GRACE-WORKS
The
difference between grace and works is the difference between worship and
idolatry. The man inebriated with the thought that all he has is Yahweh's gift
finds himself repeatedly on his knees, adoring, thanking, praising. But if we
do not grasp grace we plummet into idolatry, for that is the inevitable
corollary of self-sufficiency.
1 Samuel, Focus, 1998, p. 318.
Divine grace
disdains to be assisted in the performance of that work which peculiarly
belongs to itself, by the poor, imperfect performances of men. Attempts to
complete what grace begins, betray our pride and
offend the Lord; but cannot promote spiritual interest. Let the reader,
therefore, carefully remember, that grace is either absolutely free, or it is
not at all: and, that he who professes to look for salvation by grace,
either believes in his heart to be saved entirely by it, or he acts
inconsistently in affairs of the greatest importance.
Abraham Booth
The Reign of Grace.
If there was
anything of man’s bringing, which was not of God’s bestowing, though it were
never so small, it would overturn the nature of grace, and make that of works
which is of grace.
Samuel Bolton
The True Bounds of Christian Freedom, 1978, p. 94, by permission Banner of
Truth, Carlisle PA.