Law and Grace - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays
Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue that is most hotly contested is the place of grace, works, and law in a Christian's life. Keeping God's law has not even one time, since mankind was created, ever justified a single person before God. The function of God's law is to define righteousness, to define sin, and to guide us along a path of life. Law's function
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue in Galatians is not merely a belief in the God of the Jews or acceptance of a few Jewish beliefs, but rather the acceptance and adherence to the entire system of the Pharisaic/Sadducean lifestyle, combined with demon-driven Gnosticism. This system, known as halakha, was the Jewish way of life that Paul called the traditio
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the discussion of Galatians, a clear distinction emerges between bondage and liberty, particularly in relation to the elements of the world and the law of God. Bondage, as described in Galatians 4:3, conveys a sense of suppression and captivity, something difficult to bear, holding individuals from true freedom. This bondage is
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe relationship between law and grace is not one of opposition but of harmony, as they are layered upon one another in a continuing revelation. Grace clarifies the proper position of law, building upon what was previously revealed. All biblical law, including ceremonies and rituals, originates from God, though delivered through Mo
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe relationship between law and grace reveals a profound balance in the journey of faith. Justification is a judicial act by our Father in heaven, graciously given based on the sacrifice of Christ and our faith in Him. However, this grace and Christ's sacrifice do not nullify works. Faith and works are not mutually exclusive; if f
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe relationship between law and grace is central to understanding both the Old and New Testaments. Salvation is by grace through faith, as we have broken the law and face its death penalty. Justification, which is necessary for salvation, comes through God's grace via Christ's sacrifice and our faith in that sacrifice. However, th
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification by grace through faith is a central theme in understanding our relationship with God. Grace, at its simplest, means a gift—something freely given and unearned. When one meets the conditions of repentance and faith, God freely offers forgiveness for the purpose of justification, aligning us with His standard. Thi
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs we participate in the New Covenant, we go through the stages of justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification as part of Christ's body.
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerJesus does not contradict Himself in Matthew 5:17 when He says He did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it. Now we can know the fullness of the law.
Our Need for God's Law
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGnosticism, which had infiltrated the congregations in Galatia and Colossae, has dominated mainstream Christianity, causing it to reject God's law.
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:4 says that Jesus was "born under [the] law." Some use this to say that while Christ had to keep all the rituals, we do not have to follow His example.
How Does Faith Establish the Law?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe book of Romans is like a song in which some lyrics are popular but others are unfamiliar and hummed through, obscuring the overall message.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffThree times, James states, 'Faith without works is dead!' Here's how James' teaching agrees with and complements the teaching of Paul on justification.
Works of Faith (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffMany think works and faith are incompatible, but the Bible tells us to do works of faith. What are they? These are things we must do during the salvation process.
Saved By Faith Alone?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennProtestantism is based on Luther's insistence that Christians are saved by faith alone. But is the really true? It is true of justification, not salvation.
As I Breathe
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSome in the church of God have succumbed to the lie that we do not need to be overly concerned about sinning because we are under God's grace.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.
What's Wrong With Works?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughAccepting the blood of Christ has a cost. If we are to uphold the terms of the covenant, we must give up the sinful life we led in the flesh and obey God.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletMillions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.
Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God's Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennActs 5:32 declares that God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him, yet some argue that keeping God's law is not necessary. What is the truth?
Who the Two Witnesses Are Not
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerMany prophecy watchers have made their guesses about who the Two Witness of Revelation 11 are, but not all of their ideas have solid, biblical foundations.
God's Merciful Course Correction
Sermonette by David F. MaasBecause of Israel's sinful heart, God has made a course correction, namely crafting a new and improved Covenant with a lengthy heart transplant operation.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasAll the New Testament writers warned about false prophets trying to sever the symbiotic relationship between law and grace, law and faith, law and works.
Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod expects works from all He has called. We show our faithfulness and loyalty to God by our works or conduct - what we produce by what we have been given.
Righteousness from Inside-Out
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMany people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.