The Gift of Salvation: By Grace

One of the most precious teachings of Christianity is the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. It is rooted and grounded in the idea of reconciliation between God and humanity, which is made possible through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. This supreme act of love has been called the “heart of the gospel,” the “center of gravity in Christian life and thought,” the “crucial point of Christian faith,” and the “distinguishing mark of the Christian religion.” It is seen in such a way because at the cross, via Christ’s death, humanity was reconciled to God (i.e., the wall separating humanity and God was removed, Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:19). Consequently, we now have free access to God. As the old Christmas carol lyrics put it, “Peace on earth, and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled.”

Reconciliation only occurred because Jesus died in our place, miraculously taking upon himself our sins, and paying the penalty for those sins that we would have otherwise had to pay ourselves. That penalty, which still must be paid by unbelievers, is eternal separation from God, also known as hell (described figuratively by Jesus as “outer darkness” [Matt. 8:11–12 NASB] and a “furnace in of fire” [Matt. 13:42, 50 NASB]).

For those who accept Christ’s death and resurrection, the gift of “eternal life” (i.e., an afterlife with God) is given to them, apart from anything they could have done on their own (Rom. 3:21–26; Eph. 2:8–9). This is salvation by grace through faith—a belief that separates Christianity from every other world religion, each of which offers “salvation” based on one’s own efforts. Among the many benefits of salvation are: forgiveness for one’s past, present, and future sins (1 John 1:9); a declaration by God by which we are seen as righteous in his sight (Rom. 4:5–8); and the promise of an “eternity life” in the loving presence of our Creator (1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:14–18). And this is all not by our own efforts, but by God's grace. Salvation is truly a GIFT.

Some people, however, argue that a number of biblical verses actually demand works in order to achieve salvation, the most popular text being James 2:22–24, which explicitly says that faith without works is dead. But James is not making a case for works in salvation here. In declaring that a professed faith without works is dead, he's just saying that a real faith will produce good works as a natural result of the change made by the Holy Spirit in the heart. Anyone who is truly saved will manifest good works consistent with their professed faith. If no good works are seen, then it is likely that their faith is a dead faith—i.e., a false faith.

Think of an apple tree. It doesn’t bear apples to become an apple tree. It bears apples because it already is an apple tree. And a kitten doesn’t meow to become a cat. It meows because it already is a cat. Similarly, a Christian doesn’t perform good works for salvation, but because of salvation. They are a result of someone already being saved by faith alone, apart from works, just like Abraham (Rom. 4:1–5). A real faith, likewise, will produce real results that everyone will see, as James puts it, “I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2:17–18).

Salvation for Christians is like a Christmas present beneath the tree. It is there for the taking, free, a gift with our name on it, and just waiting for us to take it. If we accept it, then it is ours forever. Faith, when it comes to salvation, is merely the taking of that gift into our hands. We are essentially saying to God, “Yes, I receive this gift from you. I believe you purchased it for me, and I gratefully accept it.” The gift—i.e., salvation purchased by Christ’s sacrificial death (Eph. 1:7–8)—is ours. And that is “Good News” (the Gospel) indeed. As John wrote: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11–12). What a glorious, comforting, and hopeful truth!

Let's make it a goal to tell someone this week about this precious gift of eternal life—SALVATION—that they can have within the span of a miraculous moment, if they will only turn to Jesus and accept him as their personal Lord and Savior.

peace in him,

Richard Abanes
PoP CuLTuRe MiX