GRACE ALONE

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:20-24 ESV)

Natural man believes it is by the work of his hands that he is able to please his gods. Ever willing to put the cart before the horse, he devises rules, works, and abstinence from taboos; such as movies, playing cards, lipstick, makeup, chewing gum, and the county fair, etc. These things belong to a righteousness that is by works rather than the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The righteousness of man falls short because every man is a sinner.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)