Grace is Christ, Christ is Grace

(Both given freely by God)

A contrast of righteousness demanded by God from man, and righteousness given to man from God, by Christ.

Man must choose between his own righteousness or receive God’s righteousness through faith and trust in the finished, perfect work of Christ on the cross (Romans 3:21-24; 8:3-4; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9).

God’s law, or righteousness, is connected to the giving of the Ten Commandments, which no man has ever kept except Christ—He kept it, He fulfilled it, He did the necessary, perfect work and kept every point of the law. Grace therefore is connected to both Christ and faith.

In its fullness (completion), Grace begins (Alpha) and ends (Omega) with Christ.

The fruit of salvation is good works. The fruit of human works (outside of Christ, outside of salvation) is condemnation under the law—all have come short of the glory of God (law of God), all have sinned through inherent sin (the sin nature), imputed sin, and personal sin (Galatians 3:21-22; 1 John 5:11-13; John 15:16; Romans 8:2-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14).

There was grace in the sacrifices before Christ came (Exodus 20:21-26; Leviticus 5:17-18; 17:11). Grace was promised in the Old Testament, and grace reigns in the New Testament (Romans 5:21). Christ is seated (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Study Notes:

Law of Christ—John 13:34; 2 John 5.

Law of Moses—Exodus 19:1; Revelation 14:12; Galatians 3:24.