The sermon titled "Works or Grace" by Don Bell addresses the theological conflict between salvation through works versus salvation by grace, as articulated in Galatians 3:1-12. The preacher highlights the folly of relying on the law to achieve righteousness when it is through faith that believers receive the Holy Spirit and are justified before God. He emphasizes that true salvation is a gift of grace, as exemplified in the faith of Abraham, arguing that attempting to perfect oneself through works undermines the grace of God. Specific Scripture references include Galatians 3:1-3, where Paul questions the Galatians' reliance on the law, and Romans 1:17, affirming that "the just shall live by faith." The practical significance of this sermon lies in the assurance of salvation for believers, reaffirming that their standing before God is based on Christ's work, not their own efforts.
Key Quotes
“Are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?”
“We start out being justified. They want to be justified. They want to be righteous when they get to the end. We start out where they want us to end up at.”
“The greatest miracle that’s ever happened to any one of us... is God saving us.”
“True faith obeys the truth of the gospel. Instead of being bewitched, we see Christ in him crucified.”
The Bible teaches that justification is by faith alone, apart from works of the law.
According to Galatians 3, justification is not achievable through the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that the just shall live by faith, asserting that faith, rather than adherence to the law, is what justifies a believer before God. Essentially, mankind's sinful nature means that adherence to laws cannot achieve righteousness; only faith in Christ's redemptive work can do so. This foundational principle is encapsulated in verses like Galatians 2:16, which states that ‘a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.’ Thus, faith becomes the sole means of being justified before a holy God.
Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11
Salvation is by grace, as it is rooted in God's mercy rather than human effort or merit.
In Galatians 3, Paul argues against the notion that salvation could be earned through works of the law. He stresses the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through human effort, demonstrating that such attempts lead only to curse, as stated in Galatians 3:10, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’ In contrast, salvation through grace affirms that it is God who initiates faith in the believer, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it is made clear that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith, and not from ourselves; it is the gift of God. This gift ensures that no one can boast of their own deeds, solidifying the truth that grace alone saves.
Galatians 3:10, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Holy Spirit is essential for bringing individuals to faith in Christ and enabling true spiritual life.
Paul emphasizes in Galatians 3 that the reception of the Holy Spirit is not through the works of the law, but through the hearing of faith. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the salvation process as He is the one who convicts hearts of their need for a Savior and transforms lives. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, no one could come to true faith in Christ, for it is He who opens eyes, regenerates hearts, and creates faith within us. The assurance that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit serves as a mark of our salvation and rebirth, demonstrating the active work of God in our lives. This transformative power of the Spirit affirms the importance of faith over law in the process of salvation.
Galatians 3:2, Ephesians 1:13-14
Faith is foundational in the Christian life as it connects believers to God's grace and promises.
In Galatians 3:11, Paul underscores that ‘the just shall live by faith,’ indicating that faith is not merely a one-time act but the continual basis of the believer's life. This means that faith shapes the entire Christian experience, providing access to God's grace and empowering believers to live according to His will. Faith generates works; however, these works are a result of faith, not the means to achieve it. The believer's life, therefore, is characterized by a reliance upon God's grace through Jesus Christ, resulting in a transforming relationship with Him. This relationship fosters spiritual growth, obedience, and assurance of salvation, emphasizing that faith is essential for both justification and sanctification.
Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 11:1
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