Faith + Grace = Salvation + Good Works

Acts 15:10-11
Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

It seemed right to James and the other apostles not to burden Gentile believers with works such as circumcision. In agreement with the Holy Spirit(28) and in accordance with Scripture (15) nothing is to be added to faith to activate the grace of God for salvation. The equation is [Grace + Faith = Salvation + Good Works] (Ephesians 2:8-10)... not [Faith + Good Works = Grace + Salvation. We cannot substitute anything for the grace of God. Too many Christians try to add to their faith and pressure others toward the same with things that seem good and right and "Christian." The burden of the Christian yoke can easily be made as heavy as the Jewish yoke. But Jesus yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). Because His yoke is rooted in grace (charis in the Greek) it is the source of joy and loving kindness and freedom by which good works are born. The burden of Christ is no burden at all. It is not our lifestyle or religious preferences that should be contagious - it is our joy!

Father, may I only burden others with the Joy of Your grace that they may experience Your grace in me and joyfully receive Your yoke. Amen.