hanks

Q3. (Luke 7:41-43, 47) According to Jesus' Parable of the Two Debtors, do you think the woman was saved prior to the dinner or during the dinner? How effusive is your love for Jesus? How should we as disciples express our gratitude for salvation? I’m sure she must have been saved prior to this dinner. The reason being that just before this event there was Jesus’ gracious invitation in Mat 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This is shown in the Harmony of the Gospels - the order in which these events occurred are: first, we have Jesus easing John's doubts as in both Matthew 11:1-19 and Luke 7:18-35; then we have Jesus promises rest for the soul in Matthew 11:20-30, and finally, our parable - a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet in Luke 7:36-50. I think she must have heard Jesus speaking about being burdened by the weight of sin, and the forgiveness He offers to those who come to Him in faith (Mat 11:25 -30). So, this would have been the time when this woman repented and turned away from her sin and put her trust in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Her overflowing love as shown by her tears, her humble attitude, and her expensive gift is the natural response to a changed heart and the forgiveness she received. Initially I never took my sins seriously – there were many so called little sins. It was only when I came to realise the magnitude of my sin and forgiveness that my response is very similar to the woman’s in our parable. All I deserved was eternal punishment, but Jesus died on the cross for my sins, past, present, and future. Then there is the promise of eternal life (John 3:15) - whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ receives eternal life as a free gift. The only way I can try and express my gratitude is by wanting to do something for Him, which I know will be inadequate. But still, I want to worship Him, I want to adore Him, I want to praise Him, I want to thank Him, I want to honour Him, I want to glorify Him, I want to serve Him, and I want to be obedient to His Word.

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father's way of operating and His values? In what ways does the older son hold his father's values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry? In all three parables we notice the joy and pleasure God receives when sinners repent - are found. We also notice His love not only for all humanity, but for each one of us personally – not wanting any to perish. In this parable our Heavenly Father treats each one of us as a person with a will of our own. He does not force us to come to Him but waits patiently as we come to our senses. His love is constant and patient as we repent and put our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. The elder son continues to support his father and runs the farm loyal to his father’s values of hard work and patience, and is not distracted by worldly standards like his brother. However, there is a dark-side to him. He despises the fact that his younger brother is forgiven, and refuses to participate in the celebration. Very much like the Pharisees. They resent God showing mercy to disgraceful sinners. This shows us that his relationship with his father, very much like the Pharisees, is not based on love but on works. As believers we can learn to forgive others, no matter what they have done to us. Also, to forgive others who repent after having lived sinful lives. Love them, support them, encourage them, and rejoice with them as they grow in their walk with Jesus.

Q1. (Luke 15:1-10) What do the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin teach disciples about God's heart? In what way do these parables represent a contrast to the murmuring of the Pharisees? How should a disciple implement Jesus' value of seeking the lost in his or her own community? We see a loving God who deeply cares for each sinner who is not saved. A God who actively seeks the lost, who grieves over every person lost, and who rejoices when they are found. So much so that their conversion and salvation bring great joy to His heart (Isa 62:5). This is a God full of love, full of mercy, full of grace, and full of tender kindness; a God who forgives sinners who repent and put their faith in His Son. The Pharisees could not take it or understand Jesus’ love and concern for these outcasts. They criticised Him for the fact that He went about diligently seeking them and becoming actively involved with them. He mixes with them, He eats with them, He loves them, He does not look down upon them, and He comes to offer them salvation. This was too much. They did not see themselves as sinners in need of salvation, and here was Jesus polluting their holiness. So, we see these proud, disrespectful, self-righteous Pharisees withdrawing from the Lord. In contrast to our Lord Jesus, they were always avoiding any contact with certain classes of people, the social and moral lepers, or anything unclean in accordance with the OT laws of uncleanness. They went about murmuring/complaining that “this man receives sinners and eats with them” (15:2). This of course was true, as this was the very purpose for which our Lord came into the world. Jesus teaches us that we are to follow His example in seeking the lost. Jesus shows that He associates with all kinds and groups of people, irrespective of status, or race. He loves everyone equally, and it is up to us to do the same. We are to seek the lost and lead them to Jesus Christ for salvation, especially those we might feel uncomfortable with like the destitute and homeless.

Q38. (1 Peter 5:5-6) Why is prideful living incompatible with showing grace? Why do you think God opposes the proud? What does humility have to do with repentance to enable us to receive God's grace? How does pride prevent us from showing grace? Prideful living is living for self, and as such it has no consideration for others. It is incompatible with showing grace since grace demands thinking of others, and their needs; often putting their needs before our own. Pride is a sin we all battle with, a sin we are not always aware of. In the world today we are concerned with our position and status. We hunger for recognition, for success, for power, and for wealth. There is no time for God. God can never be supreme in the lives that are dominated by self. Even believers battle with pride as it negatively affects their fellowship with God; replacing His rightful place by placing themselves first. It is when we repent of our self-centredness, of our selfish demands and place God as Lord of our lives, we humble ourselves and we know God who opposes the proud gives grace to the humble. It is only when we humble ourselves that we will experience God’s grace and the rewards He promises us – pride will prevent this happening. Jesus Himself said “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).

Q37. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9; 8:9; Luke 6:37-38) Is it possible to be grace-filled and stingy at the same time? Why is this so? What is the relationship between forgiving and giving generously? In 2 Corinthians 8:9 we see that grace has an unmistakable meaning of generosity. Jesus was so generous that He gave all He had for our sakes, and that through His poverty we might become eternally rich. Coming down to earth in this manner He poured out generously His grace to us through His sacrifice, kindness, mercy, goodness, compassion and love. Knowing this, our greatest joy should be to give all that we are and have to Him. There’s no room for being stingy or miserly. Out of gratitude for our Saviour we should be living a grace-filled life. We should be giving generously taking into account the needs of others, perhaps focusing more on the needs of our church congregation. God loves a cheerful giver and does not look at the size of the gift but at the attitude of the heart. He loves to see a Christian so filled with joy that they want to share what they have with others. Every blessing we receive from God comes as a gift. Forgiveness is never granted because we have earned it or deserved it. No, it is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. When Jesus forgives us our sins, our trespasses, our iniquities, and our transgressions they are all deleted not to be remembered anymore. This is a generous act of grace on God’s part. In the same way we are to be kind to one another, forgiving each other (Eph 4:22), which is an act of grace on our part. As we read in Luke 17:3-4 we are to extend our forgiveness to others generously. We are to give freely, since we have received freely.

Q36. (Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:8-9, 15; Ephesians 4:29-32) What would be the characteristics of a conversation with an unbeliever that might be termed "full of grace"? What guidelines should rule our ways of speaking? How can we avoid the bad examples set for us by leaders of our culture and our world? In our conversation with unbelievers, we should make the most of the opportunity to tell them the Good News of salvation. This must be done gently, courteously, respectfully, and humbly. We can tell them about the great things the Lord has done for us. But, when speaking about our Saviour and Lord there should be no trace of harshness or bitterness; rather our conversation must be honest and without hypocrisy – always full of grace. If not, this can result in just the opposite desired effect by turning unbelievers away from Christ. We should always be ready to encourage one another and build each other up. There is no room in our conversation for resentment, unwillingness to forgive, burst of rage, anger, hostility, insulting language, slander, abusive speech, meanness or wishing evil on others. Just the opposite should characterise our speech. Being creatures in Christ we should be displaying supernatural virtues of kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness. We should never forget the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary – the abundant grace He showers on us. Being believers, we have received a new heart (2 Cor 5:17), and our nature has given way to living a life of harmony, compassion, love, and humility. We avoid the bad examples our leaders have shown us. Gone are our old self of self-centredness, our aggressive behaviour, our retaliation of evil with evil, and insult with insult. Instead, we bless those who mistreat us, and repay insult with kindness. We now have a heart sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, even looking for opportunities to help them.

Q35. (Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:12-21) What is the difference between ethical behavior and grace? What is so radical about Jesus' teaching about loving one's enemies? What illustrations does He use of this outrageous grace? Ethical behaviour is treating others in a proper, just, or moral way. Grace is treating people, who don’t deserve this treatment, in the same way. It is where we repay evil with good. Jesus’ teachings about our behaviour towards our enemies is considered radical in that it is not our natural reaction. To love those who despise you, to do good to those who hate you, to bless those who curse you, to pray for those who are nasty to you, all requires supernatural powers. We love our enemies in that by our actions we may bring some to salvation. Also, it is difficult to hate someone we are praying for. On the cross Jesus Himself forgave those that committed the greatest crime in all of human history. Loving our enemies also demonstrates that we are His children (John 1:12), and we seek to be imitators of our Heavenly Father. We treat others with the same kindness and consideration we would like to receive.

Q34. (1 Corinthians 15:10) How does your openness to God's grace define your persona, who you actually are? How does your willingness to dispense God's grace to others mould you into who God has designed you to be? Before I received God’s saving grace, Gal 5:19-21 reminded me of my previous depraved condition. There was no love in me of others. no love of God, only a selfish love of self. There was my sinful nature and my slavery to sin. And how by grace God totally changed me. I see this as the dying away of my old self and the coming to life of the new me. I was brought out of death into life, out of darkness into light. I am not what I used to be. Being renewed daily. Grace is the source of all my present blessings, and it is God’s power operating in me that defines who I actually am (1 Cor 2:4-5). Now I begin imitating my Lord Jesus Christ and the fruit of the Spirit starts slowly becoming more and more of a reality and more obvious (Gal 5:22-23). I like to think I’ve been given a unique spiritual gift composed of various percentages of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And our Lord gives me the willingness and power to dispense these graces to others. By doing this I bring glory to my Heavenly Father, and build up the church. Now, by the grace of God, I am what I am.

Q33. Why are God's gifts of grace an immensely greater blessing to those who attend church and are a functioning part of a congregation? How can isolating yourself from the Christian community involve selfishness and fear? How can it impoverish you? The whole purpose of these gifts of grace that God gives us, is to edify and mature the church, to glorify God in blessing and serving others. Of course, this cannot happen when people don’t attend church – it can only function in a congregation. Selfish, self-centred believers use these gifts to draw attention to themselves and to edify themselves – to the detriment of the church. When we isolate ourselves from the Christian community, not only is it difficult to use and apply these gifts but also to receive blessings from others. So, we are the losers – we deprive ourselves of the blessings we have been given.

Q32. (1 Peter 4:10) We are stewards of God's grace. What are the responsibilities of a steward or trustee? In what way do we act as trustees of what belongs to God? In what way are spiritual gifts or the message of the gospel part of this trust we have been given? Our responsibilities are to faithfully use our gifts of God’s grace to serve others, and not only for our own purposes. We act as trustees of these gifts in that we are intended to be administrators or managers through which these blessings/graces can flow to others. They are given to us but should not end with us, in that they should be passed on to others. We are trusted to manage these riches but they don’t belong to us, they are used to bring glory to our Heavenly Father and to benefit and build up His church.

Q31. (Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-6) Why is there such a close relationship between "grace" (charis) and "gifts" (charisma)? What is the chief characteristic of a generous person? In what ways do spiritual gifts channel God's grace? The term charisma (gifts) found in Rom 12:6 and 1 Cor 12:1, and in numerous other verses, are closely related with spiritual gifts, and has a meaning of “graces” or “gifts of grace”. Both can be defined as favour bestowed, gifts freely and graciously given. The chief characteristic of a generous person, is that they give generously to the needs of others. Their motivation is that their generosity may build up the body of Christ, the church (Eph 4:12). It is never done for personal gain, glory or recognition. Each believer receives a gift from God, as an act of grace. They are there to manifest the attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is not one believer who does not have a gift, and each gift is unique and is made up of a combination of different attributes and abilities. In other words, God's grace deals out differing gifts to different people. They differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to the graces He has given us, and according to His wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. On top of this He also gives the necessary strength or ability to use and apply whatever gifts we have. Since as believers, we all are in Christ we are given these gifts to strengthen the whole church. Enabling the body of Christ to grow spiritually and numerically.

Q30. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Why does God's power flourish best when we feel weak? If God's grace is "sufficient," what is it sufficient to do or accomplish in or through us? What are the practical limits of the sufficiency of grace? Once we recognize how truly weak we are, it is only then that we will start to depend on God’s power rather than our own strength. In our weakness we become more dependent on Him; relying on His power. In this evil world we will face injustices, and inequalities - on our own we are frequently helpless to remedy the effects of these on our lives. We suffer and if our prayers are not answered we may become embittered and self-pitying. On the other hand, we can allow these “thorns” to pin us closer to Christ, who gives us sufficient grace to be able to bear them with endurance and patience. Remembering what Jesus said: “My power is made perfect in weakness”, this should give us courage and hope. God’s grace is sufficient in all areas of need. The more we are yielded to Him, the greater will be His effectiveness in conforming us to Christ.

Q29. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why do we often feel so weak in times of sickness or affliction? Why are we tempted to stop ministering to others when we are struggling? In times of sickness, we usually focus solely on our condition. Feeling sorry for ourselves and thinking that God has forgotten us or is neglecting us. It is very difficult for us to realize that God may have in mind to bring about some good through our struggles. God is sovereign and He may allow this sickness for a reason. Perhaps, our spiritual condition is more important than our physical condition. Then again, our sickness may draw us closer to Him as we pray more earnestly. As we approach the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. It will humble us. We notice that in 2 Cor 12:7 (ESV) Paul mentions twice “to keep me from becoming conceited”. Also, it will also result in more and more grace to help us cope with our condition. We might be tempted, because of the debilitating effect our sickness has, to stop ministering to others. We are often not in a happy place and in this weakened position find it difficult to minister to others.

Q28. (Hebrews 4:16) Why is approaching God's holy throne in prayer intimidating to some people? Why do we sometimes fear judgment and condemnation when we approach God. In what ways is God's throne the place where He dispenses "mercy and grace"? In what ways is your home a place where grace is given out? Approaching God’s holy throne can easily become intimidating especially when we become aware of our own insignificance, our own sinfulness, our guilt, and our weaknesses in the face of such divine perfection and holiness. We may also fear judgment and condemnation knowing that God knows everything about us, even our very own thoughts. This exposes us to who we really are, making us feel uncomfortable and vulnerable - there is nowhere to hide. We forget that because of what Jesus had done on the cross we can boldly approach God in prayer, not on our own merit, but on His merit and His righteousness. We come to His throne of grace, by faith and receive forgiveness in mercy, and righteousness in grace. It is no longer a throne of judgment for us as believers. God may dispense mercy to sinners in misery or distress by being compassionate, and not giving us what we do deserve. On the other hand, He may dispense grace to us by giving us what we do not deserve. Mercy is His attitude of forgiveness, while grace is His attitude of blessing and benevolence. This is all done at the proper time or needed time - just when we need it. When we call on the name of the Lord in faith and approach the throne of God, He will hear and answer. Jesus wants to bless us from the endless resources of His grace. Hopefully, my home is considered a home of grace. It is an open house to those in need. We sometimes offer a place to stay, meals, a listening ear, or even recognition for who they are. Rom 12:13 tells us to “share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality”. I will always remember our dear friends David and Ruth who were the best example of hospitality, I have ever encountered. Every Sunday after church they would invite a couple over to their home for Sunday lunch. And what a meal it was! A truly gracious loving couple! Both are now home with the Lord.

Q27. (John 10:27-30; Jude 24-25; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Timothy 4:18; Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:10-11) Why do you think there are so many assurances of faith in the New Testament? What is your favourite promise of God's role in keeping you in Christ to the end? How does your favourite promise give you powerful assurance of salvation? I think many of us struggle with the assurance of our salvation. Satan wants to cast doubt in our mind, thereby preventing us from living a Christian life free of worry and doubt. Perhaps, over time we look for personal growth in the fruit of the Spirit, are we doing enough good works; are we obedient enough; have our sins been forgiven; have we repented them all - if we think not, we begin to doubt our salvation. This prevents us having a healthy relationship/fellowship with our Lord and Saviour. I feel that our assurance comes first and foremost through the Word, and that God wants us to be sure of our salvation, for this reason there are so many assurances of faith in the NT. The moment we trust our Lord Jesus Christ we can know on the authority of the Word that we have been saved. With time there will be evidences of the new life. My favourite promise is the double guarantee found in John 10:28-29, Jesus speaking: “… no-one can snatch them out of My hand … no-one can snatch them out of My Father's hand.” Wow! Praise the Lord! Not only is my salvation in the hand of Christ, but in my heavenly Father’s hand as well. That is no-one, absolutely no-one can threaten or stop me being saved. I cannot lose my salvation. This is a double assurance of safety - of me spending eternity with my Lord.

Q26. (1 Peter 1:4-5) How does our faith function alongside God's protection to keep us to the end? How does this show God's grace? God’s protection works together with our faith - we are kept by the power of God, and this through our faith in Christ. The moment we first trust our Saviour we are saved from the penalty of sin, and from then on we are saved from the power of sin as we allow Jesus to live His life through us. Finally, at the end we will be saved from the presence of sin as our bodies are changed and glorified. True believers are protected by God and given sustaining and persevering faith. It is the protection of omnipotent power and the perseverance of faith that go together. It is through faith that we are saved and kept. By His mercy we are redeemed, and it is the same grace that preserves our heavenly inheritance, also preserves us as heirs to enjoy it. Thanking You our Heavenly Father: Your grace is a blessing from above, A gift that we can never repay with love. It’s a power that is so divine, The greatest gift of all time.

Q26. (1 Peter 1:4-5) How does our faith function alongside God's protection to keep us to the end? How does this show God's grace? God’s protection works together with our faith - we are kept by the power of God, and this through our faith in Christ. The moment we first trust our Saviour we are saved from the penalty of sin, and from then on we are saved from the power of sin as we allow Jesus to live His life through us. Finally, at the end we will be saved from the presence of sin as our bodies are changed and glorified. True believers are protected by God and given sustaining and persevering faith. It is the protection of omnipotent power and the perseverance of faith that go together. It is through faith that we are saved and kept. By His mercy we are redeemed, and it is the same grace that preserves our heavenly inheritance, also preserves us as heirs to enjoy it. Thanking You our Heavenly Father: Your grace is a blessing from above, A gift that we can never repay with love. It’s a power that is so divine, The greatest gift of all time.

Q25. (John 16:8; 6:44; 6:65) Why is it impossible for people to come to Christ without God's action to convict, draw, and enable them to come? How does God's preparation illustrate His grace? We are unable to come to Christ on our own, without an initial work of God within us. Jesus Himself said “No-one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44a). He also went on to say “No-one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled him" (John 6:65b). This is because we are spiritually dead in our sins and trespasses, spiritual things are foolishness to us, and we cannot understand them (1 Cor 2:14). Being spiritually dead we don’t have the ability or strength to come to Jesus by ourselves. At the same time, we will never realize our guilt and our need of a Saviour, unless our heavenly Father first begins to work in our hearts. The Holy Spirit changes the hearts of those the Father had drawn – we are regenerated, born-again. God gives us new life within; makes us alive spiritually and gives us the ability to respond positively to accept Jesus. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:4-5). God’s preparation illustrates His grace since He is the One who first acted out of love, and sought to win us to Himself. We now have the choice of accepting the Lord Jesus or refusing Him. But we never would have had the desire in the first place if God had not spoken to our hearts.

Q24. (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-6) How does predestination function with God's grace? What is gracious about predestination? Why is His grace "glorious"? He predestined us to be holy and without blame before Him in love. This will only be completed when we are with Him in heaven, and when we also shall be like Jesus (1 John 3:2). God loves us even though we have rebelled against Him, yet God sent His only Son to die in our place, to rescue us from sin and death (Rom 5:8). While we were still sinners Christ laid down His life for the guilty (1 Pet 3:18). Predestination is a gracious act of God in which we were chosen to be adopted as His children. We deserved only His wrath but instead we received the unmerited favour of God - His gracious grace. Predestination means that our salvation is secure, since God chose us and by His grace we will persevere to the end. This can only be that we are predestined through His glorious GRACE.

Q23. (Romans 8:28-30; 1 Peter 1:1-2) I realize that this is a mystery, but how do you see God's foreknowledge working alongside His ability to predestine? If all this is by grace, how might faith and/or good works fit into this predestination? I don’t think it is God’s foreknowledge of our actions that saves us or condemns us. It is not God looking ahead of time and seeing if we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord or not. To me God is sovereign and He chooses, in accordance with His pleasure and will (Eph 1:5), to save some. Most importantly this is not about who will believe or not. It is not based on something we do or will do, but on why some believe and others not. Some believe because they have been chosen, predestined according to God’s plan (Eph 1:11), and are saved. Since we are all sinners, all that we deserve is death (Rom 6:23). Yet in His love and mercy God saves some, those He saves receive grace and the unsaved receive justice – no one receives injustice. All those God predestined will be saved because they are the ones God the Father gives to His Son Jesus (John 6:37). This is all done by God’s grace, tons of grace! I can only speak from personal experience. The moment I was regenerated and received faith, I had to make the decision to trust in Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I clearly remember this (1982). It took me quite a few moments to react. I’m forever grateful that I made the right decision. I mention this to emphasize that I was not dragged or forced to do this. Having been saved was the start of my long journey of doing good works by imitating our Lord Jesus. Gradually the fruit of the Spirit became more and more visible. Thank You Lord!

Q22. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13; James 2:17) How does the Spirit work in us after we are saved to form Christ in us? In what ways is this a process of "working out" our salvation? Why should you expect a person's life to change when they put their faith in Jesus? What is happening if there is no discernible change? The Holy Spirit works to change our mindset, so that we become more and more like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We have received the free gift of eternal life, and now He puts in us the wish and desire to do His will, but at the same time works in us the power to be able to carry out this desire. This is a process of working out our salvation in that together with our Lord we change our reliance on the world and its values, the flesh and its sinful desires, and the devil and his evil schemes. We need help to overcome our sinful, self-centred life we lived. We can expect an initial drastic change in our lives. We have become a new creation, old things have passed away, and all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17). We will notice the Holy Spirit transforming us into the likeness of Christ. There will be visible growth in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). If not we must question our salvation.

Q21. (Acts 18:27; Matthew 16:16-17; John 6:44) How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives to prepare us for salvation? In what sense is the Spirit's revelation important to faith? In what ways have you seen the Father "draw" people to Christ? What is the role of "free will" in salvation? The supernatural work of the Holy Spirit releases us from our bondage to sin, and brings us to Christ. The result is that we are regenerated (born again), that is raised from death to spiritual life. Jesus Himself said that no-one can see (John 3:3), and enter (John 3:5) the kingdom of God unless he is born again. We are made alive in order to understand and respond to the gospel message. I can clearly recall this happening to me in 1982. After years of going to church and the messages going into one ear and out by the other. All of a sudden I took notice and the gospel started to have meaning to me. A gift of grace, since I did nothing to change myself – the start of a long journey. I was so excited and willingly made the decisions to repent and put my faith in Christ Jesus; even these were a gift of God (Eph 2:8-9); created in me by regeneration. There must have been a change of heart, and this was not me being compelled to make a decision against my will. Much later I learned that I was one of the elect, who God chose to save before creation. This was mind boggling. I believe we all have free will to do whatever we desire, but God is sovereign and whatever He decrees will eventually come to pass. For instance, all the elect will eventually come to faith in Christ. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord! To me salvation is all together an act of God, not something we can do or earn. An act of grace that is neither earned nor deserved.

Q20. (Ephesians 2:8-9) How does the idea of earning salvation by being good enough for God distort the essential gospel? With that scenario, what is the need for the cross? How does it affect a sense of self-righteousness? Of pride? Of looking down on others rather than loving them? Why is this kind of works-righteousness so ingrained in people? How does an understanding of salvation by grace change this picture? The gospel teaches us that our salvation is not based on good works, and that we cannot earn or merit it. Good examples are: Rom 3:20; 4:4-5; 11:5-6; Gal 2:16; 3:11; Eph 2:9, but there are many more. We distort the gospel if we believe that it is good people who go to heaven. Rather it is sinners who have been saved by God's grace who will spend eternity with Him. Good works do not earn salvation, they are the result of salvation. We cannot save ourselves by good works, since all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags in God’s sight (Isa 64:6). So, we need a Saviour, we need the cross. It is through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus on the cross that God reckons us righteous by an act of amazing grace. This is a righteousness that saves and comes directly from God the Father through divine grace. Not a self-righteousness that comes from our own deeds. Today we are wary of anything that is free or at a cheap price. The more expensive an item is the better it must be; think of cosmetic and perfume manufacturers who exploit this idea. So, it is with us, we would rather trust our own righteous deeds than the free gift God offers us. The moment we add works of any kind salvation it is no longer by grace (Rom 11:6). Saved by works is open to abuse, resulting in boasting and prideful behaviour, even considering others inferior to ourselves. Work-righteousness dilutes the reason for the death of Christ. We know that the reason He died was because there was no other way by which guilty sinners could be saved. Salvation by grace is not based on a human standard of righteousness but only on the absolute perfection of God. Only the righteousness of divine perfection can meet this standard. In grace God gives His own righteousness to us who receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. And it is when we are in Christ that we are clothed in His righteousness.

Q19. (Ephesians 2:8) From what have we been rescued by God's grace? How has God personally rescued you from your situation before Christ? What did God's favour have to do with your salvation? God’s grace has rescued us from the power of sin over us, from being slaves to our sinful nature, and from spiritual death. Being dead in our transgressions and sins, we live a life as if God does not exist, and walk according to the leaders of this world. We live this life of deceit, immorality, ungodliness, selfishness, violence, and rebellion; our only concerned is to satisfy our fleshly desires and appetites. We are on our way to spend eternity away from God. The bottom line is that we have been rescued from spending eternity in hell. Only by being united with Christ can we be seen as righteous in God’s sight. It is through His powerful creative work that we are rescued, made spiritually alive, have been raised up, and are seated with Christ. We are totally unworthy of receiving this gift of salvation, and it is given only on the basis of the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. This gift of eternal life is given only through faith in Christ; even this faith is given by grace, a gift of God so that it is all God’s work, and no one can boast. God’s favour has everything to do with my salvation. It is totally only a gift of grace, a free gift, and there is nothing I did or could do to earn this gift. It is grace that is neither earned nor deserved, and definitely not as a result of any ability, effort, or service on my part. Remembering that we deserve nothing but God’s wrath, I can only humbly respond with gratitude, praise, and joy, hoping to bring glory to my Heavenly Father.

Q18. (Romans 3:24; John 1:29; Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53) In what sense is Jesus a sacrifice for our sins? Why is He punished for our sins instead of us? Why is He called the Lamb of God? God had taught the Jewish nation to slay a lamb and to sprinkle its blood as a sacrifice for their sins. The lamb was killed as a substitute and its blood shed so that sins might be forgiven. But in OT times this did not remove sin, it only pointed to the true Lamb of God who would come and actually take away sin. John the Baptist recognised Jesus as this true Lamb of God (John 1:29). It is because of God’s great love for us, not wishing any to die as the penalty for our sins (Rom 6:23), that Jesus came to die and bear the sins of the world. The most popular verse in the Bible explains it so well. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice.