Trier, Germany- Let the games begin November 30, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Germany , add a commentTrier is billed as Germany’s oldest city because of the Roman ruins scattered throughout. Augusta Treverorum, later called Trier, was founded around 16 B. C. by Emperor Augustus. In the third century, as the region was developing into an early Christian center, Emperor Diocletian made Treviri, as Trier was called, a Roman imperial residence and capital of the West Roman Empire.
Still standing from this era are the Porta Nigra, a massive Roman gate and fortification, the Amphitheater, and three thermal baths. A Rome Ticket (Eintrittspreise Kombiticket) gets you into all the Roman attractions for € 6.20. You can buy it at the Tourist Information office at the Porta Nigra.
The Roman antiquities are best seen during the off-season, because by the middle of June they are being prepared for the outdoor performance season, with all the modern metalwork that implies.
No poop on my plot November 29, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Germany , add a comment
No poop
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Sign on home in Bavaria
In Christ, I am; Part 17 November 19, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentSanctified
What do we see when we meet people? Do we first look to see whether they are “like us” before we try to teach them the gospel or invite them to the services of the church? Or do we see a soul which needs salvation? Do we simply see them as they are, with sin and immorality, or do we see what a person can become. Do we really have faith in the power of the gospel? “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). We have forgotten that people don’t come to Jesus needing to just work on a problem or two but as sinners lost without the gospel . What do you see when you meet someone who is not a Christian?
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Sanctification - involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Faith is instrumental in securing sanctification, inasmuch as it (1) secures union to Christ (Galatians 2:20), and (2) brings the believer into living contact with the truth, whereby he is led to yield obedience “to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.”
Perfect sanctification is not attainable in this life (1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8). See Paul’s account of himself in Romans 7:14-25; Philipians 3:12-14; and 1 Timothy 1:15; also the confessions of David (Psalms 19:12-13), of Job (42:5, 6), and of Daniel (9:3-20). “The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father’s loving hand, which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves.” (Hodge’s Outlines).
| Strong’s # |
Transliteration |
Language |
Definition |
| 6942 | qadash | Hebrew | to be set apart or consecrated (12) |
| 37g | hagiazo | Greek | to make holy, consecrate, sanctify (7) |
| 38g | hagiasmos | Greek | consecration, sanctification (8) |
| Characteristic | Verses |
| Achieved through righteousness | Romans 6:19 |
| Done by God | Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:8, 21:8, 15, 23, 22:9, 16, 32, Numbers 3:13 8:17, Ezekiel 20:12, 37:28, Acts 20:32, Romans 6:22, 1 Thesselonians 5:23 |
| Done by Jesus | Hebrews 2:11, 10:14, 13:12 |
| Done by our works | 2 Timothy 2:21, Hebrews 12:14 |
| Done by the Father | John 10:36, 17:17 |
| Done by the Holy Spirit | Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Thesselonians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2 |
| Done through God’s grace | Acts 20:32 |
| Done through God’s word | John 17:17, Acts 20:32 |
| Done through truth | John 17:17, 19 |
| Is eternal | Romans 6:22 |
| Predestined by God | 1 Thesselonians 4:3-4, 7, 1 Peter 1:2 |
| Through faith in Jesus Christ | Acts 26:18, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30, 6:11, Hebrews 10:10, 29 |
References 
- and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:13)
- For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
- and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. (Colossians 3:10)
- Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
- Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
- But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
- “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
- “When they sin against Thee (for there is no man who does not sin) and Thou art angry with them and dost deliver them to an enemy, so that they take them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near;” (1 Kings 8:46)
- Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?” (Proverbs 20:9)
- Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
- For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. (James 3:2)
- If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
- For we know that the Law is spiritual; but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the wishing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:14-25)
- Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philipians 3:12-14)
- It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (1 Timothy 1:15)
- Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. (Psalms 19:12-13)
- “I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5, 6)
- So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly, and rebelled, even turning aside from Thy commandments and ordinances. “Moreover, we have not listened to Thy servants the prophets, who spoke in Thy name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:3-6)
- Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. (Eccles
In Christ, I am; Part 16 November 19, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentJustified
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Why strong elders are needed November 19, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentSome study I wanted to share to equip my fellow brothers and the saints. It time there were more sons of thunder. Romanas 16:17-18
Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them ( NASB: Lockman)
Greek: Parakalo ( 1SPAI) de humas, adelphoi, skopein ( PAN) tous tas dichostasias kai ta skandala para ten didachen en humeis emathete ( 2PAAI) poiountas, ( PAPMPA) kai ekklinete ( 2PPAM) ap’ auton
Amplified: I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them. ( Amplified Bible - Lockman)
BBE: Now, it is my desire, brothers, that you will take note of those who are causing division and trouble among you, quite against the teaching which was given to you: and keep away from them.
CEV: My friends, I beg you to watch out for anyone who causes trouble and divides the church by refusing to do what all of you were taught. Stay away from them! ( CEV)
GWT: Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away {from the Christian faith} by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them. ( GWT)
KJV: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
NET: Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them! (NET Bible)
Phillips: And now I implore you, my brother, to keep a watchful eye on those who cause trouble and make difficulties among you, in plain opposition to the teaching you have been given, and steer clear of them. ( Phillips: Touchstone )
TLB: And now there is one more thing to say before I end this letter. Stay away from those who cause divisions and are upsetting people’s faith, teaching things about Christ that are contrary to what you have been taught.
Weymouth: But I beseech you, brethren, to keep a watch on those who are causing the divisions among you, and are leading others into sin, in defiance of the instruction which you have received; and habitually to shun them.
Young’s Literal: And I call upon you, brethren, to mark those who the divisions and the stumbling-blocks, contrary to the teaching that ye did learn, are causing, and turn ye away from them;
NOW I URGE YOU BRETHREN: Parakalo (1SPAI) de humas, adelphoi:
Urge ( 3870) (parakaleo from para = side of + kaléo = call) conveys the basic idea of calling one alongside to help or give aid. Because a person can be called alongside for many purposes, the word has a wide range of meanings. They include to entreat, appeal to, summon, comfort, exhort, or encourage. Later parakaleo came to mean exhorting, admonishing, encouraging, call to one’s side, call to one’s aid.
Paul’s idea is something like “I beg of you, please”
It has been suggested that those of whom he is now speaking promulgated the errors of Antinomianism, with which he had dealt in chapter six, or belonged to the party referred to in chapter fourteen. Possibly the opposition was that arising from Judaistic teachings, with which Paul and his fellow-laborers were continually confronted.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THOSE WHO CAUSE (continually are making) DISSENSIONS AND HINDRANCES : skopein (PAN) tous tas dichostasias kai ta skandala … poiountas (PAPMPA) : ( Phil 3:17 Acts 15:1-5,24, 1Co 1:10-13, 1 Cor 3:3, 1 Cor 11:18, Gal 1:7-9, // Gal 2:4, Phil 3:2-3 Col 2:8, 2 Pet 2:1-2, 1 John 2:19, 2 John 1:7-10, Jude19)
Keep your eye ( 4648) (skopeo from skopos = distant mark looked at, goal or end in view as in Philippians 3:14 [note]) means keep your eye on and carries the idea of looking at or observing with intensity. It is from the noun form of that word that we get the scope in telescope and microscope. S kopeo means more than simply to look at, but to examine and scrutinize carefully. It implies mental consideration and so to contemplate. It means to look into, examine, inspect, continue to regard closely or to keep one’s attention on.
Skopeo is in the present tense which calls for this to be a continual activity, implying the danger of spiritual intruders is ever present. In short, Paul is saying continually your eye on those “who cause dissensions and hindrances”. Keep “scoping” them out!
John MacArthur clarifies that…
Paul is not talking about what today is often referred to as a “witch hunt,” an effort that is determined to find fault whether it is there or not. Nor is he talking about legalistic and often mean-spirited and unloving “litmus tests” for an orthodoxy that is more rigid than Scripture.”…Although it is helpful for Christians, especially preachers and teachers, to have some knowledge of what liberal Christianity and so-called Christian cults teach, it is spiritually unwise and dangerous to be overly exposed to their falsehoods, whether through reading their literature or becoming involved in their churches, colleges, seminaries, or other institutions. By doing such things, many ill-prepared but self-confident believers have had their faith as well as their doctrine seriously subverted, as they are “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (see note Ephesians 4:14). Many seminarians, who typically are more familiar with Scripture than most other Christians of their age, have become so engulfed in dialogue with theological error that their effective ministry is all but forfeited. They do not, of course, lose their salvation, but they can easily have their usefulness to the Lord severely weakened and sometimes destroyed.” ( MacArthur, J: Romans 9-16. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos)
Although Paul did say we were not to put a stumbling block in a brother’s way (Ro 14:13) which is Greek skandalon, the same word translated “hindrances” in this verse, Paul is not referring to believers who had differences of opinion over non essentials. In every church, there are those who outwardly, and perhaps in many other ways, appear to be Christians, but are not. They are counterfeit saints. Wherever you find the true, you always find the counterfeit.
The Greek here is literally “dissension and scandal”. Both words have the definite Greek article, indicating specific dissenters and scandal producers, indicating therefore that both these groups were well-known to the Roman saints.
Hindrances ( 4625) ( skandalon from a root meaning jump up, snap shut) was originally the piece of wood that kept open a trap for animals. Outside the Bible it is not used metaphorically, though its derivative skandalethron ( e.g. a trap set through questions) is so used. The English word scandal is derived from the noun via the Lat. scandalum.
Thus skandalon was literally, that movable part of a trap on which the bait was laid, and when touched caused the trap to close on its prey. Skandalon thus came to mean any entanglement of the foot. Figuratively, as used most often in Scripture, skandalon refers to any person or thing by which one is drawn into error or sin.
I
n the NT skandalon is always used metaphorically, and ordinarily of anything that arouses prejudice, or becomes a hindrance to others, or causes them to fall by the way. Sometimes the hindrance is in itself good, and those stumbled by it are the wicked. Paul clearly uses skandalon in the good sense here in Romans 9:33. He also records that rejection of the Messiah was especially true with respect to His Cross…
“we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block (skandalon 4625), and to Gentiles foolishness ( 1 Cor 1:23) (see also Galatians 5:11 above)
Skandalon can describe that which causes someone to sin or that which produces certain behavior which can lead to ruin. Skandalon thus denotes an enticement to conduct which could ruin the person in question. For example, Balaam’s device was a trap for Israel, John recording Jesus’ words…
‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. (see note Revelation 2:14)
Regarding skandalon, Vine writes that it was
originally the name of the part of a trap to which the bait is attached, hence, the trap or snare itself, as in [ see note Romans 11:9], ’stumbling block,’ quoted from [ Ps 69:22 - see Spurgeon’s note], and in [see note Revelation 2:14], for Balaam’s device which proved to be a trap for Israel rather than a stumbling block to them…In NT skandalon is always used metaphorically, and ordinarily of anything that arouses prejudice, or becomes a hindrance to others or causes them to fall by the way. Sometimes the hindrance is in itself good, and those stumbled by it are the wicked. Thus it is used (a) of Christ in [see note Romans 9:33 ] “(a rock) of offense” [cf 1Cor 1:23′; see note 1 Peter 2:8] and of His cross [ Gal 5:11] of the “table” provided by God for Israel [see note Romans 11:9] (b) of that which is evil, eg , [Mt 13:41] lit., “all stumblingblocks”; [Mt 18:7 ] “occasions of stumbling” and “occasion”; [see note Romans 14:13] “an occasion of falling” of such use of Christian liberty that proves a hindrance to another; [see note Romans 16:17 ] “occasions of stumbling,” of the teaching of things contrary to sound doctrine.”
Compare Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders in ( Acts 20:27-32). And take note of Jesus’ repeated warnings to the disciples against false teachers & false prophets. (see notes Matthew 7:15; 16; see also Mt 24:24).
CONTRARY TO THE TEACHING WHICH YOU LEARNED: para ten didachen en humeis emathete (2PAAI) : (Ro 6:17 )
Contrary ( 3844) (para = beside) literally describes dissenters and scandal producers alongside or near! This picture of close proximity parallels the use of the prefix “para” describing counterfeits in Colossians and second Peter.
Paul warning the saints at Colossae writes…
“I say this (i.e., in Christ ‘are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’) in order that no one may delude you with persuasive argument.” (see notes Colossians 2:3; 2:4) The verb “delude” paralogizomai (see study) (para =alongside + logizomai = reason beside something) means they come an “reason beside”. Therefore, if the target is the truth, there is something alongside it that looks very much like the truth, and one begins to focus upon that, rather than the truth (Christ). Truth and error may be made to look almost the same, but one is a counterfeit. Marvin Vincent adds that paralogizomai means “to conclude by reasoning. The deception referred to is therefore, that into which one betrays himself by false reasoning— reasoning beside the truth”)
In a similar vein, Peter warns the believers that…
“false prophets also arose among the people (referring to the OT times), just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.” (see note 2 Peter 2:1)
Comment: Secretly introduce is pareisago (pará - unto or at the side of + eiságo = bring in, introduce) literally depicts bringing in by the side of and so introducing surreptitiously. These false teachers will present a clever, even catchy attractive message in which they will secretly introduce error alongside of the truth. Thus it is possible that 90+% of their message is orthodox but there only needs to be a small percent of “poison” brought in “alongside of” or “contrary to” the truth in order to bring about destruction of souls.
These “counterfeits” can be detected because first of all, they are busy creating dissension and scandal contrary to sound (healthy) doctrine (cf 1 Tim 4:6, see notes 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1 ) by preaching and teaching things that are different from what the “standard of sound doctrine” (see note 2 Timothy 1:13). This is the mark of a counterfeit believer or a false teacher. Not only are they marked by “what they say” but how they say it (”smooth and flattering speech” in the next verse). These men are good…they do not come and speak roughly or so boldly as to disturb people. They ” creep in unnoticed” (pareisduno from the prefix “para” = at the side of + eisduo = enter in or sink in) as in ( Jude 1:4) speaking sweetly and ostensibly such lovely people. They seemed to have such a desire to advance the knowledge and the welfare of believers; but there was always something wrong about what and how they said. Another “give away” was that they served their own appetites.
Stedman writes…
“What did Paul say to do about them? Excommunicate them? Burn them at the stake? No, just avoid them. Don’t listen to them. Don’t pay any attention to them. Don’t give them an audience. Don’t let them take your time with their false ideas. I think this applies well to those zealous cultists who come around so frequently to our doors with books under their arms that claim to be explanations of the Scriptures, but which are so contrary to it in teaching and doctrine. They usually require that you join some organization, or take your counsel from some inspired teacher or center somewhere else. Paul says avoid them — that is all….Remember, when the disciples came to Jesus very disturbed because they had found somebody who was preaching in his name and didn’t belong to their group, they asked, “What shall we do with him? Shall we call down fire on his head?” Jesus said to them, “Every plant that my Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone,” {cf. Matt 15:12-14 }. Don’t worry, God will take care of them. Be concerned with the positive affirmation of that which is true. Give yourself to that which is good in the Scriptures, and never mind these others. God will take care of them . (See full sermon The Former Day Saints )
There is a very important phrase in this verse “the teaching which you have learned”
Teaching (1322) (didache ) (see study of related word didaskalia ) in the active sense refers to the act of teaching, instructing or tutoring and in the passive sense to teaching which is given. In didache, we have incorporated the idea of the authority of that which is taught.
Learned (3129) (manthano ) describes intentional learning by inquiry and observation. Manthano is most recognizable in its noun form, mathetes (”disciple”). The idea of manthano is to genuinely understand and accept a teaching accept it as true and to apply it in one’s life. The Greek word mathetes - “disciple” - is derived from the verb manthano. Thus, a disciple is a pupil or learner. In Greek culture prior to Socrates, manthano described the process by which a person sought theoretical knowledge.
A mathetes was one who attached himself to another to gain some practical or theoretical knowledge, whether by instruction or by experience. The word came to be used both of apprentices who were learning a trade and of adherents of various philosophical schools. After the time of Socrates, the word lost favor with the philosophers, who were not at all happy with its association with labor.
The value of sound teaching that is learned is crucial so that the disciple might be equipped to recognize and then to refute subtle errors. Paul exhorted his young protégé Timothy in his last written words to
Retain the standard ( present imperative = continually hold on to this “healthy” teaching) of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (see note 2 Timothy 1:13)
Later in this same letter, Paul warned Timothy there would be
evil men and impostors (who) will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (see note 2 Timothy 3:13)
In light of the imminent, certain appearance of these evil men, Paul exhorted Timothy…
You, however (in contrast to the deceivers), continue ( present imperative = continually) in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them.” (see note 2 Timothy 3:14 )
AND TURN AWAY FROM THEM: kai ekklinete (2PPAM) ap auton:
As Phillip’s has it “steer clear of them.” Reject what they teach and to protect fellow believers, especially new converts and the immature, from being deceived, confused, and misled.
Turn away ( 1578) ( ekklino from ek = from or out of + klíno = incline, bend, turn aside or away) means to lean in the wrong direction conveying the idea that one is to to keep away from, to limit or to avoid association with these men. Shun them. Avoid them. Have nothing to do with them. Note again we have the present tense and the imperative mood which calls for continual obedience to this command - make this your continual practice to shun these men.
Ekklino was used to describe a soldier’s running the wrong way or deserting. Another secular use describes staying clear of prickly shrubs. Hippocrates used this word to describe a dislocation.
Peter uses ekklino in (see note 1 Peter 3:11) commanding believers to “turn away from evil”.
From - this is the preposition apo which speaks of separation and thus conveys the idea of “put some distance between you and these men”!
William Newell warns that
Satan has deceived some good preachers into “personally investigating evil people and conditions, ” in order to “preach against them”; but God says “The things that are done of them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.” Preach the Word (see notes 2 Timothy 4:1 ; 4:2; 4:3 ; 4:4); therein will be found abundant discoveries of evil and denunciations thereof; but, being the Word of God, it is holy, and may safely be used in exposing evil. It is like the sunshine that lights up the foulest alley without being itself defiled! Don’t go down the alley “personally, ” lifting the lids of their garbage-cans; or you will smell of it! (Romans 16 )
MacArthur amplifies Paul’s warning:
“Although it is helpful for Christians, especially preachers and teachers, to have some knowledge of what liberal Christianity and so-called Christian cults teach, it is spiritually unwise and dangerous to be overly exposed to their falsehoods, whether through reading their literature or becoming involved in their churches, colleges, seminaries, or other institutions. By doing such things, many ill-prepared but self-confident believers have had their faith as well as their doctrine seriously subverted, as they are ” carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (see note Ephesians 4:14). Many seminarians, who typically are more familiar with Scripture than most other Christians of their age, have become so engulfed in dialogue with theological error that their effective ministry is all but forfeited. They do not, of course, lose their salvation, but they can easily have their usefulness to the Lord severely weakened and sometimes destroyed.” ( MacArthur, J: Romans 9-16. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos)
William Newell adds that…
“The inability to turn resolutely and holily away from false teachers and evil workers, is a mark of spiritual ill-health, decadence, and possibly of the state of spiritual death itself! Mad dogs are shot; infectious diseases are quarantined; but evil teachers who would divide to their destruction and draw away the saints with teaching contrary to the doctrine of Christ and His Apostles are everywhere tolerated! How ghastly and ruinous is this false toleration! Let us take heed lest we “partake in the evil deeds” of such evil workers. ( Romans 16)
The apostle John warns us that…
“Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds .” (2 John 1:9-11 ).
Matthew Henry has some pithy comments:
“How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine (see note Titus 1:9) of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offences. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many CALL Christ, Master and Lord, who are FAR FROM SERVING Him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. (see note Titus 1:16) They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart ( Mt 15:19); perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence (Pr 4:23 ). It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are soft in their convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?”
Romans 16:18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. ( NASB: Lockman)
Greek: oi gar toioutoi to kurio emon Christo ou douleuousin ( 5719) alla te heauton koilia, kai dia tes chrestologias kai eulogias exapatosin tas kardias ton akakon.
Amplified: For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites and base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting and simpleminded [people]. ( Amplified Bible - Lockman)
BBE: For such people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their stomachs; and by their smooth and well-said words the hearts of those who have no knowledge of evil are tricked.
CEV: They want to serve themselves and not Christ the Lord. Their flattery and fancy talk fool people who don’t know any better. ( CEV)
GWT: People like these are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people. ( GWT)
KJV: For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
NET: 1 For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive. (NET Bible)
Phillips: Such men do not really serve our Lord Jesus Christ at all but are utterly self-centred. Yet with their plausible and attractive arguments they deceive those who are too simple-hearted to see through them. ( Phillips: Touchstone )
TLB: Such teachers are not working for our Lord Jesus but only want gain for themselves. They are good speakers, and simple-minded people are often fooled by them.
Weymouth: For men of that stamp are not bondservants of Christ our Lord, but are slaves to their own appetites; and by their plausible words and their flattery they utterly deceive the minds of the simple.
Wuest: For they are such as are not rendering service as bondslaves to our Lord Christ, but to their own stomachs; and with smooth and plausible address, which simulates goodness, and with polished eulogies, are leading astray the hearts of the innocent; ( Erdmans)
Young’s Literal: for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless,
FOR SUCH MEN ARE SLAVES NOT OF OUR LORD CHRIST BUT OF THEIR OWN APPETITES (belly) : oi gar toioutoi to kurio hemon Christo ou douleuousin (3PPAI) alla te heauton koilia : ( Rom 6:17 1Sa 2:12-17,29 Isa 56:10-12 Php 3:19 2Pe 2:10-15 Jude 1:12)
For - Paul explains why the radical (at least they seem radical in our day where we are more like “Casper milk toast” and don’t want to offend feelings! - elders please for the sake of the purity of the Bride of Christ, please re-read Acts 20:26-32) actions in the above verse are called for.
Paul gives two negative reasons for turning away from false teachers. The first is that these men are slaves of sin (See Sin = the power of sin, personified as a cruel king or evil taskmaster - who would voluntarily want to go back under such a cruel regime!) (See notes Romans 6:16; 17; 6:20 ; 6:21) with the lustful appetites of their depraved mindset in Adam (see note Romans 5:13).
Are slaves ( 1398) (douleuo from root noun doulos [see word study] = slave or one who is in bondage or bound to another, in the state of being completely controlled by someone or something) means to be in bondage or in the position of servant and to act accordingly, dutifully obeying the master’s commands.
The present tense signifies this was the lifestyle (continually enslaved) of these men and active voice indicates that they made a willful choice to submit themselves to the strong, corrupt desires that originate from our fallen (see discussion of Sin) nature inherited from Adam. In short, they might have masqueraded as believers but here Paul is saying they clearly were depraved, unregenerate men, still enslaved to their sinful lusts.
Excursus on
Slavery to Sin
Every person born in the flesh (physical flesh) becomes a slave to the rule and reign of SIN, Paul instructing us that
“just as through one man (Adam) Sin entered into the world and death through Sin and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (see note Romans 5:12).
In other words all men commit sins because all men have inherited the ” Sin” gene (the propensity to sin) from Adam, our first father. Our very constitution “in Adam” is sinful and we have neither the desire nor the power to do anything but continually ( present tense - as our lifestyle) commit sins. We are sinners by nature (by birth). All men are therefore both willingly and inevitably enslaved to sin in its many and various forms. Therefore, although we as believers cannot help being dismayed when we see evil flourishing, we should not be surprised (cf Ps 73:3ff [Spurgeon’s note ], Hab 1:3), for apart from being born again by the Spirit, by grace through faith in Christ, a person has no alternative but to habitually commit sins.
Jesus taught this same truth declaring
Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who (continually, habitually) commits sin is the slave ( doulos) of sin. (Jn 8:34)
In describing false teachers, Peter writes that
by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (see note 2 Peter 2:19)
The NLT paraphrases 2 Peter 2:19…
They (the false teachers) promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
In Romans 6 Paul asks a rhetorical question (a question for effect)..
Do you not know that when you (continually) present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience (to do his will), you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of (the power of Sin) resulting in death or of obedience resulting in righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)? (see note Romans 6:16)
Servitude in the ancient world, whether voluntary or involuntary, was rigid and gave the master an absolute right over his slave.
Clarke adds that the unsaved like the men Paul is describing here in Romans 16 are…
in a state of continual thraldom (enslavement); not served or gratified by our lusts and pleasures, but living, as their slaves, a life of misery and wretchedness.
All (no exceptions) unregenerate men and women are enslaved to Sin by the “chains” of their passions and pleasures and are completely under Sin’s control.
In Romans 3 Paul writes
that both Jews and Greeks are all under (the power of) Sin. (see note Romans 3:9)
Writing to the Galatians Paul taught that
“the Scripture has shut up all men under SIN” ( Gal 3:22a, NAS).
The NLT paraphrases it this way
“the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin”.
Jesus came to set men free from slavery to SIN, at the inauguration of His ministry quoting from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden.” ( Lu 4:18)
Where is the freedom from slavery to SIN revealed? In the Gospel for through the Gospel Jesus
delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” (see note Colossians 1:13 )
Even in the Old Testament, Isaiah had prophesied that Jesus would come
to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from the prison. ( Isa 42:6)
In Romans 6 Paul elaborates on the great truth that when we are taken from our state of slavery to Sin (personified as a master) “in Adam” and placed “in Christ”, the power of Sin in our life is irrevocably broken. Yes, we all continue to commit sins but for the first time we have the power within us to say “No” to the reign of Sin.
Paul writes that when
“our old self (i.e., who we were were in Adam = spiritually dead) was crucified with (Christ), our body of Sin (became ineffective, inoperative, inactive, powerless and) that we should no longer be slaves to SIN (i.e., to the power which Sin exerted over us to control us and force us to commit sins) for he who has died is freed from (the control of) SIN.” (see notes Romans 6:6; 6:7)
Sin formerly had dominion over us, but now believers can consider themselves truly
“dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” ( see note Romans 6:11 )
Paul goes on to teach that because of our death (”co-crucifixion” with Christ) to Sin, now we are not to permit
Sin (to) reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to Sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace. (see notes Romans 6:12 ; 6:13 ; 6:14 )
Own appetites - This phrase is indicative of any base interest, and not necessarily gross, sensual indulgence, as in (notes on Philippians 3:18; 3:19; 3:20), though this is possibly intended.
MacArthur adds:
No matter how seemingly sincere and caring false teachers or preachers may appear to be, they are never genuinely concerned for the cause of Christ or for His church. They are driven by self-interest and self-gratification—sometimes for fame, sometimes for power over their followers, always for financial gain, and frequently for all of those reasons. Many of them enjoy pretentious and luxurious lifestyles, and sexual immorality is the rule more than the exception. Many false teachers devote their lives to the study of Scripture, but because they have never trusted in Christ for salvation and because they view the Bible as man’s ideas about God rather than God’s revelation to man, they distort His Word and twist it to fit their own sinful predispositions. Because they have been in such close contact with God’s truth, “it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them” (see note 2 Peter 2:21 ). Such scholars are “always learning and [are] never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected as regards the faith” (2 Tim. 3:7-8). They reject the truth that Peter declares so clearly in his second letter ( see notes 2 Peter 1:20; 1:21 ; cf. notes 2 Peter 2:1; 2:2; 2:3 ; 2:10 ; 2:11
In Christ, I am: Part 15 November 18, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentPaul says to those Ephesians, “Friend, when we get to heaven, there are not going to be any Baptists, Methodists, or Presbyterians. There are going to be people covered by the blood of Jesus standing there overwhelmed by the grace of their salvation. There, for sure, we will realize that we have been made in heaven by the grace of God.” The label that is on us should be just simply, “Jesus.” That’s it. Wherever we go, whatever we do, when people look at us they ought to see Him. When they hear us, they ought to hear Him. When they watch us, they ought to see Him. You see, in everything that we do, that label ought to be upon us.
Well, let’s look at the fact that we are made in heaven by the grace of God.
In verses 8-10 we are the living demonstration of God’s grace. First of all, look at this thought in verses 8 and 9, by the grace of God. We are what we are by the grace of God. Verse 8 says,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
In other words, I am a product of God and His grace. It is a gift of God. Paul is telling the Gentile believers that they are what they are because of the grace of God. If somebody gets up to testify of their salvation experience, they have not one right under heaven to say they had anything to do with it. Grace is what only God can do to a man, for a man, in a man and through a man that a man could never do and on this earth will never deserve. It will never be deserved in any way. It is what God has done for you and me. A believer cannot take any credit whatsoever for his salvation.
Paul says in Verse 8,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.”
It kind of tickles me sometimes to say that there are two “not’s” in Greek, but there are. The first one is me, which is a relative “not”, and means sometimes, sometimes yes, sometimes no. It always is subjective to whatever you are talking about. However there is another not in Scripture. It is the word ou and it means absolutely not in any way, shape or form. Paul says, “We are saved by grace, not in any way, shape or form, of yourselves. It is the gift of God.”
Now I can hear somebody saying, “You said not of anything of man and yet you say, we must believe. How do you reconcile that?” Well first of all, let’s see if we can explain it. The word “faith” there is the word pistis. It means to put your trust in and to obey. That’s exactly what the Ephesians had done. Look back at 1:13. It is the same form of the word. In Ephesians 1:13 Paul writes,
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
There has got to be belief. When the gospel is presented, revealed to the human heart, there has got to be a response of faith, of receiving of trusting in, of being willing to obey what the gospel has said. There is one thing we tend to overlook, lest anybody think you did anything to get saved: it is all God’s idea.
Turn to Philippians 1:29. I want to show you something. Not only is our salvation by the grace of God, even the way we receive it is by the grace of God.
“For to you, it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
Now if you jump to the suffering, you pick up the fact that Paul is in prison. He is talking about that, but he said something else there. You have also been granted, it is given as a gift, to believe in Him, which is in the present tense.
By the way, there is a difference here. When God enables a person to see the gospel revealed to him by the Holy Spirit and be convicted of his sin by the Holy Spirit, He also enables him with a different kind of belief than what man calls belief. Belief is not static. That’s human belief. “Oh, I understand. I think I know what you are talking about. I’ll do what you say.” It stops right there. With God, when He quickens belief in a person’s heart, when he is responding to gospel of their salvation, it is a belief that starts and never stops. Oh, it may wane for a while. It may even be little for a while. It might be like the centurion, “Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief.” But that spark is still there. That flame is still there. You see, what starts by God continues.
That is why the Apostle John over in I John doesn’t say, “Did you get saved back here?” Every time he says, “Those who believe,” in the present tense. Listen, it is no good to go back and say “I believed back then” if you are not believing right now. God quickens that measure of faith that He gave to all men on this earth. When that is enacted, when they respond out of the grace of God to the gospel of their salvation, it is something that starts and it never, ever, ever stops. It has been granted to you to believe in Him. So, yes, we must respond. Yes, it must be a response of faith. But my friend, God gave you the faith to respond, and it is God who, when you do respond in His power and by His grace, enables that belief to go on and on and on and on and on. There is one thing then we must remember: our salvation is by the grace of God.
Going back to Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9 say,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”
Now what does he mean, the result of works? Well, it is a deed. That word is used three times in the book of Ephesians. Let’s just find out how Paul wants us to see it used. First of all, it is in 1:11. It refers to that which someone does, a deed that a person does:
“also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”
Who does something? You see, a deed is something you do.
In chapter 2 it is used again in verse 10.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
So it is not only what somebody does, it is what they are supposed to do. It is a deed, something you do.
In Ephesians 3:20, it even conveys the idea of the energy of that deed.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”
That’s energy. That word is the energy behind a deed that one does. Now you say, “Why are you laboring the point?” Well, anything that a man does in his own energy is not and cannot be the basis for his salvation other than activating the faith that God has already given him to respond to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is from God alone. We are products of His grace, made in heaven by the grace of God.
Now, what work could anybody attach to being saved? Some people say you have to be baptized to be saved. Have you ever heard that? There are some people who say, “Hey, it is not even the baptism. You’ve got to believe, when you are being baptized, that the water cleanses your sin and washes away your sin, so that you can be regenerated. If you don’t believe that when you were baptized, then you aren’t saved when you are baptized.” Some people say, “You have to be baptized by a minister of a particular church that holds to that creed. You can’t just be baptized by anybody.” Folks, how does that match up with what Paul says here? Not of works, in no way of yourself, not of any energized deed that you do can you be saved. In no way can you be saved.
You see, salvation is that which God does. We are what we are because of the grace of God. He is telling these Ephesians, “The Jews can’t take any credit. You can’t take any credit. We are all what we are by the grace of God.”
Secondly, His label should be on what we do. We should do what we do by the grace of God. Now that is different. We are what we are. Yes sir, I’ll wear that label. But on what I do, I put my own label because I’ll do it and ask God to bless it. Is that what verse 10 says? Let’s look at it. He says,
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Uh oh. “Beforehand” in the context of Ephesians means before the foundation of the world. You mean only God knows what those good works are? Well, that’s the thought I’ve got. They are in Christ. That is the only way they can be accomplished, and we are to walk in them. Not only are we to have His label on who we are, but we are to have His label on what and how we do what we do.
Notice I said we should do what we do by His grace. We have a choice here. You say, “Wait a minute, you’re confusing me. I’m to walk in these good works, I am not to come up with them; He has already predestined them before the foundation of the world. How in the world can I walk in something if I don’t know what they are?” Well now, many of them we do know. They are right here in the Word. You need to remember we are only in Chapter 2 of Ephesians. We’re laying the ground work for chapters 4-6. We haven’t gotten to the instructional part. We are in the doctrinal part right now. Now the instructional part makes a lot of sense, if you understand the doctrinal part.
How are we going to walk in those works? It’s not going to be because of our own self-effort or our own creativity. We were saved by the grace of God, therefore, what we do should be by the grace of God. That is only what God can do in a man, to a man, for a man and through a man. Ephesians 5:18 says,
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
The tense here means “being at all times.” That’s the Spirit-filled life. How do I walk in those works when I don’t know what they are apart from His intervention in my life? I simply am being filled at all times with the Spirit of God. What does that mean? Listen, it doesn’t mean I get something new every day. It means I’ve already got what I need. I bow to that every day. I am submissive to Him, yielded to Him, and overwhelmed that this is His idea and not my idea. In other words when I understand this is God’s work, when I am yielded to His Word and His will, then His Spirit within me begins to produce, with my cooperation, through me works that are good and have His label on them. It is not my label. His label is on them.
As a matter of fact, in Galatians 3:1ff Paul writes
“You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
“You got saved in the Spirit. You wore His label of salvation. Now are you going to be sanctified by the flesh?” You know, a lot of people are hung up in that. They don’t mind wearing the label and saying, “Hey, I didn’t have anything to do with my salvation.” But they take on the responsibility that they have everything to do with their sanctification, as if they have got to work their way into perfection.
Philippians 1:6 says,
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
It is all Christ and what He does in our life. We simply line up. We simply cooperate with Him. What comes out of that intimate relationship with Him in His Word is called the good works.
Do you want to see what the deeds of the flesh are, what we can do, what we will end up being, what the root attitudes are? In Galatians 5:19 Paul tries to warn them. He tells them if they live this way, they can’t even be saved. If they start acting these ways nobody will ever know they are even Christians. Verse 19 says,
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing.”
He doesn’t even finish the list. He says,
“I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In other words, you don’t want this stuff to get in your life. You don’t want the flesh to control your life. These things will start coming in your life, and people won’t know if you are saved or if you are lost.
It says in verse 22,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
In other words, I want you to see there is a difference in what comes out of a person when he is in tune with the One who lives in him. There is a difference when he does it himself and when God through him does a work. He has done a work to us. That is the label we wear, “Made in heaven by the grace of God.”
Now He wants to do a work through us on earth by the grace of God. That’s what He wants to do. Look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17. I think this explains it even better. The first part of chapter 3 is about loving self. A lover of self is one. The first characteristic is a lover of money. In Verse 10 he switches to people who love God. In that context we find verse 16.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
Now wait a minute. Which comes first, the work or the word? You see what happens is, we get saved by grace. I’ll wear that label. Then we jump into the work. No. We must surrender to the Word so then we are equipped for every good work. His label should not only be on what we are, but it should be on what we do.
Well, I could have added another one. One day we will be what we will be by the grace of God. We are what we are by the grace of God. We should do what we do by the grace of God, and one day we will be what we will be by the grace of God. His grace continues to be demonstrated in us from ages to ages, to ages to come of His love and mercy towards His creation.
That’s what Paul is saying. You are saved by the grace of God. You are made in heaven by the grace of God. Wear His label on who you are and wear His label on what you do. Don’t you dare take an ounce of credit for any of it.
Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved,…. This is to be understood, not of temporal salvation, nor of preservation in Christ, nor of providential salvation in order to calling, and much less of being put in a way of salvation, or only in a salvable state; but of spiritual salvation, and that actual; for salvation was not only resolved upon, contrived and secured in the covenant of grace, for the persons here spoken to, but it was actually obtained and wrought out for them by Christ, and was actually applied unto them by the Spirit; and even as to the full enjoyment of it, they had it in faith and hope; and because of the certainty of it, they are said to be already saved; and besides, were representatively possessed of it in Christ their head: those interested in this salvation, are not all mankind, but particular persons; and such who were by nature children of wrath, and sinners of the Gentiles; and it is a salvation from sin, Satan, the law, its curse and condemnation, and from eternal death, and wrath to come; and includes all the blessings of grace and glory; and is entirely owing to free grace: for by grace is not meant the Gospel, nor gifts of grace, nor grace infused; but the free favour of God, to which salvation in all its branches is ascribed; as election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, and eternal glory: the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, “by his grace”, and so some copies; and it may refer to the grace of all the three Persons; for men are saved by the grace of the Father, who drew the plan of salvation, appointed men to it, made a covenant with his Son, in which it is provided and secured, and sent him into the world to obtain it; and by the grace of the Son, who engaged as a surety to effect it, assumed human nature, obeyed and suffered in it for that purpose, and has procured it; and by the grace of the Spirit, who makes men sensible of their need of it, brings it near, sets it before them, and applies it to them, and gives them faith and hope in it: hence it follows,
through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; salvation is through faith, not as a cause or condition of salvation, or as what adds anything to the blessing itself; but it is the way, or means, or instrument, which God has appointed, for the receiving and enjoying it, that so it might appear to be all of grace; and this faith is not the produce of man’s free will and power, but it is the free gift of God; and therefore salvation through it is consistent with salvation by grace; since that itself is of grace, lies entirely in receiving grace and gives all the glory to the grace of God: the sense of this last clause may be, that salvation is not of ourselves; it is not of our desiring nor of our deserving, nor of our performing, but is of the free grace of God: though faith is elsewhere represented as the gift of God, Joh 6:65 and it is called the special gift of faith, in the Apocrypha:
“And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the “special gift of faith”, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.” (Wisdom 3:14)
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Ver. 9. Not of works,…. Of any kind, moral or ceremonial, before or after conversion, done without faith or in it, nor of these in any sense; works are neither the moving causes, nor the procuring causes, nor the helping causes, nor “causa sine qua non”, or conditions of salvation; the best works that are done by men, are not done of themselves, but by the grace of God, and therefore can never merit at his hand: and salvation is put upon such a foot,
lest any man should boast; of his works before God, and unto men; wherefore he has denied works any place in justification and salvation, in order to exclude all boasting in man; and has fixed it in a way of grace, and has chosen and called poor sinful worthless creatures to enjoy it, that whoever glories, may glory in the Lord.