Oct
6
Written by:
Bob Flynn
10/6/2008 1:40 PM
"Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due." (NASB)
"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." (KJV)
"When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned." (NLT)
"Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation." (NET)
If salvation could be obtained by works (which it cannot) it would be reasonable to say that the wage earner would be rightfully expectant of his just due having fulfilled a contract. However, we are saved because we need saving and not that of ourselves lest anyone should boast.
"Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in Him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path." (Romans 9:32 NLT)
"And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved." (Romans 11:6 NLT)
"And who has given Him so much that He needs to pay it back?" (Romans 11:35 NLT)