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Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's grace is indispensable to His purpose, serving as the key element in our salvation. Without it, there would be no calling, justification, sanctification, or even creation itself. Yet, there is a sobering reality that we can fall short of this grace. As seen in Israel's journey through the wilderness, many who began with faith failed to reach the Promised Land, falling from grace due to unbelief. This serves as a stark warning that we, too, can falter if we do not remain steadfast in our reliance on God. Scriptural admonitions underscore this danger. We are urged not to receive God's grace in vain, indicating the possibility of squandering this gift through neglect or disobedience. Warnings in the New Testament highlight that even those who are converted can develop an evil heart of unbelief, turning away from God as some did in the wilderness. This turning away can reach a point where individuals willingly sin without resistance, no longer considering God's purpose or the sacrifice of Christ, effectively reverting to an unconverted state. Such a state is marked by a steady breaking of God's way of life, where sin no longer troubles the conscience, and the blood of Christ cannot be called upon for forgiveness. This is a grave condition, showing a rejection of the grace once freely given at conversion. The apostles included these warnings to remind us that failure is possible if we do not maintain the faith we had at the start and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, as long as we maintain a relationship with God through Christ, seeking forgiveness with a repentant spirit when we fall short, our salvation remains secure. God's consistent nature and merciful kindness ensure that He is ever willing to forgive through Christ's sacrifice, provided we repent and press forward in His purpose. Grace is not a one-time gift but a continuous support, empowering us to fulfill our role in His plan, though it must never be taken for granted or demanded, as it is entirely unmerited and freely given according to His will.

Living By Faith and God's Grace

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Grace is indispensable to our salvation, serving as the key element in God's entire purpose. Without it, there would be no calling, no justification, no Holy Spirit given, no sanctification, and ultimately, no salvation. However, it is possible to fall from grace, as God shows through Israel's experiences in the wilderness, where many failed to reach the Promised Land. This serves as a lesson to keep us determined to align with God's purpose and avoid falling away. Scriptures illustrate that a Christian can fall away from Christ, just as some Israelites never reached their destination, emphasizing that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit—denying by one's life the forgiveness and receipt of God's Holy Spirit, and returning to a life of sin—can result in falling from grace.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's grace is a vital force in our lives, constantly flowing to us, without which we would never succeed. Yet, it is possible to fall from this grace, a serious reality we must confront. One falls from grace by accepting the blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, becoming a servant of Christ, and then turning away in disloyalty, trampling Him underfoot. This act of turning away can lead to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is rejecting the very Spirit given by God to discern truth and grow in faith. Such a rejection results in an unforgivable state, where one loses faith entirely. Without faith, it becomes impossible to please God or be part of His Kingdom, as salvation is by grace through faith. God's purpose is not for us to fall, but He warns us of this possibility, urging us to remain loyal and to value the grace extended to us.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Righteousness 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.