Romans 11:5-6 KJV
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (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.
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter Paul is speaking about some men who have believed in Jesus Christ, and some men who have not believed. Those who have believed he calls the ‘remnant’, and he states that their belief is only possible by the election of grace. That is, the sovereign choice of GOD to freely give them the faith to believe. GOD chose them.
In verse 6 Paul makes an important contrast regarding Salvation. It is either a gift from GOD given by HIS grace, or, we can earn it and there is no gift from GOD needed. These two options are not compatible and do not overlap. It is one or the other.
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Throughout scripture we find the consistent and overwhelming message that men may only be saved by the grace of GOD. There is no work that we could ever do that would atone for our sin; both because our debt is infinite, and our ability is nonexistent. The more we understand GOD’s awesome and mighty role salvation, and the more we realize that we can do nothing for our own salvation, the more we will glorify HIM!
A GIFT THAT ISN’T, WORKS THAT AREN’T
Romans 11:6a KJV
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.
By definition a gift cannot be earned. If payment is received back for the gift then it isn’t a gift anymore, it is a sale. And if the gift is given in return for goods or services, then it is really a payment. In the same way, if we can do anything to influence GOD to give us salvation, then salvation is not a gift. Even the slightest work or effort would destroy grace. Therefore there cannot be any works involved otherwise the grace is no more grace.
Romans 11:6b KJV
But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
By definition work deserves a reward. When something is given in return for goods and services, it is not a gift, it is payment. It is not given because the giver desires to bless the receiver. Rather, it is given because it is owed; it is the just reward for the work. Here Paul is examining the wrong model of salvation. If there is any part of salvation that is undeserved, and given as a gift, then it wasn’t real work and we didn’t earn it. This is why proud men reject the gospel! They refuse to accept grace because it requires that they humble themselves and admit they cannot earn it. They say, “There cannot be grace, otherwise my work is no more work!”
However, in the correct model of Sola Gratia (grace alone), there are no works involved. GOD cannot permit works to be involved anywhere in salvation, because HIS glory HE will not share with another (1).
REJECTED BLESSINGS
We have already seen that if something is earned it is not a gift. If we claim to earn our salvation, or contribute to it by our works, then we are rejecting the gifts and blessings of GOD. We would despise HIS inheritance to us as Esau did his birthright (2). We cannot have it both ways; either it is gifts and blessings by grace, or it is payment for works.
Ephesians 1:3-4 KJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Here Paul writes in verse 4 that “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world”. That’s the election of grace. In verse 3 Paul says HE has “blessed us with all spiritual blessings”. We cannot deny that GOD chose us and freely gave us the gift which we did not earn, and still claim to have the blessings that he blessed us with! In this case, you can’t reject verse 4 and claim verse 3.
In this chapter of Ephesians Paul lists the blessings that GOD has freely given. These are the blessings that we would forfeit if we reject grace.
o v4 to make us holy and without blame
o v5 to adopt us
o v6 to accept and love us
o v7 to redeem us, to forgive us
o v8 to give us wisdom and prudence
o v9 to reveal the mystery of HIS will to us
o v10 to gather us together
o v11 to give us an inheritance
If we allow that man had some part, or played some role in earning his salvation, then we are denying and diminishing the blessing of GOD. But the Psalmist said that the righteousness we need is a blessing from the LORD; it is from the GOD of our salvation (5). The man who says that he is saved, and claims he has received nothing from GOD, is committing blasphemy. HE is saying, “Thanks GOD, but no thanks. I’m covered. I’ll see you when I get there.” It is both sin, and foolishness. These are called BLESSINGS, and you cannot bless yourself.
AN INFINITE STANDARD
If you would purpose to earn your salvation, it would be wise to define the criteria. Then you should do a skills assessment, and finally a gap analysis. This is the way in which carnal man attempts to improve himself.
- Standard: Infinite Perfection (3)
- GOD said: Be ye HOLY, as I AM HOLY
- love the Lord your GOD with all your heart, soul, and mind
- love your neighbour as yourself
- to look with lust it is the same as adultery
- to be angry with your brother is the same as murder
- if you break any command, you are guilty of all
- Our Abilities: (4)
- dead in trespasses and sins
- a heart of stone (dead, hard, cold)
- wickedness filled the earth
- every single thought completely evil
- hating GOD
- enmity with GOD
No further analysis of this gap is required. It is an infinite chasm. The standard is infinitely high, and we are infinitely sinful and wicked. There is absolutely no hope that we could ever satisfy the perfect righteousness of GOD.
CONCLUSION
It is not possible that the works of men are involved in salvation. If they were, it would be impossible for anyone to be saved, because the standard is perfection and we are dead in our sins.
It is absolutely necessary that salvation be completely by grace, because we require the blessings from GOD which he gives freely as gifts.
Psalms 24:3-5 KJV
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? (4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. (5) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
You will not ascend to the hill of GOD, nor stand in HIS holy place without the blessing, the gift, of righteousness. Only the righteousness of Christ will satisfy the criteria of GOD, and there is only one way to attain that righteousness: Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
REFERENCES
- Isaiah 42:8
- Genesis 25:29-34
- Leviticus 11:45, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 5:21-22, James 2:10,
- Ephesians 2:1, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Genesis 6:5, Romans 1, Romans 8:7-8,
- Psalms 24:5