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Grace and SinThe tension around the topic of Grace is almost always in relation to Sin. While this is a legitimate concern, it has unfortunately taken attention away from the gravity and power of the message of Grace. The power of the Gospel is found in the message of Grace. If the message of judgment could save humanity, then the whole world would have been saved by now.The Apostle Paul understood this tension in his own teaching, and he addressed it directly.Romans 6:1 (KJV): “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”Romans 1–5 traces Paul’s argument from humanity’s problem to God’s solution. He begins by showing that the Gentile world is trapped in rebellion, but then turns to the religious person and makes it clear that possessing the Law does not make anyone righteous. By Romans 3, Paul brings everyone under the same conclusion: all have sinned, and no one is made righteous by works of the Law. Instead, righteousness is given by God through faith in Jesus Christ.Romans 4 points to Abraham as proof that this principle of faith existed long before the Law of Moses. Then Romans 5 shows the outcome of that Grace: through Christ we have peace with God. While Adam brought sin, condemnation, and death into the human story, Jesus brings righteousness, Grace, and life (Which has always been the plan).Paul closes Romans 5 with one of the boldest statements in the entire letter:Where sin multiplied, God’s Grace overflowed beyond it.This is what leads to the famous question:“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”<h3>Continuing In Sin</h3>The question is not simply, “Should we sin?”Paul asks whether we should intentionally continue or remain in Sin for the purpose of increasing Grace. To put it another way; Should we make Sin our lifestyle because we know that we have been justified and that God’s Grace is greater than our sin?Paul answers immediately: God forbid. Absolutely not. He rebuked that thought or idea.Understanding Grace (the Nature of God) is not a license to remain under the rule of Sin. But notice how Paul answers the question. He does not simply give them another list of rules. He points them to their identity.In Romans 6:2–14, Paul explains that we died to Sin. Not that we will die to Sin someday. Our old man was crucified with Christ. Not that he will eventually be crucified.Something has already happened.Through our acceptance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our relationship to Sin has fundamentally changed. Sin is no longer our rightful master.The question is: Should someone who has been freed from the dominion of Sin deliberately choose to continue living under its authority?The answer is found in understanding our new identity in Christ.<h3>Shall We Sin</h3>Paul then raises another question later in the same chapter.Romans 6:15:“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”The first question asks whether we should continue or remain in Sin. The second asks whether being under Grace instead of Law gives us permission to sin.So although the questions are closely related, they are not exactly identical.An example may help. Imagine that I hold a position at my job where I continually embezzle money. I have made dishonesty part of the way I live. Romans 6:1 confronts the idea of deliberately remaining in that kind of life because I believe Grace will continue to cover me.Romans 6:15 raises the broader question: because I am under Grace, does that now give me permission to commit sinful acts whenever I choose? If someone offends me, can I knowingly curse them out and simply say, “I am under Grace anyway”?Paul answers that question with the same force: Absolutely not.And again, his answer returns to identity and freedom.Romans 6:17–18: “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”Paul does not merely say: “Try harder not to sin.”<figure id="figure-rd3qrbtr95murvkg2u"><img id="rd3qrbtr95murvkg2u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/261LQYcRpb9DJTj6cl1dAr6UabWfRHSWp9Xl7NfxI0lnEiNNREZk98zxn7DIPFFI.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/261LQYcRpb9DJTj6cl1dAr6UabWfRHSWp9Xl7NfxI0lnEiNNREZk98zxn7DIPFFI.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>He says: You have been set free from Sin.Sin has lost its rightful claim of mastery over you. So the answer to both questions—continuing in Sin and committing sin—is found in understanding the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The answer is found in understanding our new identity.The answer is found in knowing Christ more and What He has done.&nbsp;To put this in simpler English; If you know who you are (Your New Nature), you will resist the human Sinful Nature.&nbsp; But this has NOTHING to do with what Jesus has already done.&nbsp;<h3>But What Exactly Is Sin?</h3>Much of the debate surrounding Grace comes from a limited understanding of Sin.If God Himself is our reference point, then Sin goes much deeper than the obvious things that we normally condemn in other people. Sin is not merely murder, adultery, homosexuality, theft, or lying etc. Sin reaches into the human heart.Sin is a deviation from God's perfect will.&nbsp;Jesus made this clear.Mark 7:20–23:“From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…”Jesus then lists sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, envy, pride, and other evils. Notice where He says these things originate: from within.Jesus also said:Matthew 5:27–28: “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”The act had not even occurred physically, yet Jesus dealt with what was already taking place in the heart. Jesus mentioned forgiveness 70 x 7 times IN A DAY.&nbsp; Jesus talked about turning the other cheeks when slapped. God's standard is impossible to be met.&nbsp;Scripture even treats cowardice and fear-driven unfaithfulness seriously. Revelation 21:8:&nbsp;We are professionals at identifying sins in other people, especially sins that we know we ourselves are not guilty of. Matthew 7:3 (KJV) <figure id="figure-paw9kc4dhbmurvgcqm"><img id="paw9kc4dhbmurvgcqm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eSNddUb4L7ExvfPDStbJv1y6S6AnS7Ao1EoxNIlSf7r8gpWcTTqBKbJKHBHfmwx.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eSNddUb4L7ExvfPDStbJv1y6S6AnS7Ao1EoxNIlSf7r8gpWcTTqBKbJKHBHfmwx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>For example, it can be very easy for someone to loudly condemn homosexuality because they are not homosexual, while at the same time being indifferent to injustice, hatred, greed, pride, cruelty, or even the suffering and killing of innocent people elsewhere in the world.But the perfect God sees all of it. He sees outward behavior. He sees motives. He sees desires. He sees pride “(the subtle and loud ones). He sees hatred. He sees greed. He sees lust (all types of Lust). He sees indifference. He sees what is happening in the heart.Once we truly understand the depth of Sin, human boasting becomes impossible.<h3>The Gospel of Grace</h3>The Gospel of Grace is the antidote. And when we speak about the Gospel of Grace, we are ultimately speaking about the revelation of Jesus Christ and His True Nature.Grace is 100% about God, His true nature, and what He chose to do. It has nothing to do with us.Grace is God expressing Love to us, His creation.When Christ is revealed and received, something happens that rules could never accomplish: REBIRTH.We become a new creation. Our old identity dies with Christ. We are raised into a new life.The dominion of Sin is broken. And from that moment, transformation begins.We do not transform ourselves in order to become accepted by God. We are being transformed because, through Christ, we have already been brought into a new identity and reunited with God.Hebrews 8:12: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”And this was promised long before in Jeremiah:Jeremiah 31:34: “…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”To put this again in a more plain English; Jesus decided to overwhelm us with His goodness, kindness, mercy, etc&nbsp; regardless of what we did, are doing or will do.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-1qwf85swnmurvn6mi"><img id="1qwf85swnmurvn6mi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2faskpz3pnHZMJscKlWEsvXBl7eL0LF8zKeoPBSPklGcqXrYrG8imnX2siRva9o6.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2faskpz3pnHZMJscKlWEsvXBl7eL0LF8zKeoPBSPklGcqXrYrG8imnX2siRva9o6.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>In the next chapter of our series, we will go deeper by exploring Grace and The Law.&nbsp;

Does Grace Give Us Permission to Sin?

In the first part of this series, we established the fact that grace, in itself, is the character of God. He is a gracious God.In the second part of this series, we established another fact: “Truth” is not a counter to the graciousness of God. Truth, as used by John, was emphasizing that the true nature of God is His gracefulness.This doesn’t mean that God cannot be disappointed. This doesn’t mean that God does not have things that He hates. For example, God hates divorce.However, God’s hatred of sin should not be confused with an absence of grace toward His children who have experienced failure, brokenness, or divorce. We have to be able to separate the two.So, what are the ways that God’s grace is expressed in our lives?<h3>Grace Expressed in Salvation</h3><figure id="figure-pp7ewwmvzmu9yk73z"><img id="pp7ewwmvzmu9yk73z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38oS16CG213TlpSan3dQEhoE6gTbE8q2dbWVtZGlhQwiAJdYGDQapN9ckJF0xMcu.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38oS16CG213TlpSan3dQEhoE6gTbE8q2dbWVtZGlhQwiAJdYGDQapN9ckJF0xMcu.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>God Planned SalvationSalvation was always the plan, even before the beginning of time. Jesus was not an afterthought or a reaction to the sin of Adam.To put this in the simplest terms, God was fully aware of our fallibility as human beings. From the beginning, the plan was that those who believe in Jesus would be saved.Paul makes this very clear:2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV):“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”God (Jesus) Did the WorkGod came in human flesh and paid the price for our sin once and for all.Hebrews 10:10 (NIV): “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”The sacrifice of Jesus was not an ongoing payment that needed to be repeated. Christ offered Himself once, and that sacrifice was sufficient.God Draws Us to Himself (Jesus) John 6:44 (NIV): “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” God Does the Daily Transformation Himself (Holy Spirit)2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV): “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This is the meaning of grace. God did the work. Our response is faith—to believe and trust in what Christ has already accomplished.Romans 5:8 (NIV):“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”<h3>Grace Expressed in the Holy Spirit</h3>At salvation, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. No one can be saved except by the work of God, and the Holy Spirit also gives gifts to believers.Romans 12:6 (NIV): “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”The Greek word for “grace” in Romans 12:6 is χάρις (charis).The Greek word for “gifts” is χαρίσματα (charismata).Romans 12:6 can therefore be expressed conceptually as:“Having different grace-gifts according to the grace that was given to us…”It is clear that the gifts of the Spirit are expressions of God’s grace toward us, given so that we can serve other people.The Holy Spirit expresses and distributes these gifts according to His own will.1 Corinthians 12:11 (NIV): “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as He determines.”The gifts are not something we manufacture by human ability. They are manifestations of the Spirit, distributed by God according to His grace.<h3>Grace Expressed in Creation </h3><figure id="figure-9vo04daeubmu9yrvp4"><img id="9vo04daeubmu9yrvp4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21pjfdZwgLvei2do9q1q7vO2hqgFik9bfh0UBjB8U4VpJF6dzRZ8PMDDAyZ0380Q.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21pjfdZwgLvei2do9q1q7vO2hqgFik9bfh0UBjB8U4VpJF6dzRZ8PMDDAyZ0380Q.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Psalm 19:1 (KJV): “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 8:3–4: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”Creation itself is an expression of the goodness, generosity, wisdom, and grace of God. The heavens, the earth, life, beauty, and even our existence are gifts that we did not earn. Everything that we need to heal, to create wealth, live comfortably, to behold have been included in the physical world. We are yet to discover everything.&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion</h3>The character of God is that He is gracious.This is not a New Testament phenomenon, even though His grace was perfectly revealed at the cross.<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li style="">God planned salvation.</li><li style="">God came to us in Jesus Christ.</li><li style="">God paid the price for our sins.</li><li style="">God draws us to Himself.</li><li style="">God gives us His Spirit.</li><li style="">God transforms us through His Spirit.</li><li style="">God gives us spiritual gifts by His grace.</li></ul></li></ul>God has done the work. Our response is faith—to believe and trust in what Christ has already accomplished.Most believers would probably agree with everything in this post.But now comes the difficult part in navigating this interesting topic of grace. Is grace a license to sin?In other words, if I understand that it is the character of God to give grace, to continue to forgive, and to continue to care for me, should I simply continue in sin? If salvation is entirely the work of God, and if His grace continues toward us even when we fail, does grace become permission to live however we want? Paul anticipated exactly this question. We will tackle that topic in the next part.

The Expression of the Grace of God

John 1:17 (NIV):“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”In the first part of this topic, we explained that grace is the character of God. God is gracious. His graciousness did not begin in the New Testament. Jesus is the same God in the Old Testament, the same God who lived among us as a man, and the same God after His resurrection.One of the most common disclaimers attached to the teaching of grace is that grace must be balanced with truth. John 1:17 is often used to support this idea.We believe this is a misreading of the verse.John is not presenting truth as the restraint, correction, or balance to grace. He is doing something completely different and opposite.<h3>The Gospel of John</h3>In our opinion, the Gospel of John is one of the greatest books in Scripture because John does more than tell us what Jesus did. He consistently explains who Jesus is.From the opening verse, John deliberately connects Jesus to creation:Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God…”John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word…”Genesis 1:3: “Let there be light.”John 1:4: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”John 1 is fundamentally about the identity of Jesus Christ.So when we arrive at verse 17, we should still be thinking about identity.The law was given through MosesMoses is identified with the giving of the Law. The Law came through him, and everything associated with the function of the Law came with it—including accusation and consciousness of sin.Jesus made this point:John 5:45–46:“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”The Law pointed toward Jesus, but the Law also exposed sin.Romans 3:20 (NIV): “Through the law we become conscious of our sin.”Romans 7:7 (NIV): “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.”This is important.When believers say the Gospel of Grace must be balanced with “truth about sin,” they are assigning to Jesus what Scripture assigns to the Law/Moses.Moses gives the Law. The Law exposes sin. The Law accuses.But through Jesus come grace and truth.<figure id="figure-10i21wngemtz8m4u9"><img id="10i21wngemtz8m4u9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eeKt7vZ7OTsu42JCpRV1V4p4TA8qdOBEhaW0GTK1H40W7e2RglTEXjRHfAfC7kR.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eeKt7vZ7OTsu42JCpRV1V4p4TA8qdOBEhaW0GTK1H40W7e2RglTEXjRHfAfC7kR.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>So, what does John mean by “truth”?<h3>THE TRUTH</h3>The Greek word translated truth in John 1:17 is ἀλήθεια (alētheia). It means truth, reality, truthfulness, genuineness, or that which is revealed as it actually is.John is not talking about “truth about your sin” in this verse.&nbsp; That idea does not fit the flow of John 1.John is talking about the true revelation of God.The entire chapter is revealing the identity of Jesus, and through Jesus, the identity of God Himself.This becomes even clearer when we understand the figure of speech known as hendiadys.HendiadysA hendiadys, or “two for one,” is a figure of speech where two words are joined by “and,” but together they express one main idea.For example: “He spoke with power and authority.” The meaning can be:“He spoke with powerful authority.”The two words are not opposing each other. One strengthens or explains the other.That is how we understand “grace and truth” in John 1:17. John is not presenting: &nbsp;Grace and Truth as two competing forces. He is describing one unified revelation:Grace that is true. Grace that reveals real essence of God. Grace that reveals the true character of God. Truth is not standing beside grace to limit it. Truth explains what this grace is.<h3>In Conclusion: In the Beginning Was Logos</h3>John started the book by explaining that Jesus was the Word. The word here is not “word” as we commonly use it today. The Greek word translated as Word is Logos, which can be understood as expression or revelation.In other words, Jesus was not God’s “errand man.” Jesus is the expression of God the Father. Jesus is the revelation of God the Father. This is why Jesus said when we see Him, we have seen the Father.<figure id="figure-2buybxw0dnmtza61hb"><img id="2buybxw0dnmtza61hb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/207zPv44vvOcYVxQUCz9hnKwIOAP4VNCvj3BJabeVuhKQw90mHQzwdZ7PHcFyey8.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/207zPv44vvOcYVxQUCz9hnKwIOAP4VNCvj3BJabeVuhKQw90mHQzwdZ7PHcFyey8.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>God is Spirit. No man can see Him. But God the Father revealed Himself through Jesus, who had existed before time with Him. He is God Himself.By the time of John, Moses held an almost unrivaled place of authority in Jewish religious life. He was not regarded as God, but as the great mediator through whom God had given Israel His Law. Jesus alluded to this in John 5:45 that the Jews put their trust in Moses.While still describing the identity of Jesus, John made a contrast between Jesus Christ and Moses in that verse 17. Unlike Moses, Jesus is gracious—full of grace—and this is the true identity of God.If we were to rephrase that verse, it would read:“The law was given through Moses, but the grace, that reveals the true reality / identity of God, came through Jesus Christ.”Or:“Moses brought the Law; Jesus Christ revealed God’s grace as the truth of who God really is.”Or;“Through Moses came the Law; through Jesus Christ came the true revelation of God’s grace.”In the Next part, we will explore the different expression of God's Grace.&nbsp;

Grace Is the Truth

<h3>What Is Grace?</h3>The term grace is often one of the most misunderstood concepts in our faith. It is also a concept that many believers want to tame. We try to bring “balance” to grace. We preach it while attaching a disclaimer to it.With this write-up, we hope to bring more clarity and learn together what exactly grace is. We also hope to talk about the supposed limitations of grace.The Greek word for grace is χάρις (Charis), meaning grace, favor, kindness, goodwill, or gift. The Hebrew word is חֵן (Chen), meaning grace, favor, acceptance, or goodwill. The concept behind the word “grace” is very similar to how we use it today.If Mr. A gives grace to Mr. B, this means:<ul><li>Mr. A is showing favor and kindness to Mr. B.</li><li>Mr. A is in a position to extend something to Mr. B that Mr. B cannot demand as an entitlement.</li><li>Mr. A is not obligated to show that favor or kindness to Mr. B. Otherwise, it would be a payment or something owed.</li></ul>So, in the Christian faith, when we say we are saved by grace, what we mean is that God saves us because of His own character. It has nothing to do with what we did or will do.<h3>Grace Is the Character of God</h3>Grace in itself is an abstract concept, but it is embodied in God. In other words, we can say God is gracious, but that graciousness must be expressed in different ways.John 3:16 (KJV):“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”As we can see in the verse above, the word grace is not mentioned. But grace is all over that verse. The verse has two subjects—really one: God the Father and God the Son.<ul><li>God loves the world.</li></ul>This is self-explanatory because we are His creation. It is possible for Him to love the world and leave it as it is. He doesn't have to love the world. We do NOTHING for Him.Acts 17:24–25 (NIV) tells us that God is not served by human hands as though He needed anything from us. Instead, He is the One who gives us life, breath, and everything else.This is grace.<ul><li>But to express that love, He GAVE His Son.</li></ul>That love, which in itself is an expression of His grace (Gracious Character), is expressed through His giving.This is grace again.In theory, God could have loved us and told us to live as monks in order to be saved. It would still have been a good deal. Instead, HE GAVE. He gave us the easiest route.<ul><li>All we have to do is believe.</li></ul>This is the ultimate cheat code.<h3>Grace Is Not New</h3>Although the Apostle Paul develops and explains the doctrine of grace extensively in his writings, the grace of God is seen throughout Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation.That grace is expressed through different attributes of God's character.One of the challenges to understanding the grace of God is interpreting Old Testament events and reconciling what we read there with who God says He is.Grace is NOT a New Testament phenomenon. Grace is the character of God.Hebrews 13:8 (NIV):“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”The Jesus revealed to us in the New Testament does not reveal a different God from the God we encounter in the Old Testament. This creates a strange tension when we read certain Old Testament passages.Would a gracious God have an entire town—with young and old people—destroyed?The disconnect may lie in our interpretation and in the language and cultural barriers between us, the modern readers, and the writers of these ancient texts.God is gracious.We are saved by God's grace—meaning we don't deserve it—by receiving His love toward us, expressed through His giving of His Son. All of this is a reflection of who He is.In the next part of this topic, we will examine John 1:17 (NIV):“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”And we will ask an important question:Is Truth the Balance to Grace?

Grace Without the Disclaimer

The story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is one of the most well-known accounts in the Gospels. It is recorded in John 13 and is commonly taught as a lesson on humility. Indeed, it beautifully demonstrates the humility of Christ, who willingly took the place of the lowest servant and washed the feet of His own disciples. Some churches even practice foot washing today as a literal ordinance, while others emphasize its spiritual significance.<figure id="figure-qvhvaw418msiaqto5"><img id="qvhvaw418msiaqto5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fM1M9UeoZleMvEAKaHvmGP8FLfYaYftjwYfN2w4Re4HJjeEciuzJQH9OA57mEbo.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="20%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fM1M9UeoZleMvEAKaHvmGP8FLfYaYftjwYfN2w4Re4HJjeEciuzJQH9OA57mEbo.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined% 20%;"></figure>However, I believe there is a much deeper message hidden within this story.Throughout this blog we have repeatedly shown that the central message of the entire Bible is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which God restores mankind into fellowship and intimacy with Himself. I believe John 13 is not merely a lesson in humility—it is a living picture of the entire mission of Jesus Christ.John could have simply written that Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Instead, he carefully records every movement Jesus makes. He tells us that Jesus rose, laid aside His garments, girded Himself with a towel, poured water into a basin, washed His disciples' feet, took His garments again, and sat down.Why does John describe every one of these actions so carefully? I believe these actions beautifully mirror the redemptive mission of Christ.<h3>Jesus Rose and Laid Aside His Garments</h3>John 13:3–4 'Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments...'<figure id="figure-bz6mdjii2pmsiataol"><img id="bz6mdjii2pmsiataol" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19RGmEenZrpVbPNXtmv7BJEJLiHCgNo6RrIfMxrkySOnyPIDa5NIGwTajGtk6QsZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 5% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="5%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19RGmEenZrpVbPNXtmv7BJEJLiHCgNo6RrIfMxrkySOnyPIDa5NIGwTajGtk6QsZ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 5% 30%;"></figure>Before describing the foot washing, John reminds us that Jesus knew He had come from the Father and was returning to the Father. Throughout Scripture, garments often represent glory, honor, authority, righteousness, and identity. Jesus laying aside His outer garment beautifully reflects what Paul describes in Philippians 2. Jesus did not cease to be God. Rather, He voluntarily laid aside the visible privileges and glory of heaven and humbled Himself by taking on human nature.Philippians 2:6–7 teaches that although Christ was in very nature God, He took the nature of a servant. Colossians 2:9 reminds us that in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily. Colossians 1:16–17 declares that all things were created through Him and for Him. The Creator willingly entered His own creation.<h3>Jesus Girded Himself with a Towel</h3>John records that Jesus took a towel and girded Himself. In Jewish culture, washing another person's feet was one of the lowest acts of service, usually performed by the lowest household servant or slave. Yet Jesus willingly embraced that role.This beautifully reflects Philippians 2:7—'taking the very nature of a servant.' Isaiah 53:2–3 foretold that the Messiah would come without worldly splendor. The glorious Creator clothed Himself with humanity and came as a servant.<h3>Jesus Poured Water and Washed Their Feet</h3><figure id="figure-g6vzm232enmsibkzhh"><img id="g6vzm232enmsibkzhh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37Dz3JQZcZ28eRUGMnywAu7evE7BqoaxpQKLtTWzEXHEWtfFlhcJRPLeEckYfLoJ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 35% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="35%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37Dz3JQZcZ28eRUGMnywAu7evE7BqoaxpQKLtTWzEXHEWtfFlhcJRPLeEckYfLoJ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 35% 30%;"></figure>John 13:5 tells us that Jesus poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples' feet.Throughout Scripture, water frequently symbolizes cleansing and is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 36:25–27 promises that God Himself will cleanse His people and put His Spirit within them.When Peter objected, Jesus answered, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.' Jesus did not tell Peter to wash himself. He insisted that He must be the One who washes him. This is the Gospel. We cannot cleanse ourselves.1 Corinthians 6:11 says believers are washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit of God. Titus 3:5 speaks of the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. The redemption accomplished by Christ is applied to believers through the work of the Holy Spirit.<h3>Jesus Took His Garments Again and Sat Down</h3>After washing their feet, Jesus took His garments again and sat down. John did not need to mention this detail, yet he does.Just as laying aside His garments mirrors Christ's humiliation, taking His garments again points to His exaltation after completing redemption. Hebrews 1:3 declares that after providing purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Philippians 2:9 declares that God highly exalted Him.Peter's Objection<figure id="figure-tuzg5kpifmsiayrzb"><img id="tuzg5kpifmsiayrzb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28wJ0FWeixgZcgurkMC60jNmTVT3AWfi9NzX4aNDXkOlm0BWt2MKUwOmQWeoc0Ei.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="10%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28wJ0FWeixgZcgurkMC60jNmTVT3AWfi9NzX4aNDXkOlm0BWt2MKUwOmQWeoc0Ei.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 10%;"></figure>Peter objected because he viewed the event only from a human perspective. Jesus replied, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.'This is not merely the point of John 13—it is the point of the Gospel. Humanity cannot restore itself to God. The eternal Son came from heaven, humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, died for our sins, rose again, and now cleanses His people through the work of the Holy Spirit.Perhaps John 13 is more than a lesson on humility. Perhaps, before going to the cross, Jesus quietly acted out the story of redemption before the eyes of His disciples.Finally, it is important to note that it was Jesus' own decision to come down from heaven. It was His decision to lay aside the glory and privileges of heaven and humble Himself for our sake. It was Jesus who washes us through the work of the Holy Spirit.Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit is our seal (Ephesians 1:13–14). The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead, fully God and equal in essence with the Father and the Son.The disciples played no role in the act of foot washing. Their only response was to receive what Jesus chose to do for them. Peter initially exercised his free will by refusing Jesus, but Jesus insisted, saying, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me." Peter ultimately submitted and allowed Jesus to wash him.This goes to the heart of the discussion surrounding eternal security and whether a believer can lose his or her salvation. It also speaks directly to the relationship between works and grace. Salvation is God's work from beginning to end. We are saved by His grace, and through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit we are continually transformed into the image of Christ. Our responsibility is not to earn our salvation but to believe in the One whom God has sent and to trust the work that He alone has accomplished on our behalf.I pray that we continually get more revelation on the dept of Jesus' love for us.&nbsp;

Jesus Acted Out the Gospel

One of the most famous quotes in Scripture is: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). <figure id="figure-u7w6v7r9nnmq85k7a8"><img id="u7w6v7r9nnmq85k7a8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/14odrsqC04dnib1a3g3yLUM3Mhh2Ds6ivouKJ6gGzMbpngFTsbGBe1dwg1jqjDP5.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/14odrsqC04dnib1a3g3yLUM3Mhh2Ds6ivouKJ6gGzMbpngFTsbGBe1dwg1jqjDP5.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>This statement was written by James, one of the leaders of the early church. Much evidence points to the fact that this is James, the brother of Jesus. He was Jewish and presided over the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 (we wrote about this <a data-mce-href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/acts-15--when-grace-was-put-on-trial" href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/acts-15--when-grace-was-put-on-trial">here</a>). His words and teachings carry significant weight. His teachings are often compared to those of Paul and Peter.As students of the Word, our job is to weigh every text of the Bible against the overall theme of Scripture and the character of God. The character of God is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is God Almighty Himself. Paul described Jesus as the express image of the invisible God. Jesus is the God of the Old Testament.We are weighing this phrase by James against the words of Jesus and the character of Jesus. <ul><li>Is faith without works dead?</li><li>Is faith alone enough?</li><li>What role do works play here?</li><li>What are works?</li><li>What is faith?</li></ul><h3>What Is Faith?</h3>The core of our belief is faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ and His mission. The central belief is faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is really that simple. Jesus explicitly stated this in John 3:16, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.Faith is the acceptance of God's grace."Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." — John 5:24 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."— Acts 16:31 So, this is the context of the faith that James was talking about in James 2:14–26. He was writing to Jewish believers who were scattered outside Israel (James 1:1). To support his claim, James pointed to Abraham. Therefore, we know James was talking about the same faith that Paul was talking about.<h3>What Are Works?</h3>In James 1–2, James teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated through practical obedience and love rather than mere words. He points to actions such as persevering through trials (1:12), resisting temptation (1:13–15), controlling anger (1:19–20) and the tongue (1:26), obeying God's Word (1:22–25), caring for orphans and widows (1:27), and remaining morally pure (1:27).He also emphasizes rejecting favoritism toward the rich (2:1–4), loving one's neighbor (2:8), showing mercy (2:13), and meeting the physical needs of the hungry and poorly clothed (2:15–16).Works, as explained by James, are what we do to prove our faith according to Him.<h3>Is Faith Without Works Dead?</h3>This teaching by James seems simple and reasonable when evaluated on the surface. What could be wrong with encouraging people to do good works in society?However, in the context of faith and salvation, this statement appears to be the complete opposite of the Gospel. The Gospel is the Good News of salvation. The Good News is that we are saved by grace alone. This is what separates Christianity from other religions and worldly systems. Every other religion promotes good works. There is nothing wrong with good works in themselves. It becomes a heresy when we believe that we are justified by them.<h3>Justification by Works</h3>I know what you are thinking: perhaps we are taking James out of context. Maybe James was not talking about salvation.James was actually talking about salvation. This is evident because he used Abraham as an example.21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 You see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect.23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called the Friend of God. --James 2Unfortunately, James quoted the Scriptures out of context. Abraham was not justified by works or by faith plus works, as James appears to suggest.<figure id="figure-vjk8kf83g9mq85z8uh"><img id="vjk8kf83g9mq85z8uh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1az0srR5BlRzJHt8lzkZ8BEIPfRhtAZGpu9mqKks6DB0dKvdQB6EyN8lIFkMi0yt.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1az0srR5BlRzJHt8lzkZ8BEIPfRhtAZGpu9mqKks6DB0dKvdQB6EyN8lIFkMi0yt.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>James was referring to Genesis 15:6, where Abraham believed God and was counted righteous. This event occurred when God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and impossible to count. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.Abraham's faith was complete when God declared him righteous. What about the Isaac's sacrifice? Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son approximately 24–40 years later. James was combining two separate events.Abraham was justified by faith alone.Paul explicitly addressed this point to show that we have nothing to boast about before God.2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.3 What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."— Romans 4:2–3 (NIV) Paul is directly contradicting James in that verse. James said Abraham was justified by works while Paul said he was NOT.<h3>In Conclusion</h3>The purpose of this article is not to criticize James' writing. Rather, we must read and interpret the writings of all biblical authors, both before and after the resurrection, through the lens of Jesus and His finished work.There was a tension between the concept of Grace and Works among the early church as far as 2000 years ago. This was evident in Act 15. The tension still exists today.&nbsp;We must know and hold on to the pure, undiluted Gospel. This is the meaning of worshipping God in TRUTH and SPIRIT.<ul><li style="list-style-type: none;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: none;"><ul><li>Grace is the character of God.</li><li>Faith is the acceptance of that Grace. Faith is believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.</li><li>Faith is counted as righteousness by God and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Not works) for once. Eph 1:13-14</li><li>Works, while good, beneficial and noble, are not part of the equation of justification with God (Romans 4:2-3).</li></ul></li></ul>Jesus addressed this issue directly:<figure id="figure-y1h4taxizmq85nsyu"><img id="y1h4taxizmq85nsyu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4Smjh9BjSnlz9mjPv6fLVBz6zltCFsjjRErABYSzVX9uQROv160CFwVtFkqxQOtp.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4Smjh9BjSnlz9mjPv6fLVBz6zltCFsjjRErABYSzVX9uQROv160CFwVtFkqxQOtp.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Then they asked Him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent."— John 6:28–29The work that God requires is Faith in Jesus. The Gospel is not Faith plus works. The Gospel is Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is not perfected by works. Faith is independent of works. &nbsp;