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. RitenbaughLaw and grace are integral to understanding God's purpose for humanity. Law cannot be separated from God's purpose, for it reflects the way He lives as a holy, law-abiding God. The creation itself testifies to His orderly and organized Mind, operating by law as a reflection of His nature. His law outlines the path to living as He d
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder the New Covenant, the relationship between law and grace is profoundly different from that of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant, oriented heavily towards the physical, required minimal conditions for entry, such as birth and circumcision for males, and its promises were largely tied to physical blessings like wealth and heal
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerJesus Christ, in Matthew 5:17, declares that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The Greek word for fulfill, pleroo, means to make full, to complete, or to bring into effect, not to end or destroy. He emphasizes that not even the smallest part of the law will pass away until all is accomplished, signifying that on
Our Need for God's Law
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs Western values decay, particularly in the United States, society witnesses a heartbreaking attack on law and order, reflecting a refusal to submit to any code derived from biblical principles. Justice is turned back, righteousness stands afar off, truth is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter, as described in Isaiah 59
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennThe life of Jesus Christ serves as a perfect example for us to follow in every detail. However, false teachings have arisen, suggesting that He was born under the law and bound to keep Old Covenant rituals and ceremonies, implying that we do not need to follow His example completely. Such arguments undermine the essence of true Chr
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.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAre God's sovereignty, grace, and human responsibility incompatible? Are grace and works mutually exclusive in terms of salvation? In the context of salvation itself, grace and works are indeed mutually exclusive. Good works do not save us; rather, as we are being created in Christ Jesus, good works result from that creation. They
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.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffFaith without works is dead, a truth emphasized by its repetition in God's Word. Yet, the apostle Paul declares in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation comes by grace through faith, not of works, lest anyone should boast. This raises the question: is there a contradiction between faith and works? True understanding reveals there is none.
Works of Faith (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod's grace does not abolish His law; rather, the issue is law and grace together, for His grace does not grant license to transgress His law. His spiritual law coexists with His grace, and even blessing us with His law is an act of His grace. David prayed for God to grant him His law graciously. The purpose of His grace is to lead
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.
Poles Apart
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan sends error into the world in pairs of opposites. If we hate one extreme, we may be drawn to just as hideous an opposite extreme.
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.