Hebrews 13:9 “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
The contrast between the doctrine of Eternal Salvation obtained by our works and the doctrine of Eternal Salvation which is endowed by God’s “grace” is illustrated as “meats” versus “grace”. The eating of “meats” was a key part of the Old Testament Law Service (Leviticus 7:15; Deuteronomy 12:6-7) which was sacrificial works. Still in our day, many teach that our Eternal Salvation is obtained by some decision or work on our part. However, the overriding message of the New Testament is “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10); thus, our “good works” are an outgrowth of having been Saved By Grace and not a means to obtain or secure Eternal Salvation. Paul further explains it this way: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:17-19). The message to us is that those who are “established with grace” have a good understanding of the Biblical Doctrine of Salvation By Grace and they strive to apply it in their lives.