability.”

Fairy tale of a circle that had a triangular wedge cut out and missing. Circle wanted to be whole – searched… observed flowers and worms...Found the piece – then rolled fast…stopped, left the found piece and rolled slowly away. “In some strange sense we are more whole when we are missing something.”

“There is a wholeness about the person who has come to terms with his limitations, who has been brave enough to let go of his unrealistic dreams and not feel like a failure for doing so…Life is not a spelling bee, where no matter how many words you’ve gotten right, you’re disqualified if you make one mistake.” We can be faithful without being perfect, 1 Jn. 1:7

God’s part – Grace, Eph. 2:8 Christ’s part – Blood, 1 Pet. 1:18 Spirit’s part – Revelation, 1 Cor. 2:10; 6:11 Apostles’ part – Preached, 1 Cor. 2:11-13 Our part – Believe and obey, Acts 18:8; Rom. 6:17,18 If you are lost – whose fault will it be?