Thanks you for returning tonight. Before I begin, let me address a questions given to me regarding the message of this morning.
Question: Who would be willing to subvert the plain teaching of the word?
Answer: I cannot answer who would, but I can conjecture why. Some members on these translation teams feel it more important to twist and arrest the Scriptures to fit their doctrinal position; rather than aligning their position of faith to the Scriptures. Peter states: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;…even as brother Paul also hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction,” 2 Peter 3:15-16.
Let me review briefly what was discussed this morning and then I'll move right into the final point: "Man's condition after his call to grace."
III MAN’S CONDITION AFTER HIS CALL TO GRACE
A. And hath raised us up. Notice Paul: “God…Hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. Two blessings follows after we are made “alive” and “saved by grace,” Ephesians 2:6. Paul states that two things occur after we have been “united with Christ;” – “quickened” by the Spirit; and “saved by the grace of God.” He says:
1. First, we have been “raised up with Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 1:20. We have experience the “first resurrection” from the dead. Notice: “Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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,” Romans 6:3-6.
2. Further, there is therefore: “Now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1.
3. Finally, we have been “made to sit in heavenly places,” Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 1:20. We have been made to reign with Christ, Revelations 20:6. Notice: “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ),” Romans 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:12.
4. Conclusion. Paul affirms that we have experienced the “quickening” power of God; and have been “saved by His grace,” Ephesians 2:5. God’s “quickening” has resulted in our total “regeneration” through the working of His Holy Spirit. Notice: “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,” Titus 3:5.
B. Shew His exceeding riches. Note: “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace…toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7. We were made alive that God might show forth the “riches of His grace in the ages to come.” Note:
1. First, “That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7.
2. Further, consider also: “To the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the beloved one. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,” Ephesians 1:6-7.
3. Finally, God: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” Colossians 1:13-14.
C. For by Grace. We will now set forth an analytical review of the term “salvation by grace.” Notice first Paul’s statement: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,” Ephesians 2:8. Paul asserts that it’s through Christ’s “quickening” or “making alive” the believer, we “by grace are saved through faith.” Or, the believer has been granted access through the faith into the “grace of God.” Note: “For by grace ye are saved through (the) faith (Gr: dia tes pisteos) or (the system of faith); it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8. Salvation is granted to the believer by God’s grace; in Christ; “through the system of faith” and it is sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Notice:
1. First, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. Faith comes by the “hearing and hearing of the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
2. Further, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything,” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8.
3. Finally, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13.
4. Conclusion. I know many make the argument that our salvation is through faith ONLY or grace ONLY! However, this is not the case. You may recall in our presentation of the lesson series: “Acts of Conversions,” we addressed the terms of God’s pardon and forgiveness. An honest person cannot read and study the Book of Acts and not conclude the believer must respond to God’s unmerited grace through “faith and obedience.” We will correct the misconceptions of this truth in just a few moments.
a. But for now just understand while Christ invites all to “come unto me,” Matthew 11:28-30.
b. There is a corresponding action on our part, and that is to follow His instruction, in order to receive His salvation. Notice: “No man can come to me (Jesus), except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God; and every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me,” John 6:44-45.
c. Clearly, we are “saved by grace though faith.” Unfortunately, the article “tes” or “the” has been omitted by some translations in several key verses in the Bible that describes salvation “by grace through faith.” The first in our discussion is Ephesians 2:8. Which has been rendered by some translators as: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” We will discuss its implications in a moment. However, for now, let’s just agree “for by grace we are saved through faith.” It is God’s means of justifying the believer and imparting “the righteousness of Christ unto us,” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. It is God’s free gift to the believer. The Father of heaven planned it; the Son of God paid for it; and the Holy Spirit has presented it unto the world! So we the believers might be made partakers of this grace for “ obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name," Romans 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22-23.
D. Not of works. Finally, Paul writes: “Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:9. He now contrast salvation “by grace through the faith” with that of the “works of men.” In this, he makes reference to Israel’s who sought “their own righteousness” through the law of works and not “the righteousness of God” which is by faith, Romans 10:1-3. Paul concludes his prayer for Israel by saying: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:4. Now let me return to investigate further the article “tes” or “the” in some of our Greek texts. Let me stress first how important this error is in the establishment of Christian doctrine. Note:
1. First, the danger of the omission of this article. It implies it is our “belief” that saves; rather than the system of faith (doctrine) - that is being preached (Christ) – in whom we have committed our faith. Consider the verse again: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8. On the surface it could be understood that “by grace ye are saved through believing.” As a result of the article “the” being omitted; this would make perfect sense. However, the text accurately translated would read: “For by grace are ye saved through (the) faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8. By inserting the article in its rightful place the entire message of the verse changes. Note:
a. It is not, through your faith “are ye saved through grace.”
b. But, rather, through the faith “are ye saved through grace.”
c. Conclusion: The Ephesians were saved by grace through the system of faith – “not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:9. Now let me make it clear that the earliest manuscripts have the article “the” is its rightful place. Just to mention a few, (Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550; Scrivener's Textus Receptus 1894; Greek Orthodox Church 1904, etc.). These translations include the article “the” in front of the word “faith” – and after the word “through,” in our text, Ephesians 2:8.
2. Further, let’s consider Paul’s argument regarding this to the Galatians. Notice: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you; that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Galatians 3:1-2. The apostle asks the Galatians:
a. First, “Did ye receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” Here he means the truth of the gospel of Christ – or the system of faith.
b. Further, He argues this point to the Galatian’s regarding the Holy Spirit. Note: “He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” See Galatians 3:5.
c. Finally, notice Paul’s answer: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith,” Galatians 3:13-14. The original language is: “that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith.” Again, the article “the” is present, but was not translated.
d. Conclusion: The Galatians received the Spirit through the hearing of “the faith” – or the preaching of the gospel of Christ, and not through the works of the law. This verse fully reconciles Paul’s message to the Ephesians.
e. Note: “The fact that the apostles so often places the definite article before the word faith, so that in the Greek he speaks of The Faith, leaves no doubt of his meaning. It is unfortunate that the translators have obscured the meaning by omitting the article. Thus in this chapter the Greek gives the definite article before the word (the faith) five times where it is omitted in the Common Version. The examples are Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:23; Galatians 3:25; Galatians 3:26.” See People’s New Testament with Notes, B. W. Johnson, Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight, Arkansas, 1891, page 175.
3. Additionally, Paul instruction to Timothy: “And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:15. Notice how this text is translated: “faith which is in Christ Jesus.” However:
a. In this verse the translators omitted the article “the”; and inserted the Greek word “ho” or “which”; changing the reading of the text.
b. The text should read: “dia tes pisteos en Christo hesou,” or “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:15. Timothy had from a child known the Holy Scriptures, which was able to make him wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The faith that makes one wise is that which shine the light on Jesus Christ: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:3-7.
c. Conclusion: Paul affirms it is the system of faith; the doctrine of salvation through the faith; in Christ Jesus, which was able to make him wise unto salvation. Paul further encourages Timothy to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. To Titus Paul calls this system of faith: “the common faith,” Titus 1:4. Jude also refers to it as: “The faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” Jude 1:3.
4. Another point of Paul. Notice: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster,” Galatians 3:23-25. He speaks of the Law – that “schoolmaster” which was to bring us unto Christ. Consider:
a) Before came the faith “Pro tou de elthein ten pistin” we were kept under the law.
b) Shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
c) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.
d) That we might be justified by faith.
e) But having come “tes pisteos” or “the faith” we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
f) Finally, now that “the faith” is come, we are no longer under the schoolmaster, but in Christ. This position we have received “through the faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27.
5. Finally, our last text. To the Galatians’ again he writes: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27. Notice:
a. First, Paul outlines that “we are all the children of God by faith” or “through the faith in Christ Jesus.” Again, the translators did us a disservice by omitting the article “tes” from text: “through faith in Christ Jesus.” Correctly translated it reads: “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:26. It is through the “system of faith,” in Christ Jesus, we have become sons or children of God, John 1:11-12.
b. Further, Paul affirms we are all the children of God “through the faith in Christ Jesus.”
c. Next, he reminds us that it is “through the faith” and not the Law that we have become children of God. Let me return again to the phrase, “ye are risen with Him (that is Christ) through the faith,” Colossians 2:12. Recall, I promised this earlier in the lesson. Notice:
1) Please return again to Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, chapter 2. Where he writes: “ye are risen with Him through the faith,” Colossians 2:12.
2) In this verse the phrase: “through the faith” is translated accurately. Please notice the entire verse with me: “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him ‘dia tes pisteos’ or ‘through the faith’ of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead,” Colossians 2:12.
3) It was “through the faith of the operation of God” as a result of their baptism they were “risen with Him (Christ).”
4) It was as a result of their baptism the Colossian’s became the children of God “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:26-27.
6. Conclusion: Some members here may recall the lesson: “That Form of Doctrine.” Illustrate: That Form of Doctrine. In this lesson we discussed how the Roman saints had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto them. Being then made free from their sin, they became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18. I’m contending today; it is this message when preached that is “the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. Whereby all who believe and obey are "saved by grace through the faith,” Ephesians 2:5; and Ephesians 2:8-9.
7. Summary: We have spent an exhaustive amount of time outlining the meaning of “through the faith.” We speak here of a system of faith – not merely believing – but belief in this system of faith. It is this “doctrine of faith” which when preached brings about faith and obedience to God. Truly, salvation is “by grace through the faith”; that is preached regarding Jesus Christ’s “death, burial and resurrection,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. All who would be “saved by grace through the faith” will have to do as the Romans, the Galatians and the Ephesian have done. And that is - to believe and obey:
a. “That form of doctrine,” Romans 6:17-18.
b. “The gospel of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-7.
c. “The gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.
d. “The word of truth, the gospel of your salvation,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
E. We are his workmanship. Recall earlier in the lesson, I mention two blessings were granted as a result of our being “made alive” and “saved by grace?” They were: “he has raise up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. Notice also: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.
1. The beloved apostle is now affirming we are a new creation. Notice:
a. First, we are a new creature: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
b. Further, we are to put off: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Ephesians 4:22-23.
c. Finally, we are to put on: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:24.
d. Conclusion: We have been regenerated after the image and likeness of Christ Jesus. Paul reminds us again: “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him,” Colossians 3:9-10. We have been “born again” after the likeness of God; and have been granted entrance into the kingdom of God, John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5. Therefore, because “As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:15-16.
2. We have a new position with Christ. Old things have passed away; and all things have become NEW! We have been “raised up together with Him, and made to sit with Him heavenly places.”
a. We are now saints in the church of Christ, Ephesians 1:1. Notice:
1) First, Pentecost: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41. Also: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47. Finally: “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women),” Acts 5:14.
2) Further, Priest: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith,” Acts 6:7.
3) Next, “But…Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith,” Acts 13:7-8.
4) Additionally, “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 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,” Acts 14:21-22.
5) Finally, “So were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily,” Acts 16:5.
6) Consider, “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ,” Acts 24:24; Acts 26:24-28.
b. We are also now: “Kings and priest unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen,” Revelations 1:6.
c. Faith must be obeyed. Paul preached the obedience to the faith of the gospel. Notice:
1) First, the Romans: “Obedience to the faith,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
2) Further, Israel: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” See Romans 10:16.
3) Next, the Thessalonians: “But…brethren beloved of the Lord, God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
4) Additionally, Paul: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen…But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:15; Galatians 1:21-24.
5) Consider Peter: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever,” 1 Peter 1:22-23. Illustrate: The New Birth, John 3:1-8.
6) Finally, the Romans: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18. Illustrate: Form of Doctrine.
d. Conclusion: As we concluded this lesson, we have explored the entire New Testament in discussing this theme: “By Grace Are Ye Save.” The conclusion we have reached through our search of the Scriptures is this, “by grace we are saved through the faith” the message of the “gospel of Christ”; “that form of doctrine.” We are not saved by “faith only” or merely by a “belief in Christ.” The hearer of the gospel will obtain “access into the grace” through the “obedience to the faith.” Paul our author of this message fought the Judaizers, who contended that the Gentiles will be saved through the Law of Moses. Paul concludes: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 2:16. I thank you for your patience; let’s review quickly the main points.
A. Outline.
1. Man’s Condition before His Call by Grace
2. Man’s Condition during His Call into Grace
3. Man’s Condition after His Call to Grace
B. Summarize main points:
1. First, Paul answers this question by addressing man’s condition before his call by grace. Paul described the man as being “dead in trespasses and sins.” He was unable to save himself. He was unworthy of the salvation of God through any human works of righteousness or goodness.
2. Secondly, Paul stated man’s condition during his call into grace. He affirms that at this time he is “united with Christ – and quickened or made alive.” And at that time he is “saved by grace.” Paul indicates in other writing that the sinner at this time is united with Christ in baptism. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); for by grace are ye saved through faith,” Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2.
3. Finally, Paul stated that man’s condition after his call to grace. He has been “raised up together with Christ and made to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Note: “That in the ages to come He (God) might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 2:10.
C. Invitation, H, B, R, C, B.
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. “Today is the day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2.
E. Motivate. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," Matthew 11:28-30. I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20. Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience." Review story of the two blind men! Our Lord asks: "What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him," Matthew 20:29-34. As of this moment your eyes are now opened! Will you do as these, "follow him?" Luke says: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he that anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:16-19. Jesus is the answer. Won't you make the decision to follow him right now?
