By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:5-7
The Apostle Paul begins here with the foundation of our salvation, “By or Through Him (Christ) We Have Received Grace” It’s only by Gods Grace that we are saved and not by anything we are doing ourselves. As Paul said to the Ephesians “Its by grace you are saved , through faith, and not of yourselves, its a gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8) This destroys any false religious system of works based salvation.
We can never “earn our salvation” there is no checklist of religious practices that will qualify you for Heaven to become saved, you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a supernatural process, you are drawn to Christ , to repentance, to complete faith in The Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s interesting that the Apostle Paul brings forth the idea of “apostleship” being received by the Church also. While the Apostles are in reference to the original 12 men of Jesus ministry, apostleship can also mean anyone who is sharing the gospel of Christ. In some sense all Born Again Christians are apostles, however as a true believer we humble ourselves and refrain from titles to elevate ourselves. When people , self appoint themselves as an “Apostle” that’s a red flag of a false teacher, you can only be appointed as an Apostle by Christ himself
So when we talk about grace, then we have to talk about works, as faith without works is dead (James 3) The Apostle Paul says “the obedience of faith” if Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, then we obey him as our Lord, we are obedient to our Master, even to the point of death. While we are saved by grace and not by the works of ourselves, we are obedient to The Lord in our works as faithful servants. As Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)
And this begins the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles, to all the nations , the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul says “among all nations (gentiles), for His name (Jesus)” This is the mission of the Church, to make disciples of everyone, to share the gospel with every creature (Mark 16:15) Salvation is found in Christ alone!
I’ll end with another revelation, did you know all Born Again Christians are saints. As the Apostle Paul says “called to be saints” that is the Church. The idea that certain Christians are Saints and others are not, is not Biblical. You are saints, you are apostles, by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!
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