During my school days, one of the words we commonly used every time we are upset is frust lah.
Surprisingly the grace of God can also be frustrated in certain teachings especially if it’s mixing the teachings of grace and law. It’s like practising the old covenant and new covenant together, or it is like some days you need Jesus and some days you don’t need Jesus.
Galatians 2:21
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
There is a famous verse in Philippians 2:12 which is widely used by people who take it out of context and then preach on it that you have to earn and secure your very salvation which is a place in Heaven if you happen to die now.
I am sure you probably have heard of such teaching before.
Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Apostle Paul did not say earn your own salvation but merely said work out. You can’t earn your salvation with works. Good works and performance is not the condition to your salvation. However the evidence of your salvation is good works as we are the light of the world.
The Bible taught us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to us that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but receive eternal life.
We also learn in Ephesians 2:8 and 9, that we are saved through faith by the grace of God. Faith in Jesus Christ as our saviour and our righteousness. Faith that Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection have redeemed us from the curse of the law. Faith that the blessings of Abraham will come unto us. Faith that our destiny in the Rapture where we will be changed in a twinkling of an eye to an immortal glorious body.
This faith that we have is a gift of God. It is by grace which is unmerited favor that we are bestowed with this gift of faith. Not of works, so no man can boast and take pride in it. Remember Jesus Christ is the Author and the Finisher of your faith.
Ephesians 2:8 and 9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Since works is not the condition to your salvation, then what is the meaning of work out your own salvation?
As we have established that salvation is by grace through faith, we must also know that there are measures and increase in both grace and faith. If you have full knowledge of the revelation of God in grace and faith, you will go very far in knowing and exercising the power and the will of God in your life.
The Bible taught us about faith to faith and faith can be increased through the hearing and confessing the word of God. The apostle Peter preached that grace and peace can be multiplied to us through the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
There are work out to do to strengthen your faith and the increase of grace, just like how you work out in the gym to build your muscles and fitness.
You do not work out to earn your muscles, which you already been born with, but you work out to strengthen your muscles so that you will be strong and healthy.
Likewise we do not work out to earn our salvation which we receive by grace, since righteousness is imputed to us by faith. We work out our salvation which is grace and faith so that we can stand and overcome all of life’s challenges and possess our promised land of financial prosperity, physical health, healthy mind, and stable emotions.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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Robin Piong
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