Part of this was posted at the RITA forum:
 
It is difficult especially for NEW believers when someone comes along and tries to put them BACK under the yoke of the Law which causes one to fall from grace. I see this happening over and over. I remind people to read the Book of Hebrews - also remember the difference between Issac and Ishmael that most Christians are well aware of.
 
Issac stood for the promise (grace) and Ishmael stood for the law (which brings ritualism and bondage). However, there are TWO people in the NEW TESTAMENT that also represent law and grace and I just discovered this in Bible study yesterday. I don't believe I have ever heard anyone discuss it. It is the two sisters of Lazarus - Martha and Mary. Jesus came to their house and Martha was flustered, rushing around, working, much encumbered with servicing and stressed to the max - she went looking for her sister Mary, who was NOT helping her. Mary was with Jesus ---and Martha asked Jesus to bid Mary to help her.
 
He says, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." Where was Mary? She was SITTING AT THE FEET of JESUS, resting. Mary represents GRACE and MARTHA represents the LAW. Martha is working herself silly. Mary is resting quietly at Jesus' feet....where I prefer to be---- hanging onto His every word!
 
Jesus FINISHED the work on the cross. We work because we ARE saved, not to get there!  Remember how upset Paul was when he had new converts, left them - then came back and discovered someone had come BEHIND him and taught his new converts that they must be circumcised to be saved! He was angry and asked them WHO had corrupted them from the simplicity that is in Christ!?
 
Rene