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Grace and Works: A summary from the scriptures By David Lasseter
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The following "logic tree" (for want of a better term) is designed to show the relationship between grace and works. It is a part of a larger study on works, which is published elsewhere on my website. It has been developed directly from the word of God, and each main point is referenced to scripture. Any conclusions are drawn only after the scripture has been evaluated. The scriptures are linked to an on-line KJV of the Bible. The Greek words referenced are listed in italics. The first instance of each Greek word is linked to an on-line Greek dictionary. The conclusions are oftentimes based on several statements made earlier. Each statement from which a conclusion is made is linked to that conclusion. You may easily move around within this instrument simply by following the links. Follow the instrument in numerical order. As you come to a conclusion drawn from earlier statements, you'll see a link with a # prior to a numeral. This will link you to a prior statement from which that conclusion is drawn. Once you've finished reviewing the statement, click on the "Return to" link and it will take you back to the conclusion you were studying. Several of the statements have more than one "Return to" link. Just remember which conclusion you were studying to return to the proper place. It is not my intention with this instrument to list each and every commandment of Jesus. I've covered many of His commandments elsewhere in my site. Please study this instrument in it's entirety! If you do so, you'll have a greater appreciation for God's grace and his love for man.
But what is a commandment of Jesus which we must keep in order to receive the grace of God which we need for salvation? There are several Greek words translated "commandment". The one used in the verses noted above is entole. Entole means "an order, command, charge, precept, injunction." The English words are linked to an on-line English dictionary. We see the nature of commands as issued by authority in Luke 7:1-10. In this account we read of a centurion whose servant was sick. (verse 2) The servant heard of Jesus and sent unto Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching Jesus that He would come and heal his servant. (verse 3) The elders did so, and acknowledged the centurion's love for and service to Israel. (verses 4-5) Jesus went with them. As He approached the centurion's house, the man sent friends to Jesus. These friends were to tell Jesus that the centurion was not worthy for Him to enter his house. They were to ask Jesus to "say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." (verses 6-7) Why did he do so? The centurion understood authority. He, too, had soldiers under him who responded to his orders as he gave them. (verse 8) When Jesus heard his words, He marvelled at him and said, "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (verse 9) We see in verse 10 that the servant of the centurion was healed as he requested. The centurion knew that Jesus was given authority. He knew that His orders would be obeyed as He issued them. His faith in Jesus' authority led to the healing of His servant. Jesus tells us today that all power (authority) in heaven and in earth has been given unto Him. (Matthew 28:18). Since He has all authority, he has the power to issue commands and expect them to be obeyed. His servants, however, have the option to obey or disobey His orders. Those who obey have been promised the gift of God's grace and the forgiveness of sins. Those who disobey have been promised eternal destruction. His commandments are recorded in God's word. His servants are expected to study His word, learn Jesus' commandments, and obey them. We have commandments we must follow prior to salvation in order to receive salvation. These may be found under the salvation section of my website. Since we know we must keep every commandment of Jesus in order to receive the saving grace of God, everything He tells us to do before salvation is absolutely essential. Some will accuse me of "legalism" and attempting to earn salvation by works. If you feel I am teaching that we may earn salvation, please review the study above. I've provided a link for your convenience. We are going to cover "law" in the next section of this study, but at this time consider John's statement in 1 John 3:4. He tells us that "whoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." Do we sin today? Most certainly! Romans 3:23 states this fact plainly. Therefore, since we sin today, what must be true? We are under law! What law we are under will be covered in the next section of our study. Please consider the truth to the teachings of the inspired writers and determine to follow each and every commandment of Jesus so that you might receive the saving grace of God. |
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