Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 9/8/2010

Question
Hello Priscilla,
I am invloved with a small home Bible study group. Attending three times so
far. And I enjoy the study and the fellowship !!  But there seems to be some
controversy about Grace / salvation and it's context. I want to be sure that
this groups teachings are sound & correct.
The internet search on religious cults / sects warns about those particular
groups who insist that salvation is earned by works rather than "just" by grace
alone.
They have also invited me to go door to door with them to bring more people
to the word of God and invitation to Bible study. I am not comfortable with
that. At least for now anyway. I posted an add on craigslist myself that I was
looking for a Bible study group and got a responce from this group so I
decided to attend.

I asked Jesus "Lord and Saviour" into my heart years ago and baptized
Methodist as a small child. I have a personal relationship with God and know I
have much to learn.
As one of Gods children I realize I am still a baby in Christ in many ways. But I
enjoy the growing and learning process through Bible study. I prefer the
home group Bible study because thier are no time constraints and more open
forum disscussion.

My question:
In Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

The spokesperson for my Bible study group is insistent that salvation should
be earned through works and "not just" by or from the grace of God.

While I do agree with him that we all need to continue to do good works and I
agree with him that we should continually strive for this I question thier
insistence.

Please help with what your interpretation is regarding salvation by grace vs by
works and how they should coincide together.

Thanks for your time. It is appreciated !!
Ron

Answer
Dear Ron,
   Thanks for writing.  Your perspective in right in line with a correct understanding based on the whole Bible.  
   Our pastor gave a great illustration in our Sunday School study of Galatians.  He placed his coffee cup on a napkin, with his cup being his faith, and the napkin being the law (or his own works).  When God called him, Abram left Ur (Genesis 12:1-3), placing his faith in God's promise.  Our pastor moved the cup off the napkin and placed it on top of his Bible that illustrated God's promise fulfilled in Jesus (Gal.3:16).  With his cup on his Bible, our pastor then placed the napkin on top of his cup.  His faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the law (Matt.5:17), holds up the law (so he can have good works that come from God, not himself-- God's work, Eph.2:10)
   If a person insists that salvation has to be earned somehow, then it is a slap in God's face saying His salvation through Jesus is not good enough.  God is clear that none of us is without sin.  If even one sin was allowed into heaven, it would bring death and suffering just like it did in the perfect world God created for Adam and Eve.  We can only get into heaven with the perfection of Jesus as we entrust our sinful life to Him in exchange for His perfection.  The whole point of our creation "in His image" is that we recognize our need to be completely connected to Him (through Jesus) so we can reflect HIS image, not our own image.
   Our "works" should be an expression of God's workmanship, and He should get the credit.  They shouldn't count toward our salvation, which would then not be a gift.  
   Matt.7:22-23 shows that there are people who call themselves Christians and do good works, but Jesus says He never knew them.  They don't have a personal relationship with Him by depending on the Vine for the sustenance to produce fruit (works).
   If our faith is in the law (or works) instead of having faith in God Himself, then we are doomed to fail.  There is no peace with God when a person depends on his works to get or keep salvation.
   On the other hand, if a person has no interest in the things of God, even if he said the sinner's prayer years ago, I would encourage that person to repent and either return to God, or make an honest sinner's prayer.  We can judge their fruit (their outward actions), but not their (inward) status with God.
   I pray that you can find another home Bible study group.  I agree that it is a very helpful forum.  It can help accountability and give support to changes God wants to make in our life.
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla