A SAFE FOUNDATION

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:6 ESV)

No one may be prideful of the good works he has done – for they were accomplished through the mercy of God’s grace. No one may boast except of what God has done. Look at the Pharisees: They boasted that their superior relationship with God was based upon their obedience to God’s law. The Pharisees boasted and trusted in the strength of their own achievements in keeping the Law as the foundation of their salvation.

The Pharisees did not understand that their justification before a holy God could come only through faith. They failed to see that faith is a free gift received through God’s grace alone. This was not simply the problem of the Pharisees, it continues to be a human problem. It is our problem. Human pride causes us to believe that we can save ourselves from sin and earn our way into Heaven through good works. We have faith in ourselves and what we can accomplish. We believe in salvation by works. Yet, Paul clearly teaches:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

The Law is not, in and of itself, a safe foundation for our salvation.