Romans 11:5-6

[ChristIsSovereign]

"In the same way, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace. Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace." (HCSB)

My interpretation of this is that while Paul was talking about Israel in general, he changes the context here to mean those saved in the current time by grace alone, and not by works.

What is your interpretation?

 

[straykat]

I think the main misunderstanding to the premise of many beliefs is Paul's concept of "works" as morality in all it's forms. When he's speaking specifically of covenant signs.. works that separated Jews from Gentiles. Circumcision being his major focal point. It's by faith in Christ that we come close to God. Not because we're being more Jewish or not, and have the outward signs of it.

Paul never bundled works with morality though. Over and over again he gives general ethical teachings. This is the big elephant in the room. It's why he never had any conflict with James either, as some have struggled with. Paul advocated ethics the same as James did. He only made a distinction between racial laws.