The Freedom of Grace – No Works for Salvation

In Galatians 3:1, the apostle Paul passionately addresses a crucial issue that resonates even in modern times – the danger of slipping back into legalistic practices despite having received salvation through grace. Paul’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that our faith is founded not on our works or religious rituals, but solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?”

Galatians 3:1

Paul’s astonishment and admonition stem from the Galatians’ inclination to add human effort to the equation of salvation. This timeless warning holds relevance today as well. Many still encounter the misconception that faith alone is insufficient for salvation. Many preach and teach that along with faith, additional actions like baptism or specific acts of repentance are necessary to be saved.

However, Paul’s message remains resolute: salvation comes exclusively through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection. This message liberates us from the bondage of legalism, traditionalism, and religious performances.

Today, we, like the Galatians, are reminded to resist any teaching that veers from the central tenet of salvation by grace through faith. Let us stand firm in the truth that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient, eliminating the need for additional human efforts. As Paul later reiterates in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

May we, as believers, treasure and proclaim the freedom of grace and the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work, resisting any doctrine that attempts to diminish the power of His atonement.

BELOVED…

SALVATION IS BY BELIEVING BY FAITH ALONE THAT WE ARE SINNERS WITHOUT HOPE AND INCAPABLE OF DOING ANYTHING TO SAVE OURSELVES. SO GOD SENT HIS ONLY SON JESUS CHRIST TO DIE/SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SINS, WAS BURIED AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD 3 DAYS LATER. NOTHING ELSE. THE MOMENT WE BELIEVE BY FAITH ALONE IT IS GOD WHO COMES INTO OUR LIVES, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT INDWELLS US AND SEALS US, AND BAPTIZES US INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST, MAKING US A NEW CREATION, AND ONLY THEN ARE WE CAPABLE OF CHANGE, AND EVEN THEN IT ISN’T ANYTHING WE DO, BUT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT EMPOWERS US TO CHANGE. WE CAN DO NOTHING WITHOUT GOD NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE REPENT OR HOW MANY TIMES WE ARE DUNKED IN WATER! ONLY THE GOSPEL HAS THE POWER UNTO SALVATION.

‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.’

Romans 1:16

Peter vs. Paul: Conclusion: Paul tells Peter How Mankind will Be Saved Going Forward

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?