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 In
the Roman letter the apostle Paul clearly contrasts grace and
works (Rom. 4:2-5; 11:6), and some have concluded he makes any
act of obedience incompatible with grace. We believe this
error is the result of failure to consider the context of his
arguments concerning "law" and "works." Will
you think with us?
He
begins his main argument by showing that God is Just in
condemning all, for "all have sinned." Law, both moral
and positive, identifies sin. It makes sin apparent, and shows
the futility of seeking to be acknowledged "free of
guilt" on the basis of law alone. Since a single sin is all
that is necessary to establish guilt, and no amount of obedience
can remove guilt, once established; it follows that the only way
one may be justified (free of guilt) on the basis of law alone
is to obey perfectly. In Rom. 10:5 we read, "For
Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the
man which doeth those things shall live by them"
(emphasis mine). In Gal. 3:10-f. he makes the same point,
saying, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all
things which are written in the book of the Law to do
them" (emphasis mine).
When
Paul says, "If Abraham were justified (free of guilt, rt)
by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God;" he
is saying there would be no need for the grace of forgiveness if
Abraham had never sinned. He is not saying that any
act of obedience on Abraham's part would nullify grace.
When we recognize that God's grace is expressed in Christ on the
cross, and that this "gift" is the MEANS of
forgiveness, then we can
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appreciate the meaning of faith (or trust)
in Him. Seeking "freedom from guilt" by (perfect)
works, we put our trust in ourselves — and fail. But
recognizing that salvation for any but the absolutely perfect
(who would need no saving) must be by gift or grace of God, we
put our trust in Him who died for us.
The
thought of Rom. 11:6 is, therefore: "If by grace, then it
is no more of (perfect, meriting) works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace:
otherwise work (that is less than perfect, and needs
forgiveness) is no more work" (such as Paul has in mind in
making these statements.)
With
Paul, trust in Jesus Christ involves obedience. Note: "for
obedience to the faith" (1:5), "who will render to
every man according to his deeds" (2:6-13),"ye have
obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine" (6:17),
"who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit"
(8:4), "for the obedience of faith" (16:26).
God's
plan for making man righteous — in right standing with Him —
was to forgive those who put their trust in the crucified and
resurrected Lord. (Read carefully Rom. 4:6-8.) Christ is the
MEANS; forgiveness is the OPERATION; and faith (obedient trust)
is the CONDITION. The Jews who went about to establish
"their own righteousness" (on the basis of law —
Phil. 3:9), did not "submit" themselves, being
ignorant of God's way. There is no conflict in salvation by
grace, and at the point of baptism.
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