The concept of grace is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing that our salvation and justification before God are not achieved by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. This post explores key biblical principles related to grace, righteousness, and good works.
1. The Insufficiency of Human Effort
No amount of good deeds or human effort can justify us before God. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our righteousness, as Isaiah 64:6 states, is like filthy rags before a holy God.
Jesus illustrated this truth in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee boasted about his religious deeds, while the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. Jesus declared the tax collector justified, showing that humility and dependence on God’s grace—not self-righteousness—are what please Him.
2. Grace Precedes Good Works
Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation is a gift from God, and grace is the foundation.
Good works have their place, but they are not the root of our justification. Instead, they are the fruit of grace. As Titus 2:11-12 teaches, grace instructs us to live upright lives, empowering us to perform good works as evidence of our faith.
3. The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Romans 10:3 warns against seeking to establish one’s righteousness instead of submitting to God’s righteousness. The Pharisees exemplified this error by adhering to legalistic standards while neglecting true faith. Jesus repeatedly emphasized that outward works without inner transformation are meaningless.
4. Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
Abraham, often called the father of faith, was not justified by works but by his belief in God (Romans 4:2-3). Similarly, our righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. This righteousness is a gift, not something we can earn.
5. Grace Empowers Good Works
While good works do not earn God’s grace, they validate it. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. The grace we receive transforms us and inspires us to live lives marked by compassion, generosity, and integrity.
Jesus taught that we are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, these works are the result of God’s grace working in us, not the means by which we earn His favor.
6. Approaching God in Humility
When approaching God, it is vital to recognize our unworthiness apart from Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Humility acknowledges that every blessing, provision, and benefit from God is a result of His grace, not our merit. As believers, we must consistently rely on the righteousness of Christ as the basis for our relationship with God.
Conclusion: Living Under Grace
The Christian life is not about striving to earn God’s favor but about living in the freedom and power of His grace. By trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we receive righteousness, salvation, and the empowerment to do good works that glorify God.
Let us approach the throne of grace with humility, rely on the righteousness of Christ, and allow His grace to propel us into lives that reflect His love and goodness.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your grace that saves, sustains, and empowers us. Help us to rest in the finished work of Christ and to live lives that glorify You. May our good works flow from a heart transformed by Your grace, and may we always approach You in humility and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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