GRACE OF GOD (6)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) What is grace? Everybody talks about "grace," they sing songs about "amazing grace," they know grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, but few can explain what it is! Is grace the freedom to do as we wish?
i) "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14)
b) When Paul wrote these words, he did not use the 1500 A.D. word "grace" found in the King James Version Bible but the Greek word charis. God saves us by this charis. Since this is the mode of a Christian's salvation, it is of paramount importance. Since it is of paramount importance to our salvation, the god of confusion (Satan) is trying his best to confuse and hide the true meaning of charis!
c) In 1611, the King James translation of the scriptures use of the word "gay" had a very different meaning than it does today. The words "gay clothing" as James 2:3 mentions would have a different meaning in today's world. Words sometimes change meaning in usage through the years. The same thing has happened to the English word "grace."
d) Grace versus works has been an ongoing war of words in Christendom! Grace has been "spiritualized" away and often interpreted as abolishing God’s law. Is this belief correct? Every Christian ought to know what grace is! We cannot grow in grace as Jesus did, and as we are commanded (2Peter 3:18) unless we know clearly what it is.
i) "But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . " (2Peter 3:18)
1. Not under the Law, but under Favor
a) Satan, the god of confusion, does not want us to understand this very important issue (Job 1:6, 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:18)! Therefore, he has changed the modern word "grace" to be "it is too wonderful to be understood." He would have us believe that being saved by grace alone means we do not have to keep the commandments.
b) Christians are not perfect. They may make a mistake and sin! They may not keep the Bible Sabbath perfectly every week. However, they are not openly working on God’s Sabbath days. Under the law each sin required an animal’s death in sacrifice (Numbers 15:27-28, Leviticus 4:13, 20, 22, 26-27, 31, 35, Leviticus 19:22). Under favor (grace) repentance of the sin is required and looking to Christ (Hebrews 10:10-11, 21; 1 John 2:1-4). It means constant washing by the water of the Word.
c) True Christians are under great favor from God, called to be perfect. God watches over us as any good father watches over his children and favors them (1 Peter 3:12, 5:10-12; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 3:10). He even favors them with chastening when needed (Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19). Let us therefore keep his commandments and stay in his favor.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) What is grace? Everybody talks about "grace," they sing songs about "amazing grace," they know grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, but few can explain what it is! Is grace the freedom to do as we wish?
i) "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14)
b) When Paul wrote these words, he did not use the 1500 A.D. word "grace" found in the King James Version Bible but the Greek word charis. God saves us by this charis. Since this is the mode of a Christian's salvation, it is of paramount importance. Since it is of paramount importance to our salvation, the god of confusion (Satan) is trying his best to confuse and hide the true meaning of charis!
c) In 1611, the King James translation of the scriptures use of the word "gay" had a very different meaning than it does today. The words "gay clothing" as James 2:3 mentions would have a different meaning in today's world. Words sometimes change meaning in usage through the years. The same thing has happened to the English word "grace."
d) Grace versus works has been an ongoing war of words in Christendom! Grace has been "spiritualized" away and often interpreted as abolishing God’s law. Is this belief correct? Every Christian ought to know what grace is! We cannot grow in grace as Jesus did, and as we are commanded (2Peter 3:18) unless we know clearly what it is.
i) "But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . " (2Peter 3:18)
1. Not under the Law, but under Favor
a) Satan, the god of confusion, does not want us to understand this very important issue (Job 1:6, 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:18)! Therefore, he has changed the modern word "grace" to be "it is too wonderful to be understood." He would have us believe that being saved by grace alone means we do not have to keep the commandments.
b) Christians are not perfect. They may make a mistake and sin! They may not keep the Bible Sabbath perfectly every week. However, they are not openly working on God’s Sabbath days. Under the law each sin required an animal’s death in sacrifice (Numbers 15:27-28, Leviticus 4:13, 20, 22, 26-27, 31, 35, Leviticus 19:22). Under favor (grace) repentance of the sin is required and looking to Christ (Hebrews 10:10-11, 21; 1 John 2:1-4). It means constant washing by the water of the Word.
c) True Christians are under great favor from God, called to be perfect. God watches over us as any good father watches over his children and favors them (1 Peter 3:12, 5:10-12; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 3:10). He even favors them with chastening when needed (Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19). Let us therefore keep his commandments and stay in his favor.
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