The Apostle Paul endeavored to make clear to the Jews that they cannot be saved by obeying the Law of Moses but by putting their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul's words have been corrupted to mean we are saved by our belief system apart from any effort to live righteously or serve the Lord. It is a spiritually fatal interpretation.

One time we saw a picture in a Christian magazine of a man sitting on the floor leaning back against the wall. He appeared to be petting his dog. He was showing us there is nothing we have to do, because we are saved by grace.

As we stated previously we recently watched a missionary film of a new convert coming up out of the water of baptism. The believer asked, "What do I do now?"

The missionary answered, "Absolutely nothing." This from a fundamental, devout, self-sacrificing missionary society.

"The man who does not work but trusts God."

"His faith is credited as righteousness."

This statement of Paul's has come to mean there is nothing we are to do in the way of righteous, holy living. We are saved by trusting God who justifies the wicked. Period.

Am I correct? Is this what is taught?

Let's think about this.

How about all the commandments in the Gospels and the Epistles? Do they even apply to us? If so, in what manner?

Jesus said we are to forgive our enemies. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked. Right?

Paul said we ought to present our body a living sacrifice. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

Paul said we are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

John says we must keep the commandments of God. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

Peter says we must add self-control to our faith. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

James says we must control our tongue. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

The writer of Hebrews says we must not shrink back but press forward to salvation. But we don't have to do this because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

Peter says if we turn back from the way of righteousness we are as a dog returning to his vomit. But this does not apply to us because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

Jesus said if we do not bear fruit (His moral image) we will be cut out of the Vine, out of Himself. But this does not apply to us because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

Paul said the immoral will not enter the Kingdom of God. But this does not apply to us because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

John says if we have the hope of seeing Jesus when He appears we must purify ourselves. But this does not apply to us because we trust God who justifies the wicked.

To be continued.