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Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe teaching of grace, as conveyed through the apostles, transforms the ordinary Greek word charis, translated as grace, into a concept of profound spiritual significance. Grace embodies unearned and unmerited favor, something completely undeserved and unattainable by human effort. It contrasts sharply with erga, meaning work, which implies something earned through conduct or activity. Grace is a gift from God, exemplified by His decision to come to earth, live, and die for humanity, an act not prompted by human merit but by His own will to provide a savior. Grace extends beyond the forgiveness of sin, reaching into every aspect of the salvation process. It is described as grace upon grace, or grace to meet every need, indicating a continuous outpouring from God for various purposes, all unearned and unmerited. This dynamic nature of grace enables believers to mature spiritually, to grow in the grace and knowledge, and to strive toward the fullness of Christ. Without this ongoing gift, spiritual growth would cease at forgiveness. The gospel, referred to as the word of grace, has the power to build up and edify, fostering maturity and perfection. It is a revelation from God, a mystery or secret impossible to penetrate without His disclosure. This revelation is not earned but given freely by God for His own purposes, underscoring that He owes humanity nothing yet chooses to favor some with this knowledge. Grace also manifests in justification, where God declares sinners righteous, not because they are without guilt, but as a legal act based on Christ's sacrifice. This justification is a gift, not a right, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. It is not vindication or exoneration, for God's judgment is always righteous, knowing all facts and hearts. Instead, it is an act of grace where righteousness is imputed, viewing believers as sinless through Christ, despite their unworthiness. Furthermore, grace eliminates any basis for boasting or self-glory, as spiritual accomplishments are solely due to what God has given. It establishes a personal attachment to Christ, likened to being part of a living body, where all strength, life, and growth come from Him. This relationship lays upon believers the responsibility to humble themselves before God and His law, recognizing Christ as their righteousness, justification, sanctification, and redemption. Grace also teaches and trains, penetrating lives like light disperses darkness, guiding believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly. It does not force but counsels, comforts, encourages, admonishes, convicts, rewards, and restrains. Contrary to misuse by some as an excuse for lawlessness, grace obligates obedience to God's law, placing believers under a deep sense of duty due to the magnitude of the gift received. It empowers them to make right choices, freed from bondage to sin, and motivates a life of repentance and conformity to God's way. Finally, grace is dynamic, not merely passive forgiveness but an active empowerment from God. It enables believers not just to be saved, but to overcome and become like Him, working within them to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
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.
Titus (Part Five): A Church in Training
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul, realizing that the tiny flock was no match for the Roman Empire, did not crusade to abolish slavery, but instead taught the church how to deal with it.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike with the heroes of faith, our testing will be commensurate with the job God has prepared for us. We must make our relationship with God our top priority.
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.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Freedom and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChristian freedom has nothing to do with location or circumstance but how we think. By imbibing on God's Word, we will incrementally displace our carnality.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.
Leavening: The Types
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe holy days are reliable teaching tools, emphasizing spaced repetition to reinforce our faulty memories and drive the lesson deep into our thinking.