Grace vs. Works?
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (KJV)
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
Titus 3:5 is the Bible verse that constitutes the main difficulty when examining this question. That is because it does not refer to “works of the (Mosaic Sacrificial) Law” which can clearly be seen not to result in salvation. This verse instead refers to “works of righteousness” one of which is repentance. As both Jesus and John the Baptist have shown repentance is necessary for salvation.
Works such as “repentance” are necessary before salvation as Luke 3:7 and 8 show. The first “work” is repentance from unbelief. Works are also necessary after salvation as Revelation 2:5 shows. Repeating such “works” cannot however bring about a person’s salvation or change a person into the image of Christ according to Titus 3:5.
The question then becomes- what part do the “works of righteousness” (mandated by Jesus, Mark 1:15) play in our salvation?
The “works” that men can do will not transform them into the image of Christ. Only God can bring about that transformation. God has however mandated that we appeal for that transformation by doing “works”.
These “works” are an appeal to God, asking Him to bring about that change, 1 Peter 3:21. The same concept is seen in Psalm 51:10.
1Pe 3:21 ¶ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (RSV)
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. {right: or, constant} (KJV)
We have seen that the resurrection mentioned in Romans 6:4 and 11 is walking in newness of life and being dead to sin.
As this applies to the work of repenting from sinful behavior, refraining from sin (the resurrection) takes the form of an appeal to God for a conscience that is void of offence against God.
It is true that some consider themselves to have a clear conscience while involved in sin, but these people are self-deluded and not seeking the truth.
Water baptism is a symbol of our appeal to God to bring about a spiritual change that transforms us into people who can do the right thing in all matters of life.
There are two parts to the reality which baptism refers. Burial is submersion into the water, Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. Coming out of the water represents rising to newness of life Colossians 3:11-12.
Baptism is a change and the reality symbolized by water baptism involves doing “works of repentance”. John the Baptist mentioned these type works in Luke 3:8.
We must mortify the deeds of the body or stop sinning, Romans 8:13.
Baptism represents a person’s intention to be immersed into the Holy Spirit.
Rising to new life is represented by the putting off of the “works” of the flesh, Col 3:1 – Col 3:10. Then we must put on the Christ, Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27.
1Pe 3:21 ¶ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (RSV)
Lu 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Matthew 3:7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8. “Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance;
The importance and necessity of these “works of repentance” refutes many traditions. This point alone illustrates the truly demonic underpinnings of some traditional doctrinal statements that have crept into Christian thought through the generations.
John the Baptist was approached by the Pharisees and Sadducees and His initial instructions to these unbelievers was to “work” or “bring forth fruit” to be accepted by God, Matthew 3:7-8. In other words, “show me your faith by your works”, James 2:18.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
The argument between works and grace is deceptive and is not an actual doctrinal position. It is a deceptive way of discounting the need to understand the true biblical principles involved in the superimposition of the nature of Christ Jesus.
Only God can transform a person into the image of Christ. Even if we truly understood what it meant to be “in the Image of Christ”, we still could not in our own strength accomplish this transformation.
God does this through His grace and because a person exhibits faith. Faith is not opposed to works. Faith is the conduit through which a person receives grace, Eph 2:8. It is the grace of God not the works of man that enable a person to become Christ like.
If a person’s works are right (“Works of righteousness”), they constitute an appeal or request to God to bring about our transformation into the image of Christ.
The capability to do what is right in God’s eyes grows as the person receives grace from God. That is the crown of righteousness Paul refers to in 2 Tim 4:8. God will give Paul the ability to do what is truly right.
In fact, a biblical understanding of works easily illustrates itself and can be summarized from John 3:36.
This concept of “works of faith or works of obedience” can be understood from this verse. The works that are generally opposed to faith are the “works of the law”.
These works are no longer of benefit because Jesus is the sacrifice once for all. The works of the Law called for a sacrificial animal after a sin was committed or circumcision etc.,
As it is written “no flesh will be justified (made just) by the “works of the Law”.
The law contained a shadow of the things to come, Hebrews 10:1.
Heb 10:1 ¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (KJV)
There are works involved in obtaining salvation and this can best be summarized by the verse found in Luke.
Lu 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Losing one’s life for Christ is then the “work” required, and after this verse is read the people who say that no work is involved but only faith have little to say.They do not understand that faith incorporates works, and faith is made perfect or complete by works, James 2:22.
For a scriptural view of this refer to John 3:36. The word translated “believeth not” in John 3:36 can be translated “obey not”. This verse links the concept of “faith” with the concept of “works of faith” such as repentance etc.
Joh 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him. (RSV)
Jas 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
The commonly accepted thinking is based on a misunderstanding of Ephesians 2:8 and similar verses.
— New American Standard Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Comparing works to grace is an incorrect comparison. This is because it is the power of God called “grace” which teaches us or enables us to do the works (bear the fruit) that must accompany salvation, Matt 3:7-8 and Heb 6:6-10.
To understand this doctrine of “grace and works” there must first be a correct understanding of the doctrine of Baptism.
1Pe 3:21 ¶ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (RSV)
The purpose of this article is to illustrate the relationship between works and salvation and not to go into depth regarding the doctrine of baptism.
To repeat this briefly the following definition will suffice. Baptism is an immersion into something. Being baptized into Moses was an immersion into the teachings of Moses (1 Cor 10:2). A similar immersion into the doctrines of Christ is the truth behind the sign of Christian baptism.
Water baptism does not bring about salvation, but the true baptism that is symbolized by water baptism does bring about salvation.
Both the symbol of water baptism and the reality of baptism into the Spirit of God are the way a person appeals to or asks God to give them what is promised.
That Promised Land is the promised Holy Spirit or the image of Christ.
The reason why baptism pertains to the subject of “works” is because Christians are buried with Christ in Baptism, Romans 6:4. Similar to the seed being planted in 1 Corinthians 15:36.
Ro 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1Co 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
In baptism we represent the change we consent to by being immersed in water and then coming out of the water. The type of life we had previously is over and we die to it.
This burial represents a death to sin as Romans 6:6 shows.
Ro 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Destroying the body of sin means not serving sin while in the physical body. It can be seen that the allusions to baptism and dying to sin are also used allegorically with reference to circumcision, Col 2:11. Both are referred to in the Bible as putting off the sins of the flesh nature.
Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
The truth symbolized by circumcision is the same as the truth symbolized by baptism, putting off the body of sin or dying to sin.
The “works” involved in dying to sin (through baptism Rm 6:4) or the “works” of mortifying the deeds of the flesh (Rm 8:13) are like the “works” involved in the circumcision of the heart or putting off the body of sins.
Ro 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
We are then to enter a resurrected life as seen in Colossians 3:1 and Romans 6:5.
Ro 6:5 For if we have been planted (sown) together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Col 3:1 ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
The use of the word “likewise” in Romans 6:11 shows that Jesus physical resurrection (mentioned in Romans 6:9 and 10) refers directly to our earthly spiritual resurrection.
This earthly spiritual resurrection is mentioned in Romans 6:11 and 12. This spiritual resurrection is from the state of being dead in sins, and results in a resurrection into newness of life. This is the process of ceasing from sin, as Philippians 3:9-14 illustrates.
Phil 3:9. and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God based on faith,
Many people here confuse the righteousness that comes from the Law of Moses with keeping the Law of God or the Ten Commandments or Jesus summary of the 10 commandments in Matt 22:37-40.
The Righteousness which came from the Law said that when you sin you must offer a sacrifice, and then you will be forgiven. It mandated a sacrifice to become right before God after sinning. Paul did not aspire to be right with God by this means. He aspired towards the true righteousness which God’s Grace teaches, Titus 2:11-12. That Righteousness is one in which a person does not sin, and is transformed into the image of Christ.
Phil 3:10. that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11. in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12. Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NAS)
Rising from the symbol of water Baptism or immersion into the death to sin we rise into newness of life in Christ, Romans 6:4. The Christian is appealing to God to transform them into the image of Christ Jesus. They try to stop sinning or die to sin and enter the resurrected life of Christ, this is the point of this article.
Man, can only make progress towards abstaining from ungodliness by acquiring the grace of God. Grace only comes through humility before God, James 4:6. Any “work” we can perform falls short of transforming us into the image of Christ.
Trying to cease from sin (repentance) is a “work”, which can be referred to as mortifying the “deeds” of the flesh. This work does not transform us, but is an appeal to God for a transformation into the image of Christ. A “deed” is essentially a “work”.
Water baptism symbolizes the immersion into (or the entering into) a death to sin or the works of the flesh, and coming out of the water symbolizes the resurrection to newness of life.
Death to sin is not immediate but requires time and effort. Interestingly when Jesus underwent the symbol of baptism the reality or baptism of the Holy Spirit was immediate and full. He was of course sinless which is the reason why it was immediate and complete. We however take longer to stop sinning than Jesus did because sin easily besets us, Heb 12:1.
This article is intended to illustrate that an individual is incapable of transforming themselves, but must appeal to God to change them. This “appeal” takes the form of putting the man (or body) of sin to death. Mortifying the “deeds” of the flesh and becoming zealous for good “works”, Titus 2:14.
When a person submits to Christian baptism they are affirming their acceptance of and their intention to immerse themselves into the doctrines of Christ and die to sinful behavior. The ordinance of water baptism is a symbol of baptism by an immersion into the Holy Spirit of God, John 1:33.
It is very important to remember that the individual always has the option of cooperating with or disobeying the Holy Spirit as He teaches us to abstain from ungodliness. This means that works which cooperate with the teaching of God’s grace are necessary every step of the way.
The key concept is that God gives us the ability, after every step of obedience, to take the next step. This can be referred to by the following phrase “and Grace for grace”, John 1:16.
The answer to the question “how much must we do for God is simple – everything we can, Mark 8:35.
Although water baptism is a single momentary event the reality that water baptism refers to is a process of following Christ Jesus and being washed with the word of God and baptized with the Holy Spirit, as His will is revealed in and through the Bible.
The literal goal of this baptism is the superimposition of the nature of Christ upon the believer. The mystery of Godliness is great, Christ in you the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
This baptism into the Holy Spirit includes repentance from sinful behavior and the ability to walk as Jesus walked. This is incrementally granted to an individual by God as the person asks for it, Acts 11:18.
This asking is an appeal to God that He might give the individual a clear conscience, 1 Peter 3:21.
A truly “clear conscience” comes only if there is no sin committed, or if all sins have been forgiven.
Surprisingly the powers or authorities in the Church would generally have the individual believe that this does not involve “work”. This emphasis on the inability of man to “work” for their salvation is generally based on Romans 11:6 and similar verses.
Apart from God’s grace teaching us to abstain from ungodly activity, mankind is incapable of being saved, no matter what grand and glorious work they attain to.
As with many traditional teachings the insertion of an unbiblical phrase into a question and then the attempt to answer the resultant unbiblical question causes many problems.
The concept of “earning/working for salvation” is misunderstood in the minds of people who have trouble with the statement that we must do “works” to enter the kingdom of God, James 2:26.
Ac 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Tribulation is defined by Jesus as the events experienced by believers that are in the world, John 16:33.
Tribulation can be understood to be the things a Christian experiences as they leave the world and enter the kingdom of God, Acts 14:22. They leave the world which is the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) as God through His grace teaches them to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12), and they enter righteousness joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, which is the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).
The concept of an “appeal to God” is mentioned in 1 Pet 3:21. This concept of an “appeal to God for a clear conscience” contains the answer to the Grace versus works misunderstanding
It is seen that the “works” of mortifying the deeds of the flesh (symbolized by baptism) are an appeal to God for salvation or a clear conscience. The appeal or works involved do not bring about salvation (1 Peter 3:21) but are an appeal for it.
In Acts 10 Cornelius was a man who sought God and His “deeds” were an appeal to God for His acceptance. Because of Cornelius’s monetary giving (alms) and prayers He was shown how to advance towards acceptance with God, Acts 10:4.
Ac 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
This came in the form of an angel telling Cornelius to call for Peter to preach the Gospel of Christ to Him.
There is no doubt that Cornelius’s “deeds” or “works” moved God to intervene in his life, Acts 10:4.
The only question becomes: “were Cornelius’s “works” sufficient to conform Him to the image of Christ, or were Cornelius’s works an acceptable appeal to the one person (God) who was able to conform Cornelius to the image of Christ? The latter is correct of course.
Many authorities state that a person cannot “work for” their salvation because then it would appear that God is repaying a debt to them by saving them, Romans 4:4. The works are simply the way of asking for or appealing for God’s help.
The correct concept is then that a person by performing certain “works” is appealing to God to bring about their salvation or transformation. The “works” do not save or transform Him into a person who does not sin. Only the grace of God brings about the renewing of the Holy Spirit and teaches a person to deny ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
The verses that are used by tradition to suggest that an individual’s salvation does not involve “works”, generally refer to the works of the Mosaic Law, and by the works of the law shall no flesh be saved, Galatians 2:16.
Ro 4:4 Now to him that worketh (works of the Law specifically) is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (KJV)
A person cannot be saved by the “works” of the law, Romans 4:14 and 15, but the performing of these works did form the person’s appeal to God for the “promised” clear conscience.
A person who however just sacrificed an animal after sinning but did not have faith was not correctly relating to God. This is what is referred to many times in scripture as confessing allegiance to God with a person’s lips while their heart was far from Him, Isaiah 29:13 and Mark 7:6.
So as can be seen from Romans 4:16 that a person must have both faith and works to inherit the promised Holy Spirit or have a truly clear conscience, void of unforgiven sin.
Ro 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
As Romans 4:16 shows us a person could appeal to God through a sacrifice which alludes to an animal sacrifice under the Old Covenant or to Jesus in the New Covenant. This would allow them to be forgiven. But as Paul alludes to in Philippians 3:9 they could also receive the promise by not sinning in the first place.
A person who broke the law of God and sinned could be forgiven by complying with the Law of Moses and offering the appropriate sacrifice to obtain forgiveness before God.
Romans 11:6 is also a verse that can be misinterpreted if it is not seen to be speaking about the works of the Mosaic Law and obtaining God’s acceptance in that manner.
Ro 11:6 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.
Rm 11:6 is referring to the “election” or choice of God being by grace. Titus 2:11-12 tells us that grace teaches us. So quite clearly a person can co-operate or not co-operate with grace and the teaching of God’s grace. The teaching of God’s Grace is instruction on how to abstain from ungodliness.
This abstention from sin is then an appeal for God to create in the person a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) or a clear conscience. A person’s election is not obtained by the “works” which form the appeal to God, 2 Pet 1:10. The person who is termed to be “elect” then would be the one who co-operates with the teachings of God’s grace.
So what is the relationship between Grace and “works”?
God’s grace teaches us to abstain from ungodliness. This abstention from ungodliness can be called “a work” or “works”.
The basis of the misunderstanding between the concepts regarding “earning” or “working” for salvation, and “performing works” that accompany salvation is not whether “works” are necessary, (they clearly are, Heb 6:9). Rather the misunderstanding rests on whether man is capable of performing the “works” that must necessarily accompany election/salvation.
God of course initiated the Covenant and chose to reward certain types of behavior. Man has never initiated the relationship or given to God, Job 41:11 and Rm 11:35. Therefore the actual difficulty is between the concepts regarding God keeping/fulfilling His promises and God repaying/owing mankind a debt.
Rm 4:4 Now to Him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt
Rm 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace
Rm 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Rm 11:6 and if by grace, then is it (election) no more of (man’s) works (or capabilities): otherwise (if election can be attained by man’s works/capabilities) grace is no more grace (God teaching/enabling us to become elect). But if it (election) be of works, (man can become elect through His own works/capabilities) then it is no more grace (God’s teaching/enabling man to become elect): otherwise (if God’s teaching brings election, as it is defined in Titus 2:11-12) (man’s) work is no more (man’s) work (because God has through His Grace taught man to perform the work’s which must accompany election/salvation).
The ability to do the “works” involved in abstaining from ungodliness form the basis of our next appeal. God will grant the ability to proceed to the next level of “works of obedience”. This leads towards the goal of abstaining from ungodliness or making progress towards the image of Christ. This is illustrated in the scriptural phrase “grace upon grace”, John 1:16.
The Jewish zeal mentioned in Romans 10:2 was not according to knowledge. They were trying to establish their own righteousness, verse 3. This would be trying to approach God by doing what they considered to be right. This is self-righteousness.
They knew that Abraham had faith before the Law was given (He was a law to himself Rm 2:14) Genesis 15:6. But they were trying to get God’s approval apart from faith by simply offering a sacrifice or physically circumcising a person, supposing that a person can be acceptable to God through rituals or shadows of the truth.
In Romans 10:4 it is seen that Christ is the end or goal of the Law as is also seen in Galatians 3:24. Jesus is the sacrifice once for all, Heb 10:10.
People no longer had to sacrifice an animal etc. to be righteous or right with God. They simply had to confess devotion to Christ with their words and heart.
The natural Jews however were trying to establish their right standing with God with the “works of the Law” and without faith in Christ as is seen Romans 10:3.
Abraham gave us the example of how to be acceptable to God under the Old covenant – Have faith. There was not a law given which could impart life, Galatians 3:21. However a person could avert God’s judgment and be forgiven if He complied with the law of Moses. This is seen in the verses that suggest that, “if a man doeth (the Law of Moses) He shall live, Romans 10:5.
Simply avoiding judgment is not akin to grace because God’s grace can transform a person but simply avoiding a negative judgment cannot.
Even in these verses, which are often used to insinuate that works and grace are opposed to each other, it is clear from Romans 10:16 that works of obedience and faith or belief are considered inseparable. As in John 3:36 the concepts of obedience and faith or belief are seen to be interchangeable as they are in Romans 10:16.
If these verses are understood to say that works are unacceptable to God, particularly good “deeds” or works, then the reader misunderstands the context of the verses.
These types of verses are not implying that “works” are opposed to grace, because grace teaches a person to do “work”, and live righteously through denying ungodly behavior (Titus 2:11-12).
The verses are saying that the “works” of the Mosaic Law are not sufficient to transform a person into someone who denies ungodliness, the compliance with the Mosaic Law is simply a way to avoid God’s negative judgment or discipline.
Only when misunderstood could these verses be used to infer that “working” or obedience is separate from faith. The attempt to establish righteousness apart from faith and by the “works of the Law” is what is condemned in Romans 11:6. There is no suggestion that “works are opposed to grace” but only that “works of the law” are opposed to grace.
In stark contradiction to such church instruction, the bible itself instructs Christians to “work “out their salvation. It appears obvious that there needs to be some adjustments to mainstream doctrinal positions.
As was seen through the example of Cornelius even an unsaved person can appeal to God in an acceptable way, and be heard.
The reality is that a person has to do some “work” to gain eternal life.
Ac 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
When most teachers read the verses that refer to a person “not” working for their salvation they are getting two concepts mixed up.
Both concepts are correct but become mixed in a person’s mind.
The first scriptural concept says that mankind cannot become like Christ by their own effort or “works”. This is unquestionably true.
God’s personal intervention is required as Titus 2:11&12 refers. This intervention is called “grace” through which God teaches an individual to abstain from ungodliness.
The second biblical concept states that a person must work out their salvation. This is also unquestionably true.
This is exemplified in Matthew 16:25. This verse shows that a person must lose their life and live for Christ. This is a definite “work”. Inactivity on the part of the individual Christian cannot accomplish this.
The truth about baptism (not the symbol but the reality) and of the works involved in losing a person’s life for Christ are referred to as an appeal for a clear conscience in 1 Peter 3:21. The “works” of obedience involved in our keeping our covenant with God are summarized as “loving God and our neighbor”. So then deciding to love God and everyone else fulfills the law. Loving everybody simply means being patient and kind to everybody 1 Cor 13:4-8. This is the avoidance of judgment through compliance with the law of God.
Disobedient people can obtain God’s grace through a relationship with Christ Jesus and not through the Law of Moses.
To be justified from everything a person could not be justified from through the law of Moses, it requires Christ, Acts 13:39. This is not possible for a person unless they through, trust in Jesus, receive “grace” from God.
Ac 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (KJV)
Acts 13:39 is illustrating that under the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament there were some things that a follower of God could not be justified from. Through the grace that Jesus brought that is no longer the case, John 1:17.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
To summarize so far – Our “works” of obedience to the covenant with God are considered an appeal to God for a clear conscience. In other words, we have to try to Love God and our neighbor. This appeal (obedience) is the reality of what is symbolized by water baptism.
— New American Standard 1 Peter 3:21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
The baptism or immersion into the doctrines of Christ, can be called “obedience” or working out our salvation.
There is a provision for a Christian who is learning or being taught by God. If the Christian sins there is a provision in the law of God whereby they can be forgiven.
The Father is the only person who can give a person a clear conscience. Mankind is not capable of transforming Himself into a Christ-like person.
Christ Jesus did not need to offer a sacrifice for sins because He never sinned. We however do sin as we learn to differentiate good from evil, by cooperating with the grace of God. God transforms a person by enabling them to keep the covenant, which is based upon Jesus Christ dying in our place. In other words God brings us into the promised land or promised Holy Spirit.
God transforms a person “if” they ask Him for His help in the manner He prescribes. This “asking” is an appeal for God’s help and God mandates that the way a person appeals for a clear conscience is to obey the covenant, (water baptism symbolizes intended obedience to the covenant).
If a person is trying to obey but fails then they must appeal to God for forgiveness through Christ. Part of our covenant with God says that if a person commits a sin, they can be forgiven. Being sinless is the best way of keeping the covenant, John 5:14. However the covenant is also kept by appealing to Christ for forgiveness if and when a sin is committed.
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
The person simply desires and asks for repentance/forgiveness in the manner prescribed. The manner prescribed is Christian baptism or obedience to the covenant.
God appears to have given His people the task of calling people to repentance through the preaching of the Gospel, as He did through John the Baptist, however only God Himself can grant the ability to repent. He does so only when and if the person desires it.
In this vein, we see the truth of the following verse –
1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
The key to understanding this is to remember that one of the provisions of our covenant with God stipulates that a person must confess their sin to God to be forgiven, 1 John 1:9.
1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)
After a person confesses their behavior as sinful they are then granted that forgiveness, and they are then sinless before God.
If a person recognizes and confesses their behavior as sinful they will be forgiven up to seven times seventy times a day.
If, however they do not recognize the ungodly behavior as being sinful they will not ask for forgiveness because they think that the behavior which is actually ungodly is acceptable to God.
This would be like a deceived person thinking in their mind that adultery is acceptable to God. Now of course adultery is not acceptable to God. But if a person believes that a particular sin is not really sinful then they will not confess as sin that which they do not consider sinful.
Confession is the first step towards repentance. The sin can then be forgiven and God can through His grace teach a believer to deny ungodliness. The Bible requires a person to confess a sin thereby recognizing that the behavior is indeed sinful. Since God can us give the desires of our heart the person should also desire to forsake the sin, or at least request or pray for the desire to forsake the sin, Psalm 37:4.
What God requires is that a person recognizes and confesses their previous behavior as sinful as 1 John 1:9 states. After confession, they are then considered sinless and God gives them the ability to abstain from the ungodly behavior in the future. That ability is given through His grace, but it should be remembered that a person could resist that ability and not abstain from the ungodly behavior even though the ability was given to them. The sin in that case then becomes willful and after a time of willfulness God will judge the activity, Hebrews 10:26 & 27.
As 1 John 1:9 puts it, God will upon our confession forgive us and -“cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
— New American Standard 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If every sinful tendency has been confessed to God and recognized as a sin then the person can truly say that they have a clear conscience and they know of no sin that is against them.
In this case the appeal to God for a clear conscience has been granted.
Now there is a train of thought in Christian denominations that states that when a person comes to Christ and that their past present and future sins are forgiven. This is incorrect as Hebrews 10:26 shows. If a person sins after coming into knowledge of the truth they can expect judgement. Past and present sins can be forgiven when they are confessed. However, if a person sins in the future they must confess that behavior as sinful in order to be forgiven and a person cannot confess today their future sins, which they have not committed yet.
The only way a person can have a clear conscience and still be truthful is if they have kept their covenant with God.
Christ forgives the past sins and the present sins can be forgiven through confession, future sins are not forgiven because they have not happened yet.
Once recognized as sin and confessed they can be forgiven but they are not forgiven before they have been committed.
Now – returning to the subject of “works” and the application of the preceding explanation to that topic. As 1 Peter 3:21 says the immersion into Christ or being baptized into Christ saves us.
Christians are saved from the wrath of God (Matt 3:7) and God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness (Rm 1:18). This means that the baptism or immersion into water symbolizes an immersion into the Holy Spirit. The reality of being immersed into the Spirit of God means that we do not sin, 1 John 3:9.
This is the baptism that saves us from the wrath of God. This is an immersion into obedience, or a baptism into the Holy Spirit. All Christians are being conformed by God into the image of Christ who is embodiment of Holy Spirit, 2 Cor 3:17.
Water baptism is a symbol of the true baptism or immersion into the Holy Spirit, which comprises our appeal to God for a clear conscience. By being obedient we are appealing or asking God to give us a clear conscience. These works of obedience comprise the appeal of the believer for a clear conscience.
In Philippians 3:9 Paul did not only desire be forgiven after sinning (the righteousness contained in the law), he desired to stop sinning altogether (the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ).
Php 3:9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (KJV)
Jesus came to fulfil the Law of God and regardless of the sacrifice (a spotless animal losing its life or Jesus losing His life), after the sacrifice a sin is forgiven.
Paul did not want simply to sin and be forgiven for the sin, which He had committed. This was the righteousness contained in the law where Jesus is the sacrifice for sin. Meaning that the law of God said that if a person commits a sin they need to appeal to God through a sacrifice to be forgiven. Under the New covenant, Christians now must confess sin to Jesus to be forgiven.
When a person commits a sin, the law provides a way for them to become righteous or right in God’s eyes again through forgiveness.
Paul however wanted to have the real righteousness, which is conferred upon a person by grace through faith, Ephesians 2:8. This would be conferred upon them in response to their appeal for a clear conscience (baptism/works/obedience).
When made and answered this appeal would result in Paul’s being transformed into a person who did not commit the particular sin. In other words, the righteousness that is by faith is the ability to abstain from sin.
Thereby Paul would not have the righteousness contained in the law – but an actual righteousness, which would be given through the grace of God. By an actual righteousness I mean that He would not need to ask for forgiveness according to the Law because He would not have sinned in the first place.
God is able to keep us from sinning, Genesis 20:6.
Ge 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. (KJV)
The works of obedience to Jesus commands (baptism into Christ or being baptized in the name of Jesus) are an appeal to God. The person is being obedient and this obedience is the method mandated to request that God give them the ability to keep the Law of God and not sin.
When they are sin free they can be said to truthfully possess a clear conscience, if they sin again they must of course repeat the confession process.
Being Christ-like means being sinless and possessing a clear conscience. Being baptized into Christ speaks of the works involved in keeping the covenant and if necessary, recognizing and confessing sins after they happen.
In summary — a person must work for salvation and that work is called obedience, and it is the way a person appeals to God to transform them into the image of Christ.
The concept of faith cannot really be separated from the concept of obedience as John 3:36 and Romans 10:16 show.
Cooperation with Holy Spirit baptism is the way a person asks God to transform them from grace to grace, into a Christ-like person who does not sin.
The “work” called “confession of sins” does not and cannot transform a person. This is however a part of the covenant and when this confession has happened the person then is truly forgiven and without sin and can honestly be said to have a clear conscience.
At this point, God answers their appeal and helps the person by giving them the ability to abstain from the sin in the future. In this way, the individual can obtain the ability to stop sinning as the grace of God teaches them to abstain from ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
When God grants a person the ability to abstain from ungodliness there are two ways that a Christian can respond. The individual can co-operate with the grace of God or they can resist the grace of God.
Simply because God has granted the person the power to become a Son of God (John 1:12) and they have obtained the ability to abstain from ungodliness does not necessarily mean that the person will use that ability. Co-operation with the grace of God is called the “works in keeping with repentance” as John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:7&8 and Luke 3:7&8.
Matt 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Lk 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Through these verses John the Baptist is telling us that the “works” involved in bringing forth the fruit called repentance is necessary for salvation.
Interestingly John makes the statement to supposed unbelievers. John was telling unbelievers that they must perform “works” of repentance in order to be acceptable to God or saved.
The correct concept is that “works” of righteousness cannot transform a person into the image of Christ, but the “works” are required or mandated by God and considered an acceptable “appeal” for his help in making them Christ-like.
In Matthew 3:7-8 and Luke 3:7-8 we have the person who paved the way for Jesus telling unbelievers to perform “works”. Repentance is a “work”, a fact that John alludes to in those verses.
This causes many traditionalists to reject this form of teaching as ungodly. Many traditions have been demonically induced, especially when they plainly contradict the bible. Some traditions contradict the Bible and Jesus in a subtle manner but have a damaging effect on a Christians life none the less.
An oversimplification could be phrased this way. God mandates that we “work out” our salvation” and He has set the bar for attaining this low enough for humankind to reach by making simple confession the initial “work” necessary.
The works themselves are not able to change us but they are themselves an acceptable appeal to God to bring about that change. The extent of these so-called “works” begins with confession and results in “a person losing their life to gain eternal life, John 12:25.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (KJV)
The simple fact is that God has stipulated that the recognition of sin and a desire to repent from it be the first step in salvation.
Jesus first New Testament admonition is the same as John’s and can be summarized by one word, “repent”.
Mt 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mr 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (KJV)
A study of John 3:36 will show that the concepts of faith and obedience are interchangeable. The verse is translated this way in the American Standard Version referenced below –
Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. (ASV)
The grace of God is not “unmerited favor” as tradition teaches. A person must humble himself or herself before God to obtain grace. If a person has to do something (humble themselves before God through obedience) to obtain grace then it is not unmerited.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 1Pe 5:5 ¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (KJV)
Grace is specific and it is that which teaches, not that which simply bestows favor for no reason.
Just for a moment consider that if “grace” simply “bestowed” something upon us and was truly “unmerited” then everyone on earth would have it.
The Grace of God has appeared to all men, Titus 2:11-12. However only those who humble themselves through obedience receive (have access to, Rm 5:2) God’s grace and thereby they are taught how to deny ungodliness, 1 Pet 5:5.
It can be said then that grace bestows favor upon those who receive its instruction. Those who refuse to humble themselves before God and do what He says do not receive His Grace.
The concept of God’s Grace being “unmerited” is a tradition with no scriptural validation. As with many traditions, this was probably well known to writers of ancient times (the fact that God’s Grace teaches), but in the process of time and tradition modern writers forgot this. In some cases, they may have willingly forgot this fact.
The writers of antiquity probably learned through study that which more contemporary students have learned through imitation. Thus the misinterpretation of their words was not understood to be a misrepresentation.
Titus 2: 11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; KJV
If a person is seeking a definition of Grace from Scripture it would appear to be summarized by combining Titus 2:11 & 12 and Titus 3:5.
Titus 2:11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (KJV)
As a final proof, I would like to add the reference below. The Greek word translated as “obey” in John 3:36 can and is also translated as the word “believe” in different translations of the New Testament. This is because both the word “believe” and the word translated as “obey” in the John 3:36 (New American Standard), spring from the same root word. That word being the Strong’s concordance word numbered 3892.
This should illustrate the symbiotic relationship between the Biblical concepts of “works/obedience” and “Faith”.
— New American Standard John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
There is an additional verse I would like to comment on. It is 1 Corinthians 10:4.
1 Cor 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
In this verse, we see that Cornelius was a devout man who prayed and gave to God’s people and fasted (Acts 10:30).
These qualities moved God to show Him the way to be saved through Peter. His “works” thus formed an acceptable appeal to God. Like the events in Acts 18:26.
The way of salvation was more accurately shown to Cornelius.
The works He had done could not save Cornelius no matter how long He did them (the works of giving and praying).
These “works” however did move God to show Him the way to be saved as is seen in Acts 10:32 and 36.
Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
The lesson to be learned from the situation is not that works of righteousness can save a person. The lesson is that works of the type specified are an acceptable appeal to God, as Acts 10:35 shows.
Acts 10:35 – But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The enemy of our souls teaches us (or encourages us to think) that Christians do not have to work for salvation to be acceptable to God.
Our enemy of our souls preaches a gospel devoid of works, which amounts to simple mental ascent.
Many preachers unknowingly preach this message as well. The lesson of this story as stated by Peter is that we must “work righteousness” (Acts 10:35), to be accepted by God both before we come to Christ and obtain salvation, and after we have received Jesus as Lord. So, who is right the enemy of our souls or the bible?
The works did not save Cornelius, He could have continued His giving and praying and not been saved. God accepted the works as an appeal for a clear conscience.
The “works” moved God to show Cornelius how to be saved, which was to express faith in Jesus Christ.
In a similar way, we see that in Mt 3:7-8 and Luke 3:7-8 unbelievers are encouraged by John the Baptist to do “works” in keeping with repentance to be acceptable to God.
This can be likened to Acts 10:35 where a person is admonished to “fear God” and “worketh righteousness” in order be acceptable to God.
Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
There is another question that I would like to comment on.
Matthew 19 has a person who says they have kept the Law of Moses.
Matthew 19:16 behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17. And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He then asks what more should I do?
Matthew 19:20. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
The law is said to lead a person to Christ (Romans 10:4). However, if a person refuses to follow Christ then the law would have brought that person to the point where faith (if acted upon), would have made the person perfect (Matthew 19:21).
In the case of the man in Matthew 19:16- 21, He would not follow Christ (as far as the scripture shows) as He was asked to do because He had too many possessions.
Mark 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
The concept of “belief” is seen to be defined by scripture as a “spiritual work”, as is seen in the following example.
Believing is a therefore a “work” in the Biblical sense of the word.
John 6:28-29
King James Version (KJV) –
28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.