KenH
Well-Known Member
"I heard an excellent sermon several years ago in which four categories of religion were identified. Three of these describe subsets of the religion of works, while only one describes the religion of grace – God’s way of salvation. These categories are:
Religion of Works:
1. A Work of Man for God
This is blatantly “works” based religion and is characteristic of those who openly admit that salvation is conditioned upon the sinner.
2. A Work of Man with God
This would include those who emphasize the work of man, but credit God with enabling or assisting them in meeting the condition for salvation. This is typical of those who suggest that God simply expects us to do our best and He’ll do the rest – or make up the difference.
3. A Work of God with Man
This seems to emphasize the work of God, with man left to simply cooperate in some way with God so as to make salvation effectual. This is often characterized by those who suggest that God has done 99 + % of what is required and the only thing left for you is to ________.
Religion of Grace:
4. A Work of God for Man
God’s way of salvation as set forth in the Bible.
You will observe that all three of the descriptions falling under the “Religion of Works” heading depict salvation as conditioned in some way, and at least to some degree, on the sinner. I listed these in the order of which I consider to be increasingly deceptive, based upon the increasing emphasis placed upon God’s role in salvation. However, none of the first three categories place their hope solely in Christ, based upon the righteousness He established and through which grace reigns(Romans 5:21). Consequently, I hope you can see that if any of these accurately depict your religious views, then your religion isn’t the religion of grace but is instead the religion of works – no matter what you may call it and no matter how camouflaged it may be."
- excerpt from Randy Wages' To My Friends "Strait Talk About Eternity"
Religion of Works:
1. A Work of Man for God
This is blatantly “works” based religion and is characteristic of those who openly admit that salvation is conditioned upon the sinner.
2. A Work of Man with God
This would include those who emphasize the work of man, but credit God with enabling or assisting them in meeting the condition for salvation. This is typical of those who suggest that God simply expects us to do our best and He’ll do the rest – or make up the difference.
3. A Work of God with Man
This seems to emphasize the work of God, with man left to simply cooperate in some way with God so as to make salvation effectual. This is often characterized by those who suggest that God has done 99 + % of what is required and the only thing left for you is to ________.
Religion of Grace:
4. A Work of God for Man
God’s way of salvation as set forth in the Bible.
You will observe that all three of the descriptions falling under the “Religion of Works” heading depict salvation as conditioned in some way, and at least to some degree, on the sinner. I listed these in the order of which I consider to be increasingly deceptive, based upon the increasing emphasis placed upon God’s role in salvation. However, none of the first three categories place their hope solely in Christ, based upon the righteousness He established and through which grace reigns(Romans 5:21). Consequently, I hope you can see that if any of these accurately depict your religious views, then your religion isn’t the religion of grace but is instead the religion of works – no matter what you may call it and no matter how camouflaged it may be."
- excerpt from Randy Wages' To My Friends "Strait Talk About Eternity"
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But be relentless in your commitment… perhaps with Gods help…