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Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Salvation by grace through faith is a foundational truth in our relationship with God. Without grace, there would be no salvation for anyone. God, as our Creator, equips us with gifts and abilities to fulfill His purpose, which is to develop in us the same character He possesses, bringing us to His glory. Salvation and faith are both gifts from God, as is everything in His creative work within us. Our works, which are the fruit of His grace, do not earn salvation but glorify Him and internalize His character in our hearts during the process of sanctification, forming us into the image of Jesus Christ. God's grace supplies us with the empowerment to overcome character flaws, continuously flowing from our Savior to us as long as we accept and use it. This grace is not a one-time act but a series of benefits, described as grace upon grace, providing blessings, favor, powers, forgiveness, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, healings, and protection through God's loving concern. Jesus Christ is the ever-fulfilling source of everything good in our spiritual life, meeting our needs for His spiritual creation, freely given without any obligation on His part. Grace is often used as a broad term for the powers given by God to meet our spiritual needs, epitomizing the freeness of His personal, patient, and concerned generosity. Jesus Christ personifies grace, exemplifying all its powers and benefits, teaching us through empowerment, wisdom, understanding, inspiration, and discernment to identify the subtleties of satan's anti-God system. Justification by grace through faith is essential to prevent human pride from entering our relationship with God, as earning justification through works would open the door to claiming merit for our goodness, which is destructive to godly character. God chooses us for salvation while we are still sinners, ensuring that pride cannot be part of the relationship. Justification cannot be claimed as an entitlement through law-keeping, for once we sin, we are indebted to the law and unable to make up for it except by death. Therefore, it must be received as a gift freely given by God, as exemplified by Abraham, who was justified by faith when He believed God, long before any works were required. This principle applies to all of us, as spiritual children of Abraham, justified not by works but by faith, freeing us in Christ to keep God's law as He did.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Salvation by Grace through Faith is a profound gift from God, revealing His undeserved benevolence toward sinners. Grace, as a spiritual concept, far surpasses its secular meaning, emphasizing spiritual gifts given by God for growth and salvation. It is an empowerment from God, freely bestowed for service and spiritual accomplishment, not because He is obligated, but because it is in His nature to give, to save, and to help those less well off. His grace is unmerited divine assistance for regeneration and sanctification, in no way earned by us, underscoring that salvation is accomplished through His benevolence from beginning to end. God owes us nothing but death due to our sins, yet He freely offers grace, not by constraint but as an expression of His character. This grace is the single most important aspect of our spiritual and eternal salvation, completely unearned, balancing our pride and humility. Every sin we commit is against Him and His Son, yet He continues to bestow wonderful gifts, starting with life itself as our Creator, and extending to the hope of something far better. Without what He freely gives, we are nothing, totally dependent on His provision, both physically and spiritually. Salvation by grace through faith, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:4-10, is a gift from God, not of ourselves. It is by His grace we have been saved through faith, a process initiated by Him drawing us to Christ, as no one can come to the Savior unless God acts first. This calling and election are acts of His grace, undeserved and unearned, often before any works could be done, showing that faith itself is a fruit of His freely given grace. Salvation, while a gift, is not unconditionally guaranteed; it can be lost if we refuse His gifts, as seen with the Israelites in the wilderness who lost faith despite His provisions. Grace is the foundation for good works, but these works do not earn grace; they are the fruit of His creating power, enabling us to glorify Him and serve the body of Christ. His grace empowers us to yield to His will, to live a new life in Christ, and to overcome challenges, as it is the source of godliness. God's character, reflected in the Old Testament concept of chesed—translated as mercy, kindness, or steadfast love—parallels the New Testament use of grace, expressing His faithful covenant love, freely given without constraint, and far surpassing human deserving. His unchanging nature as a generous, kind, and faithful gift-giver is the foundation of our hope and salvation.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace is indispensable to our salvation. Without it, there would be no calling, no justification, no Holy Spirit, and no sanctification. Grace is the key element in God's entire purpose for our salvation, set against the backdrop of His justice, which would rightfully condemn us due to our consistent disobedience. Yet, in His purpose, He provides grace, supporting and fulfilling our needs all along the way. At the time of our calling, we were dead in sin, spiritually lifeless, and in need of being raised to new life. Through baptism, a symbolic burial and resurrection, we are given a new spirit—God's Holy Spirit—and are called to live by faith, submitting to God to fulfill our part in His purpose under the New Covenant. God's grace is not a one-time event that justifies us; it is a continuous gift that sustains us throughout our journey. There is a warning, however, that we must not receive God's grace in vain. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, many of whom failed to reach the Promised Land due to unbelief, we too can fall away if we do not maintain our faith and steadfastness to God. Warnings throughout the New Testament remind us that even those who are converted can develop an evil heart of unbelief or willingly turn to sin without resistance, reaching a point where they can no longer be renewed to repentance. God's grace, defined as unmerited divine assistance for our regeneration and sanctification, is in no way earned. Our salvation is a benevolence gifted by God from beginning to end, directed by Him, with us responding in thankfulness. He gives grace freely, not out of obligation or constraint, but because it aligns with His unchanging nature and purpose. Despite our inconsistencies and sins, He is ever willing to forgive if we approach Him in repentance. God's grace is the single most important aspect of our spiritual and eternal salvation, surpassing all else in significance. It cannot be demanded or earned, requiring us to approach Him in humility, recognizing that every sin we commit is against Him and His Son personally. From the very beginning, even before our birth, God's grace has been poured out to empower us for His Kingdom, calling us individually according to His design and purpose. This grace permeates every aspect of our lives within the body of Jesus Christ, equipping us to fulfill our responsibilities as He builds His Holy Temple.
Living By Faith and God's Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod gives grace from start to finish in a person's relationship with Him. It cannot be limited merely to justification and His forgiveness of our sins.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffThree times, James states, 'Faith without works is dead!' Here's how James' teaching agrees with and complements the teaching of Paul on justification.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleKing Jehoshaphat, by totally surrendering to God, achieved a miraculous victory over three armies by standing still, waiting patiently for His intervention.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.
Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughForgiveness is only the beginning of the grace process, enabling us to grow to the stature of Christ. Paradoxically, grace puts us under obligation to obey.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the 'eternal security' and 'no works' doctrines are destroyed by the remarkable example of Noah, who performed extraordinary works based upon faith.

Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRighteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.
Camouflage and Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod begins His spiritual creation by grace because the wages of sin is death. Consequently, God's people will exercise humility and faith in yielding to Him.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
Faith (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe would like God to instantly gratify our desires. Consequently, we find living by faith difficult; we do not trust that He has things under control.
Is God a False Minister?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThose who advocate doctrinal change portray God as a confused and false minister who lacks the power to instruct his chosen leaders to 'get it right.'
Do We Have 'Eternal Security'?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we 'once-saved, always-saved'? Once God grants us His grace, are we assured eternal life? The fallacies of the doctrine of 'eternal security' are exposed.

The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
The Christian Fight (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhile we must express some of our own faith as we come to salvation, most of saving faith is a gift of God. Abel and Enoch illustrate the pattern of faith.
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.

The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The quality of leadership affects the morality and well-being of a nation, and the quality of family leadership trickles up to civic and governmental leadership.