Salvation By Grace, And By Grace Alone.
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone and not by any works or merit of our own. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” This means that we are saved solely because of the grace and mercy of God. We cannot earn or deserve salvation on our own; only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be saved.
However, despite this simple definition, they are a wide gambit of theology regarding salvation. From having to do everything just right to, I can do anything I want because Jesus has already paid the price.
The truth is, neither of these extremes is correct. The Bible teaches that once we have accepted Jesus into our lives, He will not leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So we need to know that while we are saved by grace alone. We must still continue to live our lives in obedience to God’s commands. We are saved by grace and kept by grace, and only through faith in Jesus Christ can we remain in the right relationship with God.
Definition of Salvation by Grace Alone
The concept of salvation by grace alone is one of the most essential doctrines of Christianity. It is defined as the belief that salvation comes through God’s grace and not through any works of man. This doctrine is based on several scripture passages, including John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10, and 1 Peter 1:18-19.
John 1:12 says, “But as many, as received him, to them, he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.” This passage teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any works of man. This is why it is said that salvation is “by grace alone.”
Ephesians 1:7 speaks of “the riches of his grace, wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” This passage explains that God has given us salvation as a free gift, not because of anything we have done. This is why it is said that salvation is “by grace alone.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “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.” This passage further emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any works of man. This is why it is said that salvation is “by grace alone.”
Finally, 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, For you know that your lives were ransomed once and for all from the empty and futile way of life handed down from generation to generation. It was not a ransom payment of silver and gold, which eventually perished. Still, the precious blood of Christ was sacrificed for us like a spotless, unblemished lamb.” This passage explains that salvation comes through the blood of Jesus. Not through any works of man. This is why it is said that salvation is “by grace alone.”
In conclusion, salvation by grace alone is the belief that salvation comes through God’s grace and not through any works of man. This doctrine is based on several scripture passages, including John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10, and 1 Peter 1:18-19. These passages emphasize that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any works of man.
The Concept of Salvation by our Works
Many believe we are saved by keeping the law. This is known as “salvation by works.” This belief is based on the idea that if we keep all of the laws and commandments, then God will reward us with salvation.
However, this goes against what the Bible teaches about salvation. Romans 3:20-28 says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law, we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known…This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” This passage makes it clear that salvation comes not through our works but through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
Salvation by works alone is the belief that salvation is earned through doing good works and not through faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is based on James 2:24, which says, “So now it’s clear that a person is seen as righteous in God’s eyes not merely by faith alone, but by his works.” According to this verse, salvation comes through doing good works and not through faith in Jesus Christ. This doctrine is rejected by many Christians because it does not line up with the rest of the scripture, which emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not through any works of man. (We will visit this more later.)
In conclusion, salvation by works is a false belief that goes against what the Bible teaches about salvation. Instead of relying on our own works to save us, we must have faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins to be forgiven.
The Bible’s Teaching on Salvation by Grace Alone
The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone. Ephesians 2:1-10 states that we are saved by grace, “for by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We are not saved by doing good works or by anything we can do to earn it, but by grace. This teaching is also found in Romans 11:5-6, which states, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, work is no longer work.”
The Bible also teaches that salvation is not only by grace but it is also a gift from God. 2 Timothy 1:9 states, “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” Salvation is not something we can earn, but it is something we receive as a gift from God.
The Bible also teaches that salvation is not only by grace but also a free gift from God. We cannot buy salvation, work for it, or even earn it; it is a free gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We are not saved by anything we can do or earn; it is only by grace that we can be saved.
The Bible also teaches that salvation is not only by grace but also an unconditional gift from God. This means that God’s grace is not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. Romans 11:5-6 says, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, work is no longer work.” We cannot earn salvation or buy it; it is an unconditional gift from God.
The Bible also teaches that salvation is not only by grace but also a permanent gift from God. Once we receive the gift of salvation, it cannot be taken away or lost. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In Him, you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” We can have confidence that our salvation is secure in Christ and will never be taken away.
The Bible teaches us that salvation is not only by grace but also a free and unconditional gift from God that cannot be lost or taken away. We cannot buy or earn this gift; it must be freely received by faith in Jesus as our Savior.
Common Misconceptions About Salvation by Grace Alone
There are many common misconceptions about salvation by grace alone. The most popular misconception is that grace alone is enough for salvation and that no additional actions are needed. This is false, as grace alone is not enough to save a person. To be saved, a person must accept the grace of God, turn away from sin, and follow Jesus’s teachings.
Another misconception is that grace alone is a license to sin. This is false as well. When someone receives God’s grace, they are expected to live a life of holiness and obedience to God’s commands. Grace does not give us a free pass to sin but instead offers us forgiveness when we do sin and gives us the strength and courage to turn away from sin and live a life that is pleasing to God.
A third misconception is that grace alone can happen without faith. This is also false. To receive grace, a person must have faith in Jesus. Without faith, a person cannot accept and live in the grace of God. Faith is an essential part of the process of salvation by grace alone, as it is through faith that we can receive and benefit from the grace of God.
Another misconception is that grace alone means a person will have a perfect life. This is false. Grace does not guarantee a perfect life but a life of joy and peace despite difficulties. Grace provides us with the strength and courage we need to face the challenges and struggles of life, but it does not guarantee that life will be easy.
Finally, some think that grace alone means a person will never experience sorrow or sorrowful circumstances. This is false as well. Salvation by grace alone does not guarantee a life free of distress or suffering. We may still experience grief or despair, but grace will provide us with the strength and comfort we need to get through these difficult times.
In conclusion, there are many misconceptions about salvation by grace alone. If our salvation does not begin a change within us by the Spirit, then we need to evaluate what we trust in. To be saved, a person must accept the grace of God. They will turn away from sin and follow Jesus’s teachings. Faith is an essential part of the process of salvation by grace alone, as it is through faith that we can receive and benefit from the grace of God. Grace does not guarantee a perfect life but a life of joy and peace despite difficulties. Finally, grace does not guarantee a life free of sorrow or suffering,
The Necessity of Faith in Jesus Christ
Faith in Jesus Christ is an essential part of Christianity. Through faith in Jesus, believers are made “righteous” and receive eternal life. The Bible makes it clear that faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation. According to Romans 3:22-23, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” This passage clarifies that salvation is only available through faith in Jesus.
Similarly, Romans 10:9-11 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and with your mouth, you profess your faith and are saved.” This passage emphasizes that faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation.
In addition to being necessary for salvation, faith in Jesus is also required for eternal life. According to 1 John 5:1, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well.” This passage reveals that faith in Jesus is necessary for eternal life. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” This passage reveals that Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for faith in Jesus and is necessary for salvation and eternal life.
In conclusion, faith in Jesus Christ is an essential part of Christianity. The Bible clarifies that faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation and eternal life. According to Romans 3:22-23 and 10:9-11, faith in Jesus is essential for salvation. Furthermore, 1 John 5:1 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 reveal that faith in Jesus is necessary for eternal life. Thus, faith in Jesus Christ is essential to Christianity and is required for salvation and eternal life.
The Importance of Obedience to Christ’s Commands
Obedience to Christ’s commands is of utmost importance for Christians. Jesus clarified this in John 14:15 when He said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Here is a list of Christ’s commands in the New Testament.) This demonstrates that obedience to Christ’s commands signifies our faith and love for Him. Moreover, in John 15:17, He said, “This is my Command: Love each other.” This verse shows that by obeying Christ’s commands, we will Love Each Other.
Obedience to Christ’s commands is also vital because it allows us to grow in our faith and be molded into the image of Christ. When we obey God’s commands, we display our trust in Him and our desire to follow His will. We are also able to learn how to love and serve others. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by renewing our minds, and obedience to Christ’s commands helps us do just that.
Additionally, obedience to Christ’s commands leads to good works. When we obey Christ’s commands, we display our faith in Him and demonstrate our commitment. We can show our love for Him through actions and words. Our obedience to Christ’s commands is a visible sign of our faith and love for Him, which can be a source of encouragement to others.
Finally, when we accept Christ, the fruit of the spirit starts to show in us. As we grow in Christ, we are filled with His Spirit. We begin to display the fruit of the spirit in our lives. We become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, and self-controlled. Our obedience to the commands of Christ is a sign of our faith and our commitment to Him. It is also a sign that we are being filled with the spirit.
As our faith grows, we will display good deeds in the name of Christ. (James 2:17), James also tells us in James 1:27, That pure and undefiled religion to visit widows and orphans in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. As we obey Christ’s commands, our good works will shine like a beacon and be a witness to the world of our faith in Him.
In conclusion, obedience to God’s commands is of utmost importance for Christians. It allows us to grow in our faith and be molded into the image of Christ. It also leads to good works and the fruit of the spirit. Therefore, when we obey Christ’s commands, we display our faith and love for Him and can be blessed.
The Relationship Between Grace and Works
The relationship between grace and works is a hotly debated topic among Christians today. It has been a contention between denominations, and even individual churches and believers, for centuries. The Bible speaks on this subject several times, and a clear answer can be found in the scripture.
The Bible makes it clear that salvation is by grace alone. Ephesians 2:16 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” This is a powerful statement that clarifies that salvation is found in God’s grace and not in anything we do.
At the same time, the Bible also speaks to the importance of good works. Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” This passage is saying that grace is not only found in salvation but also in the way we live our lives. Good works, then, are not a means to salvation but an expression of the grace we have received.
The book of James also speaks to the relationship between grace and works. James 2:18 says, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” This passage makes it clear that faith without works is dead. In other words, grace without works is not the type of grace God intends for us.
Finally, James 2:21, 25-26 sums up the relationship between grace and works perfectly. It says, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” This passage shows us that faith and works should be seen as two sides of the same coin. Faith and works should not be seen as opposites but as perfect expressions of grace.
In conclusion, the relationship between grace and works is an important one. While grace is a gift that comes from God, it is only through our works that we demonstrate our faith and experience the fullness of God’s grace. The Bible clarifies that faith without works is dead and that faith and works should be seen as two sides of the same coin. Therefore, we must remember to live out our faith through good works to experience God’s grace’s fullness.
Works are not Following the Old Testament Law. Our Works are the Good Deeds we show to others, as we show others the Love of God.
The Old Testament Law is no longer necessary to please God, as we are no longer under the law but under grace (Galatians 3:10-12). We are no longer bound by the laws and regulations of the Old Testament. Instead, we are bound by the love of God. The love of God should be seen in the works of our hands. In 1 John 4:7-21, we are told that God is love and that if we love one another, we will show God’s love to one another. Our works are the good deeds we do for others as we show others the love of God.
We are no longer held to the expectations of the Old Testament Law; instead, we are to be guided by the grace of God and show love to one another. This is not a call to be complacent, as there is still a need for good works, though these works are no longer required under the law. We should be doing good works out of love for God and love for one another.
Paul in Galatians 2:15-21 talks about how our faith in Jesus should be the basis of our good works. He speaks of how our faith in Jesus should be the foundation upon which our good works are built. We are no longer bound by the Old Testament Law but by God’s love; we show love to one another through our good works.
Works are not required to fulfill the Old Testament Law; instead, our works should reflect the love of God in us. We are to show others the love of God through our actions, as we are ambassadors for Christ. Our works are to be a reflection of God’s love for us and, in turn, a reflection of our love for one another.
Conclusion
Salvation comes from the blood of Christ alone. With salvation comes change, not a change we work on, but a difference because the spirit works through us. When my father accepted the Lord, he instantly stopped drinking and smoking. He did not work to change. Still, the change came to him because of what the spirit was doing in his life.
Following a list of rules does not save you. Likewise, being saved does not mean you can live as you wish with no consequences. When we give our lives to Jesus, we will change not because we try harder but because we have died with Christ, and he now lives in us. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
We must continue to strive to serve God by loving one another and sharing the good news of the gospel. We are ambassadors for Christ and should strive to live our lives in a way that reflects His love. We are saved by grace, and the spirit works to enable us to live a life of holiness and obedience.
Salvation is not something we can earn or buy, but it is a free gift from God. We have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and we are called to be faithful witnesses of his love, mercy, and power. As we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, God will transform us into the image of His Son. Not through our strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bruce Mitchell is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who loves to share God’s Word in everyday life. He has studied at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His blog (Allelon.us) is all about the principles of Agapao Allelon (Loving One Another) and God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, and Forgiveness and how it applies to our daily lives as Christ-Followers. (1 Peter 4:8)
