Bible study: Romans 11:1-6

Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone
Part 3: Text: Romans 11: 1-6

“In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer Grace”. – Romans 11:5-6

In part’s 1 and 2 of this series, we have clearly seen that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing (Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 2:20-21). For the next two weeks, I want to share with you the fact that God’s standard for salvation has always been the same. The theme of the first eleven chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans is salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In chapters 9-11, Paul writes to tell his Jewish critics that even though they were responsible for having crucified Jesus, that God has not turned his back on Israel.

In verses 2-4 of our text he uses the example of Elijah in the Old Testament, who pleaded with God against Israel because they had killed God’s prophets, torn down God’s altars, and forsook God in favor of pagan worship (read 1 kings 19:10-18). In verse 3 of our text, Elijah believed that he was the only Godly man left in Israel. But God’s response to him in verse 4 is that God has divinely and graciously chosen 7,000 men in Israel for His own purposes. These undeserving men were set apart to faithfully serve God and glorify Him through all trials. When compared to an entire nation, 7,000 is quite a small number.

In verse 5, “In the same way”, means that God’s standard for salvation has not changed. “At the present time” refers to the time after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. While the “remnant” refers to a small number, it is not really as important as understanding that the remnant, whether in Old Testament or New Testament times , is according to “God’s gracious choice” of who he wants to save (read Ephesians 2:4-7). In verse 6, Paul says that when someone attempts to earn Heaven by adding his or her own works, then “grace is no longer grace”. What Paul is saying here is that, as it relates to salvation, grace and works cannot co-exist.

Despite this, there are a handful of Church denominations today that teach their unsuspecting faithful that it is possible to earn, or merit grace, based on specific works. What is even more tragic is that many of these precious souls, perhaps even you, have assumed these teachings to be true, thinking that your pastor or priest would never lie to you, and as a result, you have not taken the time to search the Scriptures to see if these claims can be trusted. Friend, with much respect, to assume anything to be true in life, particularly as it relates to matters pertaining to eternal life without taking the time to do your own research, is not a good idea and is very dangerous.

As we have clearly seen now over these past three studies, grace is a free gift, and to believe otherwise is to believe a lie. Moreover, to believe that it is possible to “earn Heaven” because of any human effort, religious or otherwise, is a sin of unbelief against the graciousness and Holiness of God, and God hates it! Why? It is because it puts the spotlight on you, when God deserves 100% of the glory. We are told this in no uncertain terms in Isaiah 64:6b; “All of our righteous deeds (attempts to gain God’s favor based on works) are like filthy garments.”

Friends, we can only come to God on His standards, not ours. We cannot earn grace, nor can we play any role in saving ourselves. If you are confused about how to be right with God, we would count it an honor to speak with you. Call us at 727-4112. At Calvary Baptist Church, Riverhead, our only authority in matters of doctrine and Christian living is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Next week we will consider another Old Testament example of salvation by God’s grace through faith in the life of Abraham. Our main text will be Romans 4:1-5.

Steve Visconti