Saved By Grace
The subject of salvation by the grace of God is one of great controversy, with many varied beliefs as to how and when this grace brings about salvation. The apostle Pant states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8) The theme of this passage is salvation, the salvation that is spoken of as the gift of God in various places. "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Cor. 9:15) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 6:23) Thus salvation is a gift of God, given to man. But the question that should interest every responsible person is: When does man become the recipient of this gift? Some conclude that man's salvation is wholly by grace; while others say salvation is by faith alone. What does the word of God teach concerning the grace of God?
Man is in need of salvation. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23) Man is not born in the flesh as a sinful being, but becomes guilty of sin when he transgresses the laws of God. "For sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) As a sinner, man does not have the ability to save himself from sin. Man does not have the power to forgive himself of sins committed against God, for forgiveness takes place only in the mind of God.
Man must depend upon God's grace. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." (Titus 2:11) From this passage we can see clearly that God provides salvation for all men, but not all are going to be saved. The reason for this is that not all arc willing to accept the grace of God and respond to the instructions received therefrom. "For the grace of God appeared....teaching us..." (Titus 2:11,12) The attitude of Cornelius must be manifest in the hearts of all who will receive the blessings or the grace of God. "Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." (Acts 10:33)
God's grace has been shown in a number of ways. The language of John 3:16 demonstrates the great love that God has for mankind, in that He willingly "gave his only begotten Son." Since man could not free himself from sin, Jehovah made the provision through His Son, Jesus Christ. "And that he died for all that they that live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." (2 Corinthians 5:15) God's gift included the death of His Son, for without it we could have no remission of sin. Christ willingly died, in complete obedience. (Hebrews 5:8, 9) The gospel, which is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16), contains the good news about God's grace, the life and death of Christ, His resurrection, and the invitation extended unto mankind.
God is able to save. "The Lord....not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) "But we see Jesus that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9) "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) From these scriptures and many more there can be no doubt of God's desire to save man, but not all are going to be saved. There are going to be many cast out into eternal death. (Matt. 7:13.14; Rev. 20:12-15; 21:8, etc.) If God is willing and able to save, why is it that many are going to be lost?
Salvation is conditional. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:8, 9) Salvation to all who do what? To those who obey Him! Paul wrote, "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom. 6:17, 18) God offers His grace unto mankind, but only those who do His will shall be saved from sin. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)
The Divine and the Human. There is both the Divine side and the human side to man's salvation. The Divine side is shown by God's grace and mercy in that provisions have been made for man's salvation. The Human side comes about when mall learns of this provision and obeys the commandments contained in God's will. An illustration here might assist in understanding this. In Matthew 6:11, Jesus, in the model prayer for his disciples, gives us the privilege to ask God to "give us our daily bread." Thus God gives us our daily bread. Question: When does God give us bread? There is both the Divine side and the human side in receiving bread. The Divine side is shown in that God puts life in the seed and provides the soil in which the seed is planted. Through His laws of nature the seed, when planted, will grow and produce. But there is also the human side in this arrangement. Man must take the seed and plant it in the soil that has been tilled to receive the seed. The plant must be nurtured by man and finally the harvest is to be reaped by man, all the human side in our receiving bread. God's part is the divine side — without it we would have no bread. Man's part is the human side — without it we would have no bread. Thus God works with man in the gift of bread, but the gift is given only when man respects God's laws and cooperates with Him in the planting, cultivating and harvesting. If either side is missing, either the divine or the human, there will be no bread. When in man cooperates with God in receiving bread, can he sit back and boast of his accomplishments? Only the fool will do this.
Salvation is like unto this. Without God's part, man cannot be saved, this is grace. Without man's part, sins will not be forgiven, this is obedience. God commands that you hear His will (Rom. 10:17); believe in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 20:30; Heb. 11:6); repent of your sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30); confess your faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10); and be baptized in water for the remission of your sins. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Man must obey God to receive His grace. Salvation by obedience to divine law is salvation by Grace.
— Box 883, Bridge City, Texas