“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Rom 12:1-2

The True Grace of God• 1 Peter 5:12 - “in which you stand” -

Definition: “Unmerited Favor”• If There Is A “True,” There Must Be a “False” ! Merited or Unconditional Rom. 6:1, 15 - “Continue In Sin” Jude 4 “Turn Grace into Lasciviousness” 1 John 1:6 “Walk in Darkness” Satan seeks to confuse salvation terms!

Battleground of Grace

• Gal. 3:1-5 - Apostolic Age Confusion

• Acts 15:1-3 - “No small dissension”• Gal. 1:6-9 - “Another gospel”• Gal. 2:11-14 - Apostle Peter Fell

This suggests a need for careful study lest we also misunderstand “grace”

Beware of Extremes

Eph. 2:8-9 - Grace and Faith Balanced

Grace Faith God’s Part Man’s

Part

Doing For Man What He Cannot Do

Eph. 3:2-7

Doing For GodWhat Man Is Able

Rom. 5:1-2

History of Extremes• Apostolic Age Apostolic Age

Grace Into Lasciviousness (Gentiles) Grace Into Perfect Law-keeping (Jews)

• Early ApostasyEarly Apostasy Catholicism: Salvation by works Reformation: Wholly of Grace; Faith

Alone

• Reformation To Current TimeReformation To Current Time Same pendulum of extremes

To Avoid Extremes

• We Must Understand Bible Terms We Must Understand Bible Terms Use Them As God Gave Them Avoid Re-defining Them

• Avoid Denominational UsageAvoid Denominational Usage Faith vs. Faith Only Unmerited Favor vs.

Unconditional Grace

Why Preach So Much On Works ?

• Shall We Exhort God : Shall We Exhort God : ““More Grace?More Grace?”” Grace Is A Finished Work It Never Needs Changing

• But Each Sinner Needs To ObeyBut Each Sinner Needs To Obey We Need Daily Exhortation Acts

22:16 Obedience Is Never Finished 2 Peter 1:12-15

Is God’s Grace Neglected By Us?

• We Must Never Forget GodWe Must Never Forget God’’s Grace s Grace If Accusation True, Shameful ! We Must Extol, Praise Grace Gal. 3:10-14 - Not Lawkeeping

• Is The Charge Unfounded ? Yes!Is The Charge Unfounded ? Yes! Some Redefine “Works” Then Outlaw Obedience ! Jewish “works” not the same as obedience

Example of Redefining Terms

• ““Not Saved By WorksNot Saved By Works”” (Jewish concept) (Jewish concept) Romans 4:1-8 “Works” = Salvation by Works Not Obedience Heb. 5:8-9; Ja 2:17-24

• Why Is Baptism Rejected ?Why Is Baptism Rejected ? Redefined As A “Work” But Romans 6:3-7, 16-18 Even faith is a work Jn 6:29; 8:39

Baptism Is A Part of God’s Grace !

• But We Are Accused Of Preaching Salvation By Works Titus 2:11-12 - Grace Teaches What Does It Teach about Baptism ? Titus 3:4-6 - Not A “Work Of

Man’s Righteousness” • Preaching Grace Includes Baptism

Rom 5:1-2; 6:3-7, 14