If the believer does not understand the above passage he does not understand what salvation is. Salvation primarily is deliverance from Satan, from the world, from our own lusts, and from our self-will. Salvation is deliverance from the power of sin and the receiving of Divine Virtue so that we practice righteousness.

Forgiveness is our introduction to the program of deliverance. Forgiveness does not stand by itself as the product of the work of Calvary. Forgiveness, the appeasing of God's wrath by the shed blood of the cross, has meaning only in terms of the deliverance of the individual. Forgiveness is maintained only on the condition that the believer is moving forward in the program of release, of redemption. The moment the believer in Jesus begins to grow careless, to draw back, to neglect his salvation, he comes into disfavor with the Lord.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)

It is obvious that many passages of the New Testament speak of works of righteousness we Christians are to perform. This is true of the writings of the Apostle Paul—the principal proponent of "grace." But pastors and evangelists do not always make clear the role of works in the Christian redemption.

One well-intentioned but misleading explanation of the relationship of works to grace is that we are saved by grace (unconditionally forgiven) but we ought to do good works because we love Jesus.

This explanation is unfruitful for two reasons. First of all, the spiritual environment has become so demonized, the lusts with which we are tempted so powerful, that all such good intentions break down quickly. We yield to sin, trusting we will be forgiven "by grace."

Second, we have no support in Scripture for such an attitude. This is not the scriptural relationship between faith and works. Good works are not a "nice" thing we do to please Jesus. According to the sixth chapter of the Book of Romans, if we Christians continue to serve unrighteousness we will die spiritually. Faith apart from works of righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God is dead.

Righteous conduct, holiness of personality and behavior, and obedience to the Father are the product and evidence of salvation. Redemption produces iron righteousness, fiery holiness, and stern obedience to God. Therefore there never can be a division between being saved and righteous behavior.

To be saved apart from works, according to the Apostle Paul, is to be saved apart from the works of the Law of Moses, not apart from righteous, holy behavior. What sense would the concept of being saved apart from righteous behavior make when the product and evidence of salvation is a new creation of righteousness?

To be continued.