Theme of Grace

An underlying theme that runs through several passages of scripture, is the message of grace. This needs to be repeated for those who think their so-called righteous actions saves them, instead of being saved by grace.

Eph 2;8 "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Rom 6:23) ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Eph 2:9 "Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The story of Cain and Abel's offering ,also repeats this grace theme. Gen 4:1-5; God had respect for Abel's offering of the first of the flock. The sacrifice of faith that he knew the Lord would accept. This pictures Christ being the first, and sacrificial lamb offered up for our sins (Acts 26:23) ( John 1:29, 36)

Cain's offering was not respected, it was from the ground and what he could do with his hands/ works. The ground was already cursed by the Lord. (Gen 3:17) "....cursed is the ground for your sake...". (Rom 9:32) "...Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;"

The book of Obadiah, Esau/ Edom, the hunter, (Gen 25: 27, 30) what he could hunt for and obtain by his hands and eat, ( Matt 4:4) " ...man shall not live by bread alone..." versus by faith which God already promise to Jacob (Gen 25:23). It Doesn't matter how much spiritual food you may eat or have, you're still saved by grace.

The story of Job, Job was not saved by his righteous acts, he was saved because of God's word. God forbade Satan from killing him. Job 2:6.

To the church-goers, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"( Matt 23: 13-15) People that commit the same acts as others, but yet feel they will be saved, for their so-called righteous actions.

The Adulterer, and the thief on the cross were forgiven, saved by grace, not their actions. (Matt 27:38) ( Luke 23: 39-43) (John 8: 4, 7-11)