Grace (Romans 11:6)
2022-02-22
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Romans 11:6)
You do not “do” grace. You do not perform to receive grace. If you do, then it “is no more grace.”
Grace is not based on intrinsic merit. You do not receive grace because you are better than another. Grace is entirely embodied in the person of Christ.
You do not receive grace by spiritual rituals. It is “not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Grace and gift go together. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Wages are earned by works. A gift is given just because. A gift is given because the giver loves the receiver.
Grace is the great motivator for good works, but never can be procured by good works. Grace will always proceed good works in a person’s life, otherwise the works are not good, because they are not from Him (Ephesians 2:10).
I don’t deserve to be here today. But I am here by the grace found in Jesus Christ.