Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work"
When it comes to restaurants, a la carte is the way to go. You can pick and choose, and mix and match from a variety of items on the menu. A little of this and a little of that. It makes the dining experience fun and exciting. But when it comes to grace, a la carte is NOT the way to go. Here's why…
Grace and law don't mix. It's either one or the other. Yet some people try to live in both. They know they are saved by grace, but they believe they are sanctified by works. But according to the Word, you are saved by grace and sanctified by grace. In other words, all the blessings of God come to us as free gifts. Forgiveness, salvation, righteousness, healing, holiness…all free gifts.
Mixing grace and the law (works and performance based righteousness) is like "carrots and sticks". Carrots are the blessings you get for obedience and sticks are the penalties you pay for disobedience. If you do good, you get good , if you do bad, you get bad, If you confess, you'll be forgiven; if you do right, you'll be accepted; if you act holy, you'll be holy, and so on.
An a la carte grace puts the emphasis on you and what you have done. Your identity will be defined by your productivity, you will start to think of yourself as God's servant instead of His beloved son or daughter. Worst of all, you'll end up totally distracted from Jesus and focused on your works instead of His finished work on the cross.
So remember you were saved by grace and you now live by His grace. All of life is now a gift, so simply receive and be empowered unto total salvation. No more picking and choosing, mixing and matching grace and law. Stay focused on Jesus. Enjoy pure grace!
