Saved By Grace

“But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (Acts 15:11).

Peter affirms something here that is taught throughout the New Testament.  Here are a few examples.  Romans 3:23-24: “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus…” Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…” Titus 3:5-7: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

How many ways does God have to say it?  And yet, just like those in Peter’s day, there are still some who claim that salvation comes by grace PLUS something else.  That “something else” in many minds is human faith.  The equation becomes “God’s grace PLUS human faith equals salvation. But Paul didn’t say: “For by grace PLUS faith you have been saved…”  He did say: “For by grace you have been saved THROUGH faith…”  Our faith is just the means through which we gratefully accept the gift of salvation which is 100 percent God’s doing.  We contribute NOTHING to it. Salvation is ALL a gift of God.

God loves you!

Mike