I Do Not Frustrate the Grace of God

Grace is that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness, or favour. The Greek word for “grace” is also translated “favour”, “thanks”, “thank”, “pleasure” (and some other words).

The Greek word for “frustrate” is also translated “despise”, “reject”, “bring to nothing”, “disannul”, and “cast off”.

Fools reject God’s grace, but the wise receive it.

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Galatians chapter 1

1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The word “apostle” means “delegate”, “messenger”, or “one sent forth with orders”. The Apostle Paul did not make himself an apostle. Paul was “sent out” by Jesus Christ himself.

We see Paul’s heart:

• He is humble: only a messenger

• He is gracious: he wants to bless (not impress)

• He reminds them of Christ’s sacrifice and exalts Christ.

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Galatians chapter 1

9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The word “Gospel” means “good tidings” or “good message”. There were those in Paul’s day who were preaching “false gospels” (messages from men’s hearts rather than from God’s heart). Paul’s message was from God. Paul opposed the counterfeits.

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Galatians chapter 2

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The verses above plainly teach: 

• Man cannot be justified by “the works of the law”. In other words, man cannot be just in God’s eyes through doing good. 

• Man can only be justified by faith in Christ. 

• If we could be just in God’s eyes by “doing good”, then Christ suffered and died for no purpose.

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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9