Grace vs. Law
Grace vs. Law12
Gospel Freedom
By Charles Finney0JER 31:31ROM 6:14Charles Finney emphasizes the concept of 'Gospel Freedom' by explaining the distinction between being under the law and under grace. He defines sin as a voluntary state of mind that opposes God's law, asserting that sin has dominion over those who are under the law due to their selfish motivations. In contrast, those under grace experience freedom from sin's dominion, as they are influenced by love and the Spirit of Christ, leading to a life of obedience rather than habitual sin. Finney encourages believers to recognize their identity in Christ, which empowers them to resist sin and live in accordance with God's will.
Moses Veiled
By John Nelson Darby02CO 3:7John Nelson Darby expounds on the significance of Moses veiling his face after encountering God's glory, contrasting it with the unveiled glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the law, while a revelation of God's holiness, ultimately leads to condemnation, whereas the gospel of grace offers liberty and a direct relationship with God. Darby highlights that true knowledge of God comes from understanding His perfect love and grace, which is fully manifested in Christ, allowing believers to stand confidently in His presence without fear of condemnation. The sermon calls for a clear distinction between law and grace, urging believers to embrace the fullness of God's revelation in Christ for true peace and assurance.
Letter: 24f 48 G v Wigram, Lausanne, January, 1842
By John Nelson Darby0ROM 7:4GAL 2:19John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between being under the law and living in grace, explaining that Christ's death and resurrection freed believers from the law's condemnation. He argues that while the law reveals our responsibility, it does not define our relationship with God, as we are united with Christ who fulfilled the law. Darby warns that many Christians mistakenly place themselves under the law, which hinders their peace and understanding of redemption. He also reflects on the Epistle to the Philippians, highlighting the apostle's afflictions and the importance of grace in the church's struggles. Ultimately, he encourages believers to grasp the significance of Christ's resurrection to fully enjoy their new life in Him.
Law vs Good - Do & Live vs Live & Do
By Phil Beach Jr.735:37JHN 14:15JHN 15:5ROM 8:1GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:13COL 3:1HEB 12:12PE 1:31JN 5:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the distinction between law and grace in the context of obedience, explaining that the law demands obedience to achieve life, while grace offers life that naturally leads to obedience. He highlights that true obedience stems from a relationship with Christ, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to align their hearts with God's will. Beach encourages the congregation to seek the life of Christ in areas of disobedience, asserting that genuine transformation comes from a heart in communion with God. He concludes by urging believers to feed their souls with the Word of God and remain filled with the Spirit to experience a life of obedience.
Added, Not Mixed
By Theodore Epp0JHN 1:17ROM 3:28ROM 5:20ROM 6:14ROM 7:62CO 3:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:19EPH 2:8HEB 10:1Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Law was 'added' to the existing grace brought by Jesus Christ, highlighting that the Law, which began with Moses, was never intended to replace grace but to coexist alongside it. He explains that while the Law reveals sin and condemnation, it ultimately leads individuals to seek the grace of God for salvation. Epp clarifies that the Law was not good news, but rather a necessary precursor that pointed to the necessity of grace, allowing humanity to find justification through faith alone.
Mark 3
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 9:35MAT 12:22MRK 1:32MRK 3:1MRK 3:20LUK 6:12LUK 11:20JHN 1:17John Nelson Darby emphasizes the arrival of grace through Jesus, who demonstrates God's love by healing on the Sabbath, contrasting it with the Pharisees' rigid adherence to tradition. He highlights the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders, who conspire with their enemies to plot His death, marking a significant shift from the law to the grace of Christianity. The sermon illustrates the power of Jesus' ministry, as crowds flock to Him for healing, while evil spirits recognize His authority but are silenced. Darby notes the importance of prayer in Jesus' life, especially before appointing His apostles, and the authority He grants them to continue His work. Ultimately, the sermon concludes with Jesus redefining familial relationships based on obedience to God, signaling a break with Israel's past.
Watchman Nee Quotes
By Watchman Nee0ROM 7:18Watchman Nee emphasizes the distinction between grace and law, asserting that while the law demands much from us, it offers no assistance in fulfilling those demands. He argues that God did not give the law for us to keep but to reveal our inability to do so, thus leading us to rely on Christ, who fulfills the law within us. Nee highlights that the Christian life is not about striving to please God through our efforts but about embracing the exchanged life where Christ lives through us. He encourages believers to recognize their weaknesses and trust in Jesus as the sufficient answer to every need, rather than relying on will-power. Ultimately, he stresses that it is God who accomplishes everything in our lives, transforming our approach to faith and service.
Born Free!
By Theodore Epp0GAL 4:19Theodore Epp emphasizes in his sermon 'Born Free!' that true fulfillment of God's commandments cannot be achieved through human effort but only through accepting Christ as Savior. He contrasts the births of Ishmael and Isaac, illustrating that Ishmael represents human effort and bondage, while Isaac symbolizes divine promise and freedom. Epp argues that believers, as children of promise, are called to live by grace, not by the Law, and that grace empowers us to live righteously rather than giving us a license to sin. He encourages believers to stand firm in their freedom in Christ and reject any teachings that mix grace with the Law, as they cannot coexist. The sermon calls for endurance in the face of opposition while maintaining a clear stance on the grace of God.
Show Me Now Thy Way" Exodus 33, 34
By John Nelson Darby0EXO 33:12John Nelson Darby explores the contrast between Moses and Israel in Exodus 33 and 34, emphasizing the grace that Moses found in God's sight compared to Israel's failure under the law after their sin with the golden calf. He highlights how Moses interceded for the people, seeking God's presence and mercy, while Israel was reminded of their accountability under the law. Darby points out that while Moses could not make atonement, Christ has completed this work, allowing believers to stand in grace rather than law. The sermon illustrates the importance of understanding our position in grace and the necessity of God's presence in our lives, especially in the face of our shortcomings. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper relationship with God, rooted in grace and intercession.
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By Gary Wilkerson2145:33ROM 7:4Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of understanding grace over law in the Christian life, sharing personal stories of struggle and redemption, particularly focusing on his son Elliot's journey from addiction to freedom in Christ. He illustrates how many believers become trapped in a cycle of performance and striving, feeling inadequate and burdened by the law, rather than embracing the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus. Wilkerson encourages the congregation to let go of the 'and then' mentality of trying harder and instead rest in the finished work of Christ, which brings true transformation and joy. He concludes with a call to embrace the grace of God, which empowers believers to live victoriously without the weight of guilt and shame.
Man's Responsibility and God's Promises
By John Nelson Darby0GAL 3:10John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between man's responsibility under the law and God's promises of grace, illustrating that the law reveals human sinfulness and the curse that follows, while the promise of salvation through faith in Christ offers hope and redemption. He explains that the law was given to highlight the hopelessness of man's condition, leading to despair, but God's promise, made before the law, assures believers of their inheritance as children of God. Darby encourages the faithful to rely on God's grace rather than their own efforts, affirming that true faith rests in the completed work of Christ, who bore the curse and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.
The Life of Faith
By Andrew Murray0HAB 2:4ROM 7:6GAL 2:20EPH 2:8Andrew Murray emphasizes that the life of a believer is sustained by faith, as stated in Habakkuk 2:4. He explains that this faith is not just for justification at conversion but is essential for every moment of a Christian's life, empowering them to live according to God's will. Murray contrasts the grace that comes through faith with the law that demands works, urging believers to rely on Christ's strength rather than their own. He encourages Christians to surrender their lives to Christ, allowing Him to work through them by faith. Ultimately, the message is about living a life of joyful trust in Jesus, who is our source of strength and power.