Gospel

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Romans 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

There is something we as humans find comforting and satisfying about the work we do to find ourselves approved. From the initiations of secret societies and fraternities to the jocularity of locker rooms and backyard grills we strive and labor to fit in and find forgiveness when wrongs occur. We often go to great lengths to gain the knowing nod from our peers signifying that we are finally " in ", and when we fall into disfavor the efforts are doubled to work our way back into the good graces of those that matter most to us.

Do we approach God the same way?

Is our moralism the approach we use to gain favor with an infinitely Holy God? Are we trying to earn our way into God's grace by balancing out the bad with the good? Give it up. The Gospel and moralism are antithetical to each other and as such cannot meaningfully coexist in any way, ever. Ever heard of works righteousness? How about grace plus works? Whatever name this sinister doctrine goes by it is utterly contrary to the free gift of grace as found in Christ Jesus.

How many good deeds cancels out the sins you have committed? Yes, I said sin because your transgression is not only a mistake, a gaff, or a minor misstep but is an affront to a Holy God who cannot look upon sin. You lied today and coveted yesterday. What good deeds will offset these seemingly innocuous sins? Isaiah stated that our righteousness is as filthy rags ( Isaiah 64:5-7 ) and Paul avers that there is no one who is good or seeks the Lord( Romans 3:10-18 ). Think you are/were worthy to obtain God's favor? Do you honestly think that your finite and feeble efforts can appease an infinite and Holy God?

If so read what Paul wrote:

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit ( Titus 3:5 )

Then again in Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God

Counting on your works?:

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ( Romans 6:23 )

Did you gain the Holy Spirit through works or through faith?:

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? ( Galatians 3:1-3 )

Our repeated attempts at moralism are rebuffed and rebuked by God at every turn. It is an insult to God Almighty to try and earn what He has already secured for those who would believe. The Gospel is the good news that Christ is our sufficiency and that our salvation has already been wrought through His atoning work on the Cross. What work can you add to what He has already done? Do your deeds surpass the excellency of the shed blood of the Savior?

The Gospel or Moralism? The Gospel of Jesus Christ or the bad news of your inadequate works? Moralism that leads to an endless cycle of guilt and death or the liberating and life-giving Gospel as presented in the Scriptures?

What do you think? Can you earn your salvation?

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