"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works,
otherwise grace is no longer grace."
Romans 11:6
A man was talking to a friend about his faith in Christ. His friend was not a believer. The friend said, "Well, I don't know a lot about religion, but we are all working to go to the same place." The Christian said, "Not me. I found out that my works could never get me to heaven. God has a better way. It's by grace not by works." He went on to explain to his friend that grace is the gift of God and it comes to us through faith in Jesus Christ. His friend came to trust in Christ by grace.
Works say, "We will try to get you to heaven, but we can't guarantee it. Try hard and do the best you can, then we will see what happens." Grace says, "By faith in Christ, I can guarantee you a new life, eternal life with God. It's based on what has already happened. Christ died for all of your sins. He was raised from the dead to give you eternal life." Grace is God's way. He is the God of all grace. His grace is sufficient for us in life and death. Grace is the gift of God and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
There are three ways that religious people teach that we gain right standing with God. Some teach that it is all about our works. That means the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is not necessary, if it's all about us and what we do. Others teach that our relationship with God is about grace plus works. Then, grace is no longer grace, because grace is the gift of God (Romans 6:23). The gospel of Christ teaches that our relationship with God is by grace alone in Christ alone. That gift of God is received through faith. If by grace, it is not by works.
God, we receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. We trust not in our works, but by grace alone, we receive new life in Christ alone. Amen.
