"A gracEmail subscriber asks what the Scripture means that says we are saved "by grace through faith" *          *          * Here Paul literally says that "by grace" we are "saved ones through faith" (Eph. 2:8). This is all the more remarkable because we once were "dead ones in trespasses and sins" (v. 1). Our state changed because of "God being rich in pity" (v. 4). To say that we are justified "by grace" means that God has declared us acquitted and accepted as his covenant people by a verdict which is wholly undeserved. This declaration is not God's response or reaction to anything he … [Read more...]

"Why did Jesus tell the ten lepers to go show themselves to the priests, asks a gracEmail reader, "and what did that have to do with their being healed? Was this a condition of their healing, like Naaman being told to go dip seven times in the Jordan River?" * * * Luke tells the story of the Ten Lepers shortly after the disciples beg Jesus, "Lord, increase our faith" (Lk. 17:5, 11-19). In this context, "faith" almost equals "chutzpah" -- the nervy audacity by which repulsively sick, "untouchable," beggars shout out to Jesus for mercy from a distance. What do they have to lose? They already … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber writes: "This idea of just 'accepting Jesus as our Savior' can be a dangerous teaching. Satan knows this fact, and if anyone is headed straight for hell he is. There must be more to this than just a head knowledge of the gospel. Perhaps we must also repent and submit to baptism." * * * Indeed there is more to saving faith than "head knowledge" and anyone who tells you otherwise is simply wrong! You are correct that Satan himself possesses "head knowledge" of the gospel -- he knows first-hand that Jesus died for sinners, that he was buried as other men are and that he … [Read more...]

"What," someone asks, "does it mean to 'trust Christ?' I often hear people use that term but it is not clear to me what they are saying." * * * The bottom-line question each of us must face is this: "Am I personally willing to trust what God has already done, once for all, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, as the adequate and sufficient basis for my right standing with God, or must I try to supplement that in any manner whatsoever in order to be secure and to feel secure before a holy God?" One's honest, soul-level answer to that question will indicate whether that … [Read more...]

The same God who dealt with Abraham speaks now to us. "My Son died because of your sins and was raised again because of your declaration of acquital," God tells us in the gospel. "I will count anyone in right standing with me who truly says 'Amen' to those realities." (See Rom. 4:23-25.) "How can this be?" we ask. "Surely we must contribute something!" But no. This God calls into being what does not exist. He did not make the universe from spare parts. He does not need our contribution to make us righteous. God simply pronounces us righteous -- us, who have no righteousness and no right to … [Read more...]

God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as the stars of the sky in multitude. Abraham believes God's promise, although he and wife Sarah are childless and very old. And God says, in effect, "That is all I need from you, Abraham. An 'Amen.' Your acquiescence in my promise. Your willingness to act on the basis of my promise, totally trusting me to accomplish what seems humanly impossible. That is all I want and need from any of my human creatures. You believed me, Abraham. You are in right standing with me!" Then God who called the universe into being empowered Abraham and Sarah to … [Read more...]

"A father of many nations have I made you," said God to ancient Abraham. We don't know his mental or physical health, but we do know this much -- the old patriarch, now about 100 years of age, cannot begat a child. Even if he could, his wife Sarah, past 90 herself, cannot contribute to the process. But there is a third character in this scenario, and that makes all the difference. It is God. Not just any god. Not even a fertility god, such as the Canaanite baals. This is Jehovah God, the Creator of heaven and earth. The God who "gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does … [Read more...]