THE MEANS OF GRACE AND PRAYER

By Gary Ray Branscome

Since the Bible plainly tells us that we, “Have access by faith into this grace in which we stand,” faith is the primary means of grace (Romans 5:2). However, because faith and grace go hand in hand, our doctrine of the means of grace deals more specifically with the means by which God brings us to faith. And, in that regard the words, “The gospel of Christ… is the power of God to salvation to every one who believes,” tell us that the gospel is the means by which we are brought to faith (Romans 1:16). As it is written, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Nevertheless, there are some who regard prayer as a means of grace, and I need to explain why it is not.

In His parable of the Pharisee and the publican Christ said, “Two men went up to the temple to pray; one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood up and prayed thus to himself, God, I thank you, that I am not like other men are, extortioners, evil doers, adulterers, or even like this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of everything I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not even look up to heaven, but beat upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you that this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one who exalts himself will be humbled; and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14).

That parable plainly tells us that the publican “went down to his house justified”. However, the fact that we are, “Justified by faith,” and “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” tells us that the publican received God’s grace “by faith” not by praying a prayer [which would be a work] (Romans 3:28, Hebrews 11:6, Rom. 5:2). If he had not had faith, he would not have been justified. Now it is true that when believers pray for mercy (as the publican did), God answers that prayer. As it is written, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). But we are not forgiven because we ask for it, but because we believe God’s promise of forgiveness in Christ. Faith is the hand that receives God’s grace (Romans 5:2).

One verse that is often cited by those who regard prayer as a means of grace does say that, “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). However, the context is talking about believers. Starting in verse eleven we read, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:11-13). So in context, Verse thirteen is not telling how to be saved, but that salvation is extended equally to both Jew and gentile. As it is written, “It will come to pass, that whoever calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved: for on mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised” (Joel 2:32).

Without faith in Christ our prayer will not be heard, for “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). However, if we do have faith, our prayer is a fruit of faith, not the means by which God gives us faith. That being understood, the words, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” tell us that there is nothing wrong with asking God to strengthen your faith (Mark 9:24). We can, and should, ask God to give us faith, or strengthen our faith. However, the words, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” tell us that God uses His Word to bring us to faith, and strengthen our faith (Romans 10:17).