THE NECESSITY OF DIVINE GRACE

By Gary Ray Branscome

The words, “Sin entered the world by one man, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, because all have sinned,” tell us that everyone who is going to die is a sinner (Romans 5:12). The words, “The wages of sin is death,” tell us that the very reason that we are going to die is because we are sinners (Romans 6:23). And, the words, “No flesh will ever be justified in God’s sight by the deeds of the law: because the knowledge of sin comes by the law,” tell us that no one will ever escape death by doing what the law says, because the Law is what condemns us (Romans 3:20). That is why Divine grace is necessary.

How then can we be saved? The Bible answers that question with the words, “Now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed… Even the righteousness of God which comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe” (Romans 3:21-22). “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Therefore, “God has done what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh. Sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, as an offering for sin… That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:3-4). So “We have redemption through His [Christ’s] blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us of all sin” (1John 1:7). “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). “All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43). “Nor is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

[Note: believing that Christ died for our sins is more than just believing that He died. It is believing that He died for your sins, and that because of His death you have forgiveness and eternal life.]