“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” Romans 11:6 (NKJV)
We are saved by the gift of Grace that God bestows upon us. There is no other way! Since this is so then why do I have to commit to doing acts that are right? Why does it matter what I do after receiving the gift? Is the tension between Grace and works real or fabricated? These are all legitimate questions. Some say that once we have received Grace, then we are free from the dictates of the law or right doing. Others claim that Grace and works are incompatible with each other. Still, others espouse that Grace and works are two sides of the same coin.
In episode 1, season two of the Munches (https://caymanadventist.org/what-is-grace-the-munches/), we learnt how God extended His Grace to David and subsequently spoke of him as being innocent. Grace justifies the ungodly but to prevent it from being the justification of ungodliness, the recipient must follow the teachings of Grace as stated in Titus 2:11-12. It says “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”
John was travelling westbound, anxious about his mother’s ailing health. There was one thing on his mind, seeing her before she closed her eyes. Suddenly he heard the siren and saw the lights. He was pulled over for doing 70 in a 50 zone. He acknowledged his wrong, explained his plight to the officer and pleaded for a chance to complete his mission. The empathetic officer extended Grace to John and firmly cautioned him that for the rest of his journey, he should observe the speed limit. John was so grateful for the Grace that he did 45 for the rest of his journey. The officer chose to give John the right to continue the trip without penalty. John decided that he would do so within the dictates of the law. Yes, he got to see his mom.
We cannot work to obtain Grace; however, when we have received Grace, we do the works of righteousness, lovingly. Paul puts it this way in Romans 11:6 “And if by Grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise Grace is no longer Grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer Grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
Prayer: Lord as we accept your Grace, may we respond by doing the works it requires. Amen.
By: Pastor Obed Babb
