Thematic Bible: Insufficient to secure salvation

By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast.

God has saved us and called us with a holy calling. This is not according to our works, but according to his purpose and grace that was granted us in Christ Jesus, from all eternity. Verse Concepts

Why? It is because it was not based on the principle of faith, but on that of works. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. Verse Concepts

Yet we know that a man is not righteous by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be righteous by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law. The works of the law justify no one. Verse Concepts

Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of evil.'

No flesh will be justified before God by works of the law. Knowledge of sin comes from the law. Verse Concepts

If it is by grace then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is not grace (undeserved kindness). But if it is of works then it is not by grace. Otherwise works are no longer works. Verse Concepts

When the kindness of God our Savior, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration (restoration) (spiritual rebirth) and renewing (renovation) of the Holy Spirit.

This is a symbol that points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, Verse Concepts

You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering. You have opened my ears. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Verse Concepts

Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams. Verse Concepts

I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Verse Concepts

You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.

Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. Verse Concepts

You should learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'; for I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners. Verse Concepts

If you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. Verse Concepts