Touchpoint Bible Study

Grace versus Works

Grace is defined as the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Works are defined by an activity of mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or a result, according to the Oxford dictionary. Grace is the only thing that creates salvation for the individual, not by works. Paul discussed to the Ephesians that  grace alone through Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation and that our own works or efforts would not grant us salvation. (Eph. 2:8-9). Good works are the consequences of receiving grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. A person will bear good fruits as an example of the relationship this individual has with the lord, rather in an effort to earn the lord's favor. 

"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit."(Matt. 7:17-18) 

Matthew 7:18 [70]

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (2 Tim. 1:8-9)

Christianity is the only religion that is based entirely on grace for salvation and not by works. Jesus was able to forgive sins in his name and authority, both while living and after ascension to the throne. This is in contrast to other religions where works are the main driving force to obtaining Gods favor such as in Buddhism, Islam, Judeism and polytheistic religions. Christ demonstrated his grace and authority by healing and forgiving individuals of their sins in the New Testament with several examples described.  

"So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This Man blasphemes!" But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"—then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men."(Matt. 9:1-8)