INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. He Called Us By His Grace
Introductory Remarks.
1. In this lesson, we will discuss: “He called us by His grace.” Of course, we are talking about the God of heaven. He calls all believers by His grace. We must appreciate the truth outlined in the scriptures, that salvation is procured: “by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9. Grace is solely bestowed upon us through our "faith and obedience" to the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. In Paul's Letter to the Galatians, he firmly and confidently reminded them of their calling. He wrote: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel…But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man…but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:6-12. The Galatians were in danger of “falling from grace,” Galatians 5:4. They were being troubled by some men preaching a perverted gospel, Galatians 1:7. Paul was writing to defend the gospel of the grace of Christ: “into which they had been called,” Galatians 1:6.
2. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians establishes that a man: “Is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law shall no (man) be justified,” Galatians 2:16. The Law brought condemnation, but the grace of God brings reconciliation: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation…For He hath made Him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
3. In Galatians, chapter three, verses 11-12, he wrote: "But that the Law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:10-12.
4. He reminded these Galatians: “For you are all the children of God through (the) faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as having been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ," Galatians 3:26-27. Here is where many strays from the truth in Christ, being unable to accept God’s grace on His terms: through faith and obedience.
5. Finally, he finishes: "Christ has become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; (for) you are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. What a different position of Paul to those that teach and profess: “You cannot fall from God’s grace?” But when it pleased God: He called us by His grace. With this brief introduction, let’s consider how God called us by His grace.
BODY OF LESSON
I HE CALLED US BY HIS GRACE
A. Justified by His grace. Paul wrote: “For all have sinned…Being justified freely by His grace,” Romans 3:23-24. The word “justified” in Gr., is dikaioo or dik-ah-yo'-o, which means to render (i.e., to show or regard as) just or innocent: —free, justify(-ier), to be declared righteous. To pronounce one to be just or righteous before God.
1. Paul affirms that we are justified freely by His grace. The word "freely" in Gr., is dorean or do-reh-an', which means undeservedly gratuitously: —without a cause, freely, for naught, in vain.
2. By His grace. The word “grace” in Gr., is charis or khar'-ece, which means to show graciousness on behalf of another, to find one: —acceptable, favorable, to bestow grace as a gift, to be grace (- ious), to show liberality, pleasure, good-will, loving-kindness, and divine favor. Observe,
a. Noah. Moses wrote: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD,” Genesis 6:8. God saw in Noah righteousness that he approved: faith and obedience.
b. Mary. Luke wrote: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God,” Luke 1:30. A young woman who waited and trusted in the Lord became the mother who gave birth to the Savior.
c. Paul. He wrote: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by his grace,” Galatians 1:15.
d. Believers. Paul wrote: "But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
NOTE: Let me illustrate this truth. Will a brother give me a $5.00 bill, please? Well, I'm waiting, brothers. OK, Sisters, can one of you give me a $5.00 bill? Now, any little one in the audience who understands me. Come to me and accept this gift (hold the bill up for all to see). Grace is given, but grace must accept it. God offers His grace freely; we must willingly receive it! John 1:11-12.
3. God’s mercy and grace were given to all believers under the “first testament.” Observe,
a. David’s sin and forgiveness. It was grace that permitted God to forgive David, guilty of adultery and murder, 2 Samuel 12:1-7.
b. The woman at the well. It was grace that permitted the Lord to forgive her, who not only had five husbands but was then living with a man, not her husband, John 4:16-18.
c. The prodigal son. It's grace that permitted God to forgive an erring brother: "who made waste of his substance on riotous living," like the prodigal son, Luke 15:24. This parable is a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
d. It was God’s grace that forgave my sins and transgressions. Once an unworthy wretch of a man, but now the son of God. Forgiveness was given solely by God's love, mercy, and grace, through faith and obedience: to the gospel of His Son. "For where sin doth abounded, grace doth much more abounded," Romans 5:20. He has given each of you the same grace. It is the gift of God! “Not of works lest anyone should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Grace was provided to all: "When it pleased God."
B. Grace hath appeared. Paul wrote: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world," Titus 2:11-12. It was made known: “in the fullness of time according to the Plan of God,” Ephesians 1:10-11. God's Plan was made known. Consider,
1. The apostle wrote: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness: In the hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began. But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-4; Jude 1:3. This Plan was,
a. Conceived by God who cannot lie before the world began.
b. Commission by God to be preached, in due time (or in the fullness of time).
c. Committed to the apostle by the commandment of God our Savior.
2. Fullness of time: “Is the dispensation of God’s grace,” or the “Christian Age,” Ephesians 3:1-6. The uncovering of the mystery of Christ: is the revelation of the “mystery of godliness,” 1 Timothy 3:16. The “dispensation of the grace of God” was:
a. Given by revelation. Unto the beloved apostle: “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery,” Galatians 1:10-12.
b. Recorded by inspiration. “As I wrote afore in few words.”
c. Learned by examination. “Whereby, when you read.”
d. Acquire the illumination. “You may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” Are you listening? He continued,
3. Which in other ages: “Was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel,” Ephesians 3:3-6. This is the “gospel of the grace of God, the Lord Jesus sent Paul to testified,” Acts 20:24; Galatians 1:22-24.
NOTE: Some argue I don’t see it like that; my preacher…what’s the problem? The truth of it, “You ain’t been read ‘in.” Here is why this is so important! All must read and study the Book of Acts and the Letters written by the apostles to the churches (i.e., Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, etc.). In these Letters, you will read about the “mystery of godliness” in the “dispensation of the grace of God!”
4. Preachers, ministers, evangelists, and religious leaders, are cautioned not to propose any examples of the miracles of Jesus’, acts of healings, cleansings, forgiveness, or saving: as an example of “the pattern of conversion," being taught by Him, during His ministry. The Holy Spirit revealed this truth unto the apostles: on Pentecost and times after that, John 16:12-15. Some of you are looking at me extremely puzzled. Here are a few examples,
a. The woman that washed His feet. “And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven…Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace,” Luke 7:48-50.
b. The woman with an issue of blood. “And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made you whole; go in peace,” Luke 8:48.
c. The blind man. Jesus said: “Unto him, receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved you,” Luke 18:42.
d. Thief on the cross. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise,” Luke 23:42-43. Let's be clear he did not ask to be saved but to be remembered.
e. Healing of the man with palsy. When Jesus saw their faith: "He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven you,” Mark 2:5.
5. Under what dispensation? Were these believers healed, cleansed, forgiven, or saved? Jesus did these acts of compassion and mercy under the “first testament.” Here’s why.
a. Jesus said: “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy), thy sins are forgiven thee.”
b. And to the others, thy faith hath saved you, hath made you whole, and “today thou shalt be with me in paradise.”
NOTE: The entire doctrine of salvation by faith only: has been built around the thief on the cross. Mr. Billy Graham spoke of the “thief” often in his Crusades, on his website, and in his book: “How to be Born Again.” He and other evangelicals seem to know more about the "thief"; than God’s Plan to save believers under the New Testament.
c. The Master could save all those who had faith in Him, anyway He desired.
d. All these were saved, forgiven, or made whole under the "first testament;” the “Old Covenant,” or the Law of Moses, Galatians 3:16-17; Hebrews 8:7; Hebrews 9:1. What evangelicals and other denominations don’t seem to believe: is that we are under the “New Covenant,” the New Testament Age: “the dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 1:10-11; Ephesians 3:3-6.
C. New Covenant. In this Covenant, we must seek out the Lord's terms of pardon and forgiveness. Jesus shed His precious blood to establish this Covenant. Matthew wrote: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom,” Matthew 26:26-29. We observe this sacred feast each Lord’s Day. When we gather around the Lord’s table, 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. Let’s now consider the New Testament. Observe,
D. Mediator of the New Testament. Paul wrote: “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause:
1. First, “He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death:”
a. “For the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.”
b. “That the ones having been called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
2. Further, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity:”
a. “Be the death of the testator.” Jesus had first to die!
b. “For a testament is of force after men are dead.”
3. Lastly, “Otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth,” Hebrews 9:14-17. Paul wrote: The will of Christ was not in effect during His earthly ministry. It came into force after His resurrection and ascension into the heavens. Once Christ’s will had come into effect, the first testament passeth away, Hebrews 8:13. Christ's New Testament is now in force and must be followed. If we are to receive the promises in this testament, we must follow its mandates. One more point before we wrap this up. Notice,
4. Christ the propitiation. Paul wrote: “Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] the propitiation through the redemption that is in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are passed, through the forbearance of God. To declare, [I say,] at this time His righteousness that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26. Let’s see how these verses tie all this together. God set forth Christ Jesus to be: the propitiation: our mercy seat, Hebrews 9:5. Calvary was the place and means where Christ appeased, satisfied God: by offering His blood to atone for the sins of the world.
a. First, “The propitiation, the term in Gr., is hilasterion or hil-as-tay'-ree-on, which means a place or thing, i.e., an atoning victim, or a place behind the veil: —the mercy-seat. Isaiah wrote: “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied…and my righteous servant shall justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities,” Isaiah 53:11; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 10:19-22.
b. Further, “Through the redemption that is in His blood,” Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14. Redemption and forgiveness were made possible through His blood. Christ's atonement was necessary:
1) One, “To declare God’s righteousness for the remission of sins that are passed.” The sins passed over in former ages (Patriarch, Mosaic). At times of ignorance: “God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent,” Acts 17:30; Acts 14:16; Psalms 50:16-23.
2) Two, “Through the forbearance of God.” He has done this through forbearance or overlooking those sins with full knowledge that the blood of Christ would also cover.
3) Three, "The transgressions under the first testament." That they which “are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
c. Next, “To declare, [I say,] at this time His righteousness.” To show forth His righteousness for these acts of grace towards those whom he had called under the Old Covenant and before. For what reason:
1) First, “That He might be Just, and,” Isaiah 45:21; Jeremiah 23:5-6.
2) Second, “The Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:26. That He might be not only Just in His mercy and forgiveness under the first testament, but also the Justifier of them which believeth in Jesus in the New Testament. Therefore, we,
d. Lastly, “Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:24. Let me emphasize justification is not just by faith: but through the faith in Christ Jesus. It is not salvation by faith only, but through faith and obedience to the gospel!
E. How was grace bestowed upon us? By faith in Christ. Paul wrote: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by the faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2. Now, let’s put it all together,
1. Paul wrote how God’s grace: called the Ephesians. This is the example of faith and obedience, the: “pattern of conversion,” as revealed by the Holy Spirit, in the Epistle to the Ephesians chapter 1, verses 12-14. It is here he wrote: how they were called by the gospel. He wrote how they received the gospel and obeyed it. Observe,
2. In whom we also trusted: “After that, we heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation: in whom also after that, we believed, we 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 1:12-14; Galatians 3:14; Galatians 4:6. Paul explains,
a. After we “heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation: in whom after that we believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
b. Which is the earnest, “down payment” of our inheritance, Hebrews 9:14-15.
c. Until the redemption of the purchased possession (our bodies), Romans 8:23; Ephesians 4:30. That is the redemption of our bodies, through the resurrection, on the last day, John 6:44; John 6:54.
d. Unto the praise of His glory.
e. Conclusion. Paul explains unto them how they received the gospel when he preached unto them. They trusted in Christ, they heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
NOTE: Paul will now transition from “in whom” to “in Christ, with Christ or with Him.” Let’s turn now to Ephesians chapter 2, verses 1-3. Notice,
1) First, he deals with the Ephesians’ and our past state: “Being dead in trespasses and sins…by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Then he transitions to theirs and our call by God’s grace.
2) Second, he illustrates theirs and our salvation by painting a “word picture" in Ephesians chapter 2, verses 4-10. He uses language to clarify our transition from being sinners unto saints.
3) Lastly, he uses strong prepositions in verses 4-10. The prepositions include: “with Christ, in Christ, or with Him.” Are your eyes on the text? I trust you are still with me in the lesson? Get your pens and highlighters ready. Here we go,
Note: He will now show them when, and where they were “saved by grace.” Let’s keep in mind we must do the same things the Ephesians have done if we too are going to be saved by His grace. Observe, his explanation, God,
3. Quicken us with Christ. He wrote: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us: Even when we were dead in sins (and trespasses), hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)," Ephesians 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:1. Before we can genuinely appreciate Paul’s discussion of grace, we must define a few more words in this lesson. Observe,
a. First, the verb “quicken together” in Gr., is syzoopoieo or sood-zo-op-oy-eh'-o, which means to make one alive together, i.e., the (sinner), with Christ. To be reanimated conjointly with: —to quicken together or alongside, to be united together. Remember, it is the sinner that is now with Christ!
b. Further, in verse 1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins," Ephesians 2:1. The "you" is us. The "He" is God. He meant: “When we were dead in sins, (God), “hath quickened us together” when we were “with Christ.” And at that time,
c. Next, Paul firmly stated: "(by grace, we are saved)." While dead in our sins and transgressions: “God quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ,” Ephesians 2:5. He revived us, Romans 14:9. Made us alive in Christ!
1) It was then, “by grace, we were saved.” While “with Christ,” we are saved by grace!
2) Being saved by grace is one of the greatest of all blessings in Christ.
3) Besides His gift of love unto us, John 3:16; John 15:12-13; Ephesians 2:4.
4) Now, I must ask the audience some questions about this word picture we are witnessing.
d. Conclusion: Beloved of the Lord, who were we with: when dead in our sins and trespasses? What did God do there for us? Why did God do this for us? Where are we now because of it?
1) I might add here; this is the only time we will ever be with Jesus "in our sins and trespasses." If you would like to say about how, when, and where that was? I would be willing to listen. You may,
2) Say it out loud, beloved of the Lord: In our baptism! Amen, you got it right.
3) If one is never baptized, he has never been: "quickened and saved by grace!" And they are still in their sins! And if we die in our sins, where Jesus has gone, we cannot go! Heaven!
4) We are getting it all together right about now! Let’s move forward; God,
4. Raised us in Christ. Paul continued: “And (God) hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6-7. Consider,
a. Raised together. Paul now states God hath quickened us together with Christ. We are raised together in Him. We have been saved by grace, and now share the blessings of forgiveness of sins, and are now: "sons of God through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27.
b. Made us sit together. We are now sitting together with Christ, communing with Him, and being cared for by our Lord and Savior. Each Lord's day, we worship and celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, while gathering around the Lord's table, 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
c. In heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The saints are now part of the heavenly family of God. We sit in heavenly places; we seek those things which are above. The Lord now “sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven," Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 3:1-4.
d. Finally, in verses 8-9, Paul penned: "For by grace are you saved through (the) faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. And, “That we might be His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them," Ephesians 2:10. This agrees with Paul’s promise to the Corinthians: “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17. We are a “New man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 3:22-24; 2 Peter 1:3-4.
5. Analysis of Ephesians 2:4-10. To ensure we have communicated our message of salvation through the faith to this audience. I must ask some questions in our analysis of these verses: to identify what actually occurred while with Christ in our conversion experience. Let’s review the apostle’s analysis of: by grace ye are saved. Observe,
a. Paul begins with our spiritual state while with Christ: “Dead in our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5. And I might add again: this is the only time you are going to be with Christ while in your sins.
b. What did God do when we were with Christ? He, was rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us: even when we were dead in (trespasses and sins), hath:
1) Quicken us together with Christ, (He made us alive).
2) (By grace we were saved), while we were with Christ, Ephesians 2:5.
3) For by grace are we saved through the faith, Ephesians 2:8-9.
4) Forgiven us all our trespasses, Colossians 2:11-13.
c. What spiritual state are we now in Christ? Saved by His grace, Ephesians 2:5.
d. What did God do next for us? He,
1) Raised us up together with Christ (spiritual resurrection).
2) Made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (the church), Ephesians 1:19-23.
3) Lord added us to the church, Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47.
d. What was God’s reason for this marvelous work?
1) First, “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7.
2) Further, “That we might be saved by His grace through the faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
3) Finally, “That we might be His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.
e. Who are we now? We are new creatures in Christ Jesus, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
1) We are a “New man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 3:22-24; 2 Peter 1:3-4.
2) Now the question before us all at this time is: where did all this occur?
3) In baptism: man's faith and God’s grace came together: that the repentant believer might be saved by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus.
f. Conclusion: Therefore, in baptism, the believer meets Jesus in the water. He is buried with Him while dead in trespasses and sins. There he is quickened, or (made alive), there being saved by God’s grace. The believer is then raised together in Him and sits together with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. In baptism, God’s mercy-seat, the place of atonement. He forgives the repentant believers' sins and trespasses, and they then become: "the sons of God," Galatians 3:26-27. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Galatians 3:14; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32. Made heirs of eternal life, Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Romans 6:17-18.
NOTE: This truth also agrees with Paul's Letter to the Romans and the Colossians. If your preacher doesn’t preach this: ask him why? I suggest that you read Romans 6:1-7; and Colossians 2:11-13. No one should leave this assembly, not knowing when and where: they were saved by grace. I'm out of time, let me conclude by saying….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. He Called Us By His Grace
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this lesson, we discussed: "He called us by His grace." Of course, we are talking about the God of heaven. He calls all believers by His grace. We must appreciate the truth outlined in the scriptures, that salvation is procured: "by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9. Grace is solely bestowed upon us through our "faith and obedience" to the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18.
2. God calls believers by His grace. Paul's Letter to the Galatians established that a man: "Is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law shall no (man) be justified," Galatians 2:16. The Law brought condemnation, but the grace of God brings reconciliation: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation…For He hath made Him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
3. In Galatians, chapter three, verses 11-12, he wrote: "But that the Law justifies no man in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the Law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:10-12.
4. He reminded these Galatians: "For you are all the children of God through (the) faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as having been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ," Galatians 3:26-27. Here is where many have strayed from the truth in Christ, being unable to accept God's grace on His terms: through faith and obedience.
5. Finally, he finishes: "Christ has become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; (for) you are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. What a different position of Paul to those that teach and profess: “You cannot fall from God’s grace?” But when it pleased God: He called us by His grace. God gave the grace we spake of through the believer's faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-17.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B. “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Exhortation. “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip…How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation," Hebrews 2:1-4?
E. Motivation. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
I give credit to my contributors, I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
