Don't Throw Grace Under the Bus

 

I’m Duane Matz and welcome to Today’s Living Word.

 

Something to always remember when reading the book of Hebrews, is that it was written primarily for those who were considering leaving the faith and returning to Judaism.

 

With that in mind let’s read from Heb 12:14,15, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

 

As we heard last time peace and holiness only coms from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In verse 15 we are  told to carefully guard the concept of salvation by grace, through God’s gift of faith.

 

To return to the keeping of the Law as a condition of salvation simply stirs up that root of bitterness that dogs the person who relies on his good works for salvation. That root is summed up with these words, “Have I done enough,” or if I am obeying God so well, why are all these bad things happening to me. “

 

One can see how proponents of salvation by works can stir up doubt in the troops, especially as they face persecution, some may fall for it returning to Judaism and becoming defiled as they throw God’s grace under the bus.

Carefully guard the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith as spelled out in Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word