Tag: Salvation by faith alone

Morning Musing: Romans 11:19-22

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“Then you will say, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ True enough; they were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but beware, because if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore, consider God’s kindness and severity: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you—if you remain in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Recently we talked about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 22 where a king hosted a wedding banquet for his son. The first set of guests composed of his longtime friends didn’t want to come, so he had his servants invite everyone else they could find. Paul was quoting from that idea to explain how the Gospel was offered to the Gentiles. Later in that same parable, one of these second-invitation guests showed up at the party, but is not dressed properly. What happens to him is something Paul has in mind in this next part of his thoughts on the place of the church in light of the Jews’ rejection of the Gospel. Let’s take a look.

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Digging in Deeper: Romans 4:1-5

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“What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

For all of human history before Jesus, and in every religious movement other than the one bearing His name since, salvation in whatever form it has been imagined has been understood to be the result of things we have done. When we do the right things, we gain the prize of life. We receive the reward of our efforts. What God offers in Christ, however, is radically different from this. And better. As Paul continues in his presentation of the Gospel, he now sets his sights on unpacking how salvation works and why, in spite of what we might have imagined, it has actually always worked the same way.

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Digging in Deeper: Galatians 2:21

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“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

Verses like this one are a big part of why protestants tend to be so radically committed to salvation by faith alone.  Look at what Paul is saying here closely because this is really important.  If we could somehow get ourselves into a right relationship with God by means other than the grace of God as mediated through the death and resurrection of Jesus, then His death was without purpose.  It was entirely pointless. Read the rest…