Understanding Grace vs. Works
Hey sis! Let's talk about something that confuses a lot of believers - the relationship between grace and works. Maybe you've heard people argue about whether good works matter, or maybe you're wondering if you need to do certain things to stay saved. Girl, this is so important to understand because getting this wrong can either lead to spiritual pride or spiritual anxiety!
Let's dive into God's Word together and get clarity on this beautiful balance between God's amazing grace and our response of good works.
What is Grace?
Grace, sis, is God's unmerited favor - it's getting what you DON'T deserve (salvation and eternal life) instead of what you DO deserve (judgment for sin).
Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it crystal clear: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Grace means:
You can't earn salvation
You can't lose salvation by being bad
You can't keep salvation by being good
It's all about what Jesus did, not what you do
The Problem with Works-Based Salvation
Some people think you have to earn your way to heaven by being good, going to church, giving money, or following rules. But sis, if that were true, then Jesus died for nothing!
Galatians 2:21 says: "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Here's why works can't save you:
You Can Never Be Good Enough
Romans 3:23 reminds us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Your Best Efforts Are Still Sinful
Isaiah 64:6 says: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."
You'd Have Something to Brag About
Romans 3:27 asks: "Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded."
But Wait - Don't Good Works Matter?
Yes, sis! Here's the beautiful truth: Good works don't save you, but they show that you ARE saved!
Ephesians 2:10 (the verse right after the famous grace verse) says: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
The Proper Order: Salvation THEN Works
Here's the order, sis:
God's Grace → You receive Jesus by faith
Salvation → You become a new creation
Good Works → They naturally flow from your new nature
James 2:17 explains: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
James isn't saying works save you - he's saying if you're truly saved, it will show in your actions!
What About All Those Bible Verses About Works?
You might be thinking, "But sis, what about verses that talk about judgment based on works?" Great question! Let's look at a few:
Works as Evidence, Not Cause
Matthew 25:35-36 mentions caring for others, but these works are evidence of saving faith, not the cause of salvation.
Different Types of Judgment
Judgment for Salvation - Based on faith in Jesus alone
Judgment for Rewards - Based on what we did with our salvation
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 talks about our works being tested by fire - some will earn rewards, others will be "burned up," but the person is still saved.
The Danger of Legalism
Legalism is trying to earn God's favor through rule-keeping. It's dangerous because:
It Makes You Prideful
When you think you're earning salvation, you look down on others.
It Makes You Anxious
You're never sure if you've done enough.
It Dishonors Jesus
It says His sacrifice wasn't sufficient.
Galatians 5:4 warns: "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace."
The Danger of Cheap Grace
On the flip side, sis, there's something called "cheap grace" - using God's grace as an excuse to sin.
Romans 6:1-2 addresses this: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
If someone claims to be saved but shows no evidence of change, we should question whether they truly understand salvation.
How Grace Changes Us
Real grace, sis, doesn't make you want to sin more - it makes you want to sin less! Here's how:
It Creates Gratitude
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says: "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
It Gives You New Desires
2 Corinthians 5:17 promises: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
It Provides Power to Change
Philippians 4:13 declares: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Living by Grace in Daily Life
So how do you live by grace, sis?
Remember Your Identity
You're not a sinner trying to become righteous - you're righteous trying to act like who you already are!
Serve Out of Love, Not Obligation
1 John 4:19 says: "We love because he first loved us."
Don't Keep Score
Stop trying to earn God's favor - you already have it!
Extend Grace to Others
Colossians 3:13 instructs: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Practical Questions About Grace and Works
"If I'm saved by grace, why should I try to be good?"
Because you love Jesus and want to please Him! Your obedience is your love response to His grace.
"What if I mess up big time after I'm saved?"
1 John 1:9 promises: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
"How do I know if my works are pleasing to God?"
Ask yourself: Am I doing this to earn God's love, or because I already have it?
The Beautiful Balance
Sis, here's the beautiful balance:
Justification (being declared righteous) = Grace alone through faith alone Sanctification (growing in righteousness) = Grace working through us to produce good works
Philippians 2:12-13 captures this perfectly: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
What This Means for Your Daily Walk
Rest in Your Security
You don't have to worry about losing your salvation!
Let Love Motivate You
Do good works because you love Jesus, not because you have to.
Give Yourself Grace
When you mess up, remember you're forgiven and loved.
Help Others Understand
Share this beautiful truth with other believers who might be struggling with legalism or cheap grace.
The Gospel in One Sentence
Here's the gospel, sis: You are more sinful than you ever dared admit, and you are more loved than you ever dared hope, all because of what Jesus did for you.
Romans 5:8 declares: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Don't Swing to Either Extreme
Sis, don't fall into either trap:
Legalism - Thinking you earn or keep salvation by works
Licentiousness - Using grace as an excuse to sin
Titus 2:11-12 shows us the balance: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
Grace doesn't give you license to sin - it gives you power not to sin!
Remember, sis: You are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone - but true saving faith is never alone. It always produces the fruit of good works!
Rest in His grace, and let that grace transform how you live. You're loved, accepted, and secure in Jesus!
