Under Israel’s Law program, faith was proven by their “works of the Law” that it was to produce. James, wrote to Israel saying “faith without works is dead” (cf. Jas 2:14-26).

Some say; “Paul says nobody is saved by their “works” and your “faith” is a work of yours.” They may sight this verse; “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5). They may also say we’re bragging… they assume we’re saying it’s our own faith that saves. That faith, they claim, is something we did.

I was saved in 1968 through the preaching of salvation in Christ that I first heard at Hydewood Park Baptist Church, in New Jersey. It was a rigid fundamentalist Bible believing church. Thankfully, many are saved in and through first hearing the word of salvation in a denominational church setting, hearing a message of God’s grace and the free gift of salvation “through faith” alone in Christ alone.

Nothing in the Bible is stated more clearly or with greater emphasis than the Apostles Paul’s revelation of justification, or right standing with God, as coming to us only by means of God’s grace, through faith, as a Gift, without works.

Man’s “religious works” to try and make himself acceptable to God are rejected by God. Paul wrote.

“… you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God's favor and mercy].” (Romans 6:14b (AMP)

In Ephesians 1:13 the Apostle Paul declares that men today are saved and sealed “with the Sprit” by… hearing and believing “the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”

8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

In Hebrews 1:3 we read how the Lord Jesus Christ, “when He had by Himself purged our sins, SAT DOWN on the right hand of the Majesty on High.” Sitting indicates His work was all-sufficient and finished! The tenth chapter of the same book tells us why He sat down:

Jesus came to Israel saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST.” (Matt. 11:28) Jesus first offered His “rest” to Israel, who then was under “the Law” and under Israel’s corrupt religious leaders (Matt. 23:2-4, 33). God offers rest to all those of all dispensational ages who would only ‘trust in Him.’