Law and Grace - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays

Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

In 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

Justification 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. Ritenbaugh

Law 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. Ritenbaugh

Under 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 Whitaker

Jesus 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 Castillo

As 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. Henn

The 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

The 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. Ritenbaugh

Are 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. Collins

God'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 Staff

Faith 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 Staff

God'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. Henn

Many in this world believe that salvation comes by faith alone, asserting that one's way of life has no bearing on being saved. They often cite Romans 3:28, where God inspired Paul to write that we are justified by faith apart from the deeds or works of the law. However, when studied in the context of Paul's letter to the Romans, t

As I Breathe

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

Some 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. Ritenbaugh

The relationship between law and grace is central to understanding God's purpose and plan. God's grace, His unmerited favor, reveals Himself to us, providing the purpose and goal of the Kingdom of God, redemption from slavery to sin through Christ's blood, and the understanding of His law that structures true Christianity. The law

What's Wrong With Works?

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Salvation is by grace through faith, yet everyone who will be saved works. Many challenge this, claiming that considering works in salvation renders it earned rather than given by grace. However, when a person accepts the blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and is baptized, signifying death to a past sinful life, he ris

James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Days of Unleavened Bread, lasting seven days, symbolize a lifelong process of coming out of sin and following God, a journey that requires constant vigilance and cooperation with Him to build the character needed for eternal life. This process stands in contrast to the one-day festivals like Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, and t

What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Sin is the transgression of the law, as defined in I John 3:4, and the penalty for sin is death. The law holds power over the sinner, claiming their life, and thus the sinner is under the law. However, when a sinner repents and accepts the sacrifice of Christ as payment for the penalty of the law, they are pardoned under grace, and

Poles Apart

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the theological discourse, a significant tension exists between law and grace, often manipulated by satan to push believers toward extreme positions. God's approach, as revealed, does not favor one over the other but integrates both. Romans 2:4 highlights that the goodness of God leads to repentance, emphasizing His initiative i

Is Obedience Required Before Receiving God's Holy Spirit?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

The relationship between Law and Grace is central to understanding the receipt of God's Holy Spirit. Acts 5:32 clearly states that God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him, indicating that obedience to God's commandments is a prerequisite for receiving His Spirit. This obedience stems from genuine repentance and active faith

Who the Two Witnesses Are Not

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The concept of Law and Grace is intricately woven into the understanding of God's plan as revealed through His servants. God's empowerment of His Two Witnesses for a specific period of 1,260 days, as mentioned in Revelation 11:3, highlights a distinct framework of divine authority and timing, different from the enduring power of Hi

God's Merciful Course Correction

Sermonette by David F. Maas

Our Creator mercifully set about crafting a new and improved Covenant, involving a heart transplant operation through a rigorous sanctification process. As declared in Hebrews 8:10, the LORD says, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on

Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Six)

Sermon by David F. Maas

All 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. Ritenbaugh

God 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. Maas

Many 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.