User:Wmaupin@kcu.edu

"For BY GRACE are ye saved THROUGH FAITH" (Eph. 2:8). Faith and grace go together. Why? Faith is the "hand of the heart" that reaches out and receives God’s free gift which is undeserved. We need to make a difference between the gift (salvation) and the reception of the gift (faith).

Romans 11:5-6 says, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Grace and works are two principles that are completely opposed. If you have grace then your works are only your way of showing gratitude. If you have a free gift, then it cannot be earned or paid for. If you work for something and earn it, then it is not a free gift; although if it is a debt, then it cannot be grace. Salvation is provided and freely given to us through grace, but if you have faith and accept the grace then your works will come accordingly.

Some people feel that you cannot and must not add works in any shape, form or manner to the grace of God. Why not? ". . . otherwise grace is no more grace.” Salvation is something that the sinner does not deserve at all, not even in the slightest bit. A person is saved by gods grace when He sent His son to die in our place so that we can have eternal life. In considering the relationship between grace and works it is helpful to examine Romans 4:4, "Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." Here is the person who works! This person is a total stranger to the grace of God. He knows nothing of the grace of God. He foolishly thinks that God owes him something because of how he lives. He somehow thinks that his works and his love for God, his commitment, his surrender, and his obedience to God have earned him salvation.