We have destroyed the Great Commission, which is to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching them to obey the commandments of Christ. Instead we go into all the world and build churches, telling our converts that they do not have to keep the commandments of Christ because they are "saved by grace."

The expression "saved by grace and not by works," when used by the Apostle Paul, always refers to the works of the Law of Moses. Paul's commission from the Lord was to make the transition from the Law of Moses to the salvation which is in Jesus Christ.

It is absolutely true that we can transfer Paul's argument to the code of conduct of any religion. We cannot save ourselves by ignoring the Presence of the living God and following any code of behavior. Righteousness always comes to us as we find out what God wants for the moment and do it. It is our response that is at issue. It is not whether we make an effort to live righteously that is at issue, it is our response to God that is at issue.

Sometimes the proper response is to just believe Christ has borne our sins on the cross. Sometimes the proper response is to put the sins of our body to death through the Holy Spirit. Neither response will bring righteousness if it is not what the Lord is leading us to do at any given moment. We cannot earn our salvation but we must work it out. If we do not work it out we are not considered righteous, because we are not responding to God the way He wants us to.

There is a hue and cry in America concerning "legalism." Whoever is instructing God's people in righteousness is considered a "legalist."

Let us look closely at this for a moment.

On the television and Internet of our day there is much moral filthiness being portrayed.

Now I ask you: Should a pastor warn the young people to not watch such works of Satan or should he not? Is he being a legalist when he warns them not to fill their minds with the antics of demons?

What is your answer? Should he or should he not tell them it is not the will of Christ that they watch such filth?

What does the Bible say?

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (II Corinthians 7:1—NIV)

The issue is joined at this point. If we realize the Apostle of Christ exhorted us to purify ourselves from moral filth, and to bring our personality and behavior to a state of holiness, are we bound to do this or not?

What is the correct response? Is it to claim I am saved because I believe the promise that whoever receives Christ will be saved, even though I ignore the commandments of Christ and His Apostles? Is this the appropriate response that will bring righteousness to us?

Or should we view the appropriate response to be to pray to God to help us develop holiness of personality and behavior?

To be continued.