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Are Grace and Works Compatible? 

Are Grace and Works Compatible? 

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Not in the sense of relying upon one or the other for salvation and God’s favor. Grace by definition means “unmerited favor, something we cannot earn or repay.” There is nothing man can do or give to God to secure His favor. Instead man must be receptive. Faith is simply our outstretched hand to receive all grace has to give. As the result of grace working in us, changing our nature, we become able to do the good works God always purposed from before the beginning of the world. But apart from redemption, we could not fulfill God’s plans for us. These good works are only the result of His working in and through us. All else are but dead works, and abominations in God’s sight.  

Grace is not a reward for works. 

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness (Romans 4:4, 5).  

Reliance upon works nullifies grace. 

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work (Romans 11:6).  

The salvation we receive by faith in grace expresses itself in good works. 

…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12, 13).  

 One part of the new creation is being made able to fulfill God’s will. 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

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