Grace or Works? Yes.

Paul says something astonishing: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3) We are not saved because we have finally become righteous enough – we are saved because, through faith, Christ's righteousness is credited to us. But does that mean works don't matter? Paul answers beautifully in Ephesians: "It is by grace you have been saved… not by works." (Ephesians 2:8-9) Then immediately: "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." (Ephesians 2:10) So which is it – grace or works? Think of marriage. At a wedding, a couple are pronounced husband and wife. That declaration creates a new reality, but they are expected to live like they are married – with love, faithfulness, sacrifice, and commitment. Their behaviour doesn't earn the marriage; it flows from it. That is grace. Jesus, our great High Priest, declares sinners righteous and calls us to live out the righteousness we have received. And He does something even greater – He doesn't declare us righteous and leave us to manage alone. He comes to live in us. "Remain in me… and you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Good works do not purchase salvation. They are what salvation begins producing in us. (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/rom4v3, bit.ly/eph2v8-9, bit.ly/eph2v10, bit.ly/joh15v5