A thought for the day
By Given O. Blakely
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PERSPECTIVES WHEN READING GOD'S WORD #8
Works and Faith
     The two covenants provide a contrast between works and faith. It is important to understand that
"works" are here viewed as a BASIS of Divine acceptance. Real faith works incessantly and joyfully.
James affirms that "faith without works is dead (useless), being alone" (James 2:20). However, James is
not speaking of "works" as the foundation of the covenant. Rather, he presents them as the EVIDENCE
of true faith.  Paul approaches "works" as a means of meriting salvation, contrasting them with faith. 
     "Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of
faith" ( Rom 3:27). Here, the word "law" means principle. Justification, or full exoneration from the
guilt of sin, is achieved by means of faith, not achievement. Righteousness, in this case, is not our own.
In fact, "His righteousness" is now the basis of our acceptance, and declared to be so (Rom 3:25-26).
God Himself is both "Just and the Justifier" of the one that believes in Jesus. Under Law, God would be
Justifier if man was just. Under grace, or the new covenant, God is the Just One, as well as the justifier.
Our faith appropriates that righteousness, not our works.
     There are many other expressions of this truth. The following statement provides a good
overview of the circumstance. "Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the
Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified
by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be
justified" (Gal 2:16). The bottom line is this: the old covenant did not, and could not, make men
acceptable to God. The new covenant does! Read the Bible with this in mind, and it will come alive in
your mind and heart.
                        Works and Grace
     Works and grace are again viewed as the means of becoming acceptable to God, or justified from
all sin. You will either be saved because you deserve it, or because God favors you. The first covenant
presented an opportunity to achieve Divine favor by yourself. The new covenant announces it may be
possessed through the Lord Jesus Christ. By that, I mean it is obtained by your unreserved and hearty
acceptance of His vicarious sacrifice. 
     Paul makes a powerful affirmation to the Romans. It is to our advantage take it into our hearts
and ponder its implications. "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace
is no longer grace" (Rom 11:6). Works and grace cannot mingle as a "basis" of our salvation. Were that
possible, the old and new covenants could be blended together. Under the law, or old covenant, you
worked to be saved. Under the new covenant you work because you are saved--and there is a vast
difference. It is the difference between Law and grace, faith and works, the old and the new. Read the
Bible with the covenants in mind.
(More on this subject Monday)
In joyful expectation of glory,
Given O. Blakely