And if by grace, then it is no longer from works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. Truth to Learn It is either grace or works. It can’t be both. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “grace” is a form of charis, which we looked at in yesterday’s...
Romans 3:28 – Faith Alone
Therefore we conclude that a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law. Truth to Learn Righteousness comes by faith and faith alone, not by works. Behind the Words “Therefore” is from the Greek word oun, which marks a connection between the current phrase and that...
Romans 3:20 – Good Deeds
Therefore by the works of law no flesh will be justified in His presence, for through the law is the knowledge of sin. Truth to Learn No one can do enough good deeds to be saved. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dioti, which is...
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – God’s Effective Work
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. Truth to...
Ephesians 2:9 – Unearned and Secure
not of works, that no one may boast. Truth to Learn We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation. Behind the Words “Not” is translated from the Greek particle ou, meaning “no or not.” It expresses direct and full negation, independently and absolutely. The word translated “works” is ergon,...
Ephesians 1:11 – His Free Will
In Him, in whom we also obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Truth to Learn All of the aspects of our salvation have come about because God determined them of His own free will....
James 2:14 – Profitable Works
What is the gain, my brothers, if someone should say he has faith and not have works? Is that faith able to save him? Truth to Learn There is no evidence of saving faith unless it is demonstrated by works. Behind the Words “Gain” is translated from the Greek word...
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – God’s Effective Work
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. Truth...
Ephesians 3:20 – Mighty Prayer Power
Ephesians 3:20 - Mighty Prayer Power Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Truth to Learn God is able to answer our greatest and mightiest prayers. Behind the Words “Now” is translated...
Ephesians 2:9 – Unearned and Secure
Ephesians 2:9 - Unearned and Secure not of works, lest anyone should boast. Truth to Learn We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation. Behind the Words “Not” is translated from the Greek particle ou, meaning “no or not.” It expresses direct and full negation, independently and absolutely. The word...
Ephesians 1:11 – His Free Will
Ephesians 1:11 - His Free Will In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, Truth to Learn All of the aspects of our salvation have come about because God determined them...
Romans 11:6 – God Verses Works
Romans 11:6 - God Verses Works And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Truth to Learn It is either grace or works. It...
Romans 9:32 – Seeking God’s Favor?
Romans 9:32 - Seeking God's Favor? Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Truth to Learn Works don’t produce God’s favor, only faith can do that. Behind the Words “Stumbled” is...
Romans 4:10 – Before or After
Romans 4:10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. Truth to Learn Obedience to God is the result of faith, not the cause of it. Behind the Words “While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?” could more literally be translated as...
Romans 4:6 – Righteousness Without Works
Romans 4:6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: Truth to Learn David also talked about those who are blessed due to God’s declaring them righteous without having done good works. Behind the Words “Just as” is translated from...
Romans 4:4 – Unearned Gift
Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. Truth to Learn Abraham did not earn his righteousness and neither can we. Behind the Words The words “who works” are translated from ergodzomai, which means “to work or labor.” “Wages” is from...
Romans 4:2 – No Bragging
Romans 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. Truth to Learn Abraham was not saved by doing good works. Behind the Words “Boast” is translated from kauchēma, which is derived from the verb kauchaomai, meaning “to brag” or “to...
Romans 12:11 – The Impartial Judge
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God. Truth to Learn God judges based on truth, not on appearance. Behind the Words “Partiality” comes from the Greek word prosōpolepsia, which is made up of prosōpon, meaning “face” or literally, “that part of the face at or around the eyes,”...
Romans 2:6 – Judgment of Works
Romans 2:6 5But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6who "will render to each one according to his deeds": Truth to Learn Everyone’s works will be judged...
Romans 1:5 – Working for God
Romans 1:5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, Truth to Learn Paul received his salvation and apostleship from Jesus. Behind the Words The word translated “obedience” is hupokoē, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and...