“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?
2 For if Abraham were Justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for Righteousness.” Romans 4:1-3
Those who have their faith placed in the Cross of Christ AND water baptism, church membership or any other various work presented by religion has their works whereof to glory. Even if their faith is 95% in atoning work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross and 5% in their particular religious work, the Cross is made of no effect. One cannot have faith in two events for Salvation nor can they have faith in two events for Sanctification. Victory over sin is not of the Law, the Mosaic Law or any other religious law, but under Grace.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14
Under Grace, the power of sin is broken in the Believer’s life and we no longer have to live in sin. While under law, the power of sin remains even as the law reveals our transgressions. The Law (Mosaic or any law given for victory over sin) does not give us the power to overcome sin but works wrath because of the penalty incurred for its transgression.
“13 For the Promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the Law, but through the Righteousness of Faith.
14 For if they which are of the Law be heirs, faith is made void, and the Promise made of none effect: 15 Because the Law works wrath: for where no Law is, there is no transgression.” Romans 4:13-15
Jesus Christ satisfied the entirety of the Law for whosoever will believe upon Him as their Lord and Saviour. Every sin was and is atoned for by His finished Work on Calvary’s Cross as the Lamb of God. Through the Believer’s faith in His Work and His Work alone, there is no transgression of the Law. Grace abounds for those who believe…but is made of no effect for those whose boast is of works as well. The reward of their work is not of God’s Grace (which breaks the penalty of sin) but of debt as to the law (Romans 4:4).
“8 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.” Ephesians 2:8-9
And just like that, man’s works are laid waste by the Word of God…yet so many hold so tightly to their religious and denominational rules. How long will you allow these religious laws to work wrath in your life? Jesus overcame. Just believe.
-Donna Clark Warren
Living in The Spirit 