Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 228

"And if by grace, then it is no longer of works..."

Text: Romans 11:6

THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE

Many must have had difficulty with Paul’s teaching and emphasis on grace. We have another important statement on this subject of grace.

“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

1. A clear-cut definition

a) Grace and works are mutually exclusive.
b) Grace and works cannot be combined.

2. The context of this statement

a) The salvation of God given to the Jews (Romans 11:5).
b) This is called “the election of grace”.
c) Jews are also saved by:-
i) God’s election.
ii) God’s election is out of pure grace.
d) The appeal to works
i) Israel’s history of works is appalling.
ii) If an appeal is made to works, than grace is vitiated.
iii) If grace is not applied, then Israel would never know salvation.
iv) The appeal to works is spurious.
v) The appeal to works is also groundless.
vi) The appeal to works is dangerous for it would mean the rejection of the salvation plan that God offers

The doctrine of grace must be established in both heart and mind!