Getting right with God through Christ is free.
Come as you are yet willing to be changed by Him.
How can I explain this great salvation? Through Jesus Christ alone, we each can be saved. There's God's sovereignty involved, as well as humanity's response in the free salvation process.
God’s Side of Salvation
The divine work of salvation underscores God’s initiative and grace:
- Election: God's foreknowledge and grace call us into a relationship with Him, showing His love and purpose even before we choose Him.
- Regeneration: The miracle of being "born again" reminds us that salvation begins with God's power, making our dead spirits alive in Christ.
- Justification: This legal declaration by God imputes Christ's righteousness to us, making us blameless before Him.
- Adoption: God's love brings us into His family as heirs with full privileges, affirming our identity and security as His children.
- Sanctification: A lifelong process that transforms us into the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit's work.
Humanity’s Side of Salvation
Salvation also requires a response of faith and repentance:
- Faith and Belief: True salvation involves trust, not just intellectual acknowledgment, but a heartfelt reliance on Christ.
- Acceptance: Confessing and receiving Jesus as Lord reflects the alignment of our will with God’s truth.
- Repentance: Turning away from sin and toward God is evidence of genuine transformation.
The Product of Salvation
Salvation leads to a life marked by purpose and fruitfulness in an honest relationship with God the Father through His sinless Son:
- Knowing and Glorifying God: Our primary purpose is to reflect His glory in our lives.
- Bearing Fruit: Through spiritual growth, generosity, worship, and transformed character, we reveal Christ to the world.
- Changed Life: Salvation doesn’t end with a prayer—it results in a life committed to Christ and His purposes.
This comprehensive view reminds believers of the depth and beauty of salvation. It is a gift of grace from God, inviting a response of faith and a commitment to live for His glory. What part of this resonates most deeply with you?
Let's Talk About The Weight of Sin and the Wonder of Free Grace.
In the quiet garden of Eden, a single act of defiance (rebellion against Direct Authority, God) set the cosmos reeling. Adam, our first father so to speak, reached for some forbidden fruit (his wife Eve had already been deceived regarding this), plunging all humanity into a chasm of sin and separation from God.
This ancient tragedy isn’t a mere tale of the past—it sort of pulses in the fabric of our hearts, lives, and destinies today.
The teaching or doctrine of original sin invites us to understand not only our fallen condition but also the unspeakable beauty of God’s free redeeming grace.
What's Up With The Legacy of Adam’s Sin?
The Apostle Paul captures truth regarding this with piercing clarity: “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Through the first Adam, we inherited more than just a flawed inner nature; we inherited guilt too—a profound, soul-deep culpability that separates us from fellowship with a holy God.
This inherited sin, called original sin, manifests in our character, shaping us to rebel against God as naturally as a bird takes flight. But Adam’s transgression did not merely twist our nature; it also imputed guilt to us. Just as Adam served as our representative in the Garden, his sin was credited to our account. In Adam, we sinned; in Adam, we fell.
The weight of this truth presses upon us. By nature, we are not merely sinners by choice but sinners by birth, deserving of divine justice. This sobering reality renders human effort powerless to bridge the gap between us and God. As the prophet Isaiah declared, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
A Tale of Three Perspectives
Throughout history, theologians have wrestled with how to explain this legacy of sin:
Pelagianism minimizes sin’s grip, suggesting that Adam’s disobedience merely set a poor example. But Scripture rebukes this view, teaching that apart from God, we are dead in our sins, utterly incapable of choosing righteousness (Ephesians 2:1-2).
Arminianism acknowledges our inherited corruption and asserts that God grants prevenient grace to all, enabling us to choose Christ. Yet this grace, while real, is not clearly outlined in Scripture as universal.
Calvinism plunges to the depths of sin’s consequences, declaring that Adam’s guilt is imputed to us, making us justly deserving of God’s wrath. Moreover, it affirms that only God’s sovereign grace can awaken dead hearts to new life.
God says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9). Humanity, apart from God, is lost, guilty, and hopeless.
Do you remember the five solas of the Protestant Reformation? The word sola is the Latin word for “only” and was used in relation to five key teachings that defined the biblical pleas of Protestants. They are:
1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”
The Hope of a Greater Adam To Come
That was Jesus and He came here already. He'll soon come back here too.
God, in His infinite mercy, did not leave us in despair. While Adam’s sin brought death to all, Christ’s obedience brings life to all who believe. “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
This is the miracle of imputed righteousness. Just as Adam’s sin was credited to us, so Christ’s perfect righteousness is credited to those who place their faith in Him. At the cross, Jesus bore the penalty for our guilt, satisfying God’s justice and making a way for us to stand justified before Him.
Through imputation, God does not merely forgive our sins; He declares us righteous. As Paul exclaims, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Yet salvation does not end with imputation. The righteousness we receive in Christ begins to transform us from the inside out. This is the work of imparted righteousness—the ongoing sanctification wrought by the Holy Spirit.
Living in That So-Called Tension of Free Grace
As believers, we are both declared righteous and being made righteous. Imputed righteousness secures our standing before God, while imparted righteousness shapes our daily walk with Him. This dual work of grace reminds us that salvation is entirely God’s gift, from justification to sanctification.
But how should we respond to such grace? First, we must live lives marked by humility and gratitude, ever mindful of the debt we owe to Christ. Second, we must extend forgiveness to others, mirroring the grace that has been lavished upon us. And finally, we must proclaim the gospel boldly, inviting others to step out of Adam’s shadow and into Christ’s light.
Because Of the First Adam, We All Need The Second Adam.
The story of humanity is a tale of two Adams. In the first Adam, we are condemned. In the second Adam—Jesus Christ—we each can be redeemed. Do each of us need to repent, and make a prayerful decision by faith to have Christ come live on the inside? Yes.
His righteousness is our robe, His obedience our salvation. Let us marvel at this great exchange and live to the glory of the One who bore our sin and granted us His life.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17).
Let's stick with the Jesus of the Bible and His Gospel..which explaining the depth of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It outlines why forgiveness is vital, how it is received, and the transformative power it has for those who believe.
Why Do We Need Forgiveness?
- Sin's Reality: Every person has sinned (Romans 3:23), falling short of God's perfect standard. Sin creates a separation from God, disrupting the relationship we were designed to enjoy with Him.
- Eternal Consequences: Sin leads to spiritual death—eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23). Without forgiveness, we remain under this penalty.
- A Holy God: God is holy and just, and His nature demands that sin be dealt with righteously. Forgiveness is the means by which our sin is addressed without compromising God's justice.
What Is Forgiveness?
- A Clean Slate: Forgiveness removes the debt of sin and restores a broken relationship with God (Psalm 103:12).
- A Gift of Grace: It is unearned and undeserved, a manifestation of God's mercy and love (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Divine Initiative: God actively seeks to reconcile us to Himself, as shown in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
How Do We Receive Forgiveness?
- Through Faith in Jesus: Believing in Jesus' death and resurrection as the full payment for sin is the only way to receive forgiveness (John 14:6).
- Repentance and Trust: Acknowledging our sin, turning away from it, and trusting Jesus as Savior leads to forgiveness (Acts 3:19).
- God's Promise: When we confess our sins and place our faith in Christ, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).
Why Is Forgiveness Totally Free, And Yet Costly?
- The Cost to God the Father was Huge: Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin on the cross, paying the ultimate price (Isaiah 53:5-6).
- God Made it Free to Us: Though forgiveness cost Jesus His life, it is freely given to those who repent and believe in Jesus (Romans 5:8). Sure, there's a free entrance into God's Kingdom by Him, but it will still cost you your life to follow Christ. Am I saying that you will be killed for being a real Christian in this corrupt world? No, but you might be so be prepared to remain faithful unto death. Yes, you can I could be martyred like many others have been. If you live for Christ or die for him, it'll cost you, believer. Count the cost and then follow Christ. Let Him be Lord of all either way it plays out.
The Simplicity of The Bible And Biblical Faith
- Faith in Jesus is not about rituals or works but about trusting in the sufficiency of His sacrifice (Titus 3:5). Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned but only received (Ephesians 1:7).
What Happens When We Are Freely Forgiven?
- Restoration: Our relationship with God is restored, granting us peace and eternal life (Romans 5:1).
- Transformation: We are made new creations, empowered to live in righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Freedom: We are freed from the guilt and power of sin, walking in the joy of God's grace (Romans 8:1-2).
Voice A Simple Prayer of Faith
Are you open to starting and finishing a lifelong relationship with God through His sinless Son Jesus?
Good! Let your prayer to God the Father in Jesus' Name reflect humility, gratitude, and expectant faith—essential components of coming to God for forgiveness. The key is trusting Jesus fully for salvation, not just reciting words, as salvation comes by faith alone.
How can salvation be not of works when faith is required? The answer lies in the central truth of the gospel: our salvation depends entirely on Jesus Christ. He is our substitute, bearing the penalty for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is the Lamb of God who takes away sin (John 1:29), and the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The work of salvation was fully accomplished by Jesus: He lived a sinless life, bore God’s judgment for sin on the cross, and rose triumphantly from the dead (Hebrews 10:12).
The Bible emphasizes that human effort plays no role in earning salvation. Scripture clearly states that we are saved “not because of righteous things we had done” (Titus 3:5), “not by works” (Ephesians 2:9), and that “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Actions such as offering sacrifices, obeying commandments, attending church, or performing good deeds cannot save anyone. No matter how moral or virtuous we may appear, we fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23; Matthew 19:17; Isaiah 64:6).
At the same time, salvation is conditional—God does not save everyone. The singular requirement for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. This truth is repeated over 100 times in the New Testament (e.g., John 1:12; Acts 16:31). When asked what works God required, Jesus clarified, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28–29). While the question assumed a list of works, Jesus directed them to one essential truth: belief in Him.
Grace, by definition, is God's unmerited favor—something we can never earn. Romans 11:6 underscores that grace and works are mutually exclusive. If salvation were based on works, it would nullify grace. Faith, then, is not really a "work" to do, but the means of receiving God's grace. If it was your birthday party and someone handed you a gift, is that a work for you? Nope.
Consider an illustration: if someone anonymously gifted you a check for $3,000,000, endorsing the check would be necessary to claim that gift. However, signing your name does not "earn" the million dollars. Signing your name is not a work. Similarly, faith is the act of receiving God’s gift, not a work that merits salvation.
Herr Martin Luther came to believe that salvation in Christ is attained through repentance and faith in Christ alone, and he said, "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone"
"We believe that the very beginning and end of salvation and the sum of Christianity, consists of faith in Christ, who by His blood alone, and not by any works of ours, has put away sin, and destroyed the power of death."
Saving faith, by its very nature, involves ceasing from our own (religious or other types of) efforts. True saving faith rests entirely in Christ’s finished work on the cross (Matthew 11:28–29; Hebrews 4:10). Remarkably, even faith itself is a gift from God: “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” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation begins with God drawing us to Himself (John 6:44), and He graciously provides the faith we need to respond.
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This faith is the foundation of our hope, not a blind leap in the dark but an absolute conviction rooted in God’s character and promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), as demonstrated by the lives of Old Testament heroes like Abraham, Sarah, and Moses. They lived by faith, trusting in God’s promises even when they could not see the outcome (Hebrews 11:13–16).
Walking by faith means living in daily dependence on God and obedience to His Word. It is the essence of the Christian life: “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11). Faith is both the starting point and sustaining force of our relationship with God. Through faith, we receive Christ’s righteousness and the power to live a life that pleases Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9).
Ultimately, salvation is the result of God’s grace, received through faith. It is not our works but Christ’s work that secures our redemption. Faith, the very means by which we accept God’s gift, is itself a gift. This is why we can confidently say, “Not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:9). Praise God for His incredible grace and the gift of faith that draws us near to Him and enables us to live lives that glorify His name.
The doctrine of sola fide—faith alone—stands as a cornerstone of Protestant belief and has profound implications for how salvation is understood and experienced.
Got Any Biblical Support for Sola Fide? Sure, Here You Go:
Ephesians 2:8–9:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." This passage underscores that salvation is entirely free -- a gift of grace received through faith, not something earned by human effort.
Romans 3:28:
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." Paul explicitly separates justification (being declared righteous) from adherence to the law.
Romans 4:5:
"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." This highlights that righteousness is imputed to believers through faith, not works.
Galatians 2:16:
"..a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.." This reinforces that justification is by faith, not by works.
James 2:24 on the Role of Works States:
"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).
At first glance, this seems contradictory to Paul's teaching. However, the context reveals that James is addressing the evidence of faith, not the means of salvation. James argues that genuine faith naturally results in good works as its fruit. These works demonstrate the authenticity of one's faith to others (James 2:17-18). Paul and James complement rather than contradict each other:
- Paul focuses on how one is justified before God—through faith alone.
- James focuses on how faith is shown as genuine—through works.
Works as a Result, Not a Means
While salvation is by faith alone, Scripture teaches that genuine faith leads to a transformed life characterized by good works:
- Titus 2:14: Christ redeems us to be "zealous for good works."
- Ephesians 2:10: Believers are "created in Christ Jesus for good works," which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Thus, good works are a response to salvation, not a requirement for it.
The Danger of Faith Plus Works
Combining faith with works as a means of salvation undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. As Paul warns in Galatians 1:6-9, adding human works to the Gospel creates a "different gospel," which cannot save. Salvation by grace alone through faith alone magnifies God’s glory by demonstrating His unmerited favor toward sinners.
Faith Alone in Christ Alone
Salvation is by faith alone, as clearly taught in Scripture. Works are a natural outflow of a saving faith, not a co-requirement for salvation. This distinction protects the Gospel's purity and highlights God’s grace. As Martin Luther stated, "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone."
The teaching sola gratia is so very important! Sola gratia is important because it is one of the distinguishing characteristics or key points that separate the true biblical Gospel from false gospels that cannot save. As one of the five solas that came to define the key issues of the Protestant Reformation, this doctrine is as important today as it was then. The Latin word sola means “alone” or “only,” and the essential Christian doctrines represented by these five Latin phrases accurately summarize the biblical teaching on these crucial subjects: sola scriptura—Scripture alone, sola fide—faith alone, sola gratia—grace alone, sola Christus—Christ alone, and sola Deo gloria—for the glory of God alone. Each one is vitally important, and they are all closely tied together. Deviation from one will lead to error in another essential doctrine, and the result will almost always be a false gospel which is powerless to save. Sola gratia is simply acknowledging that the Bible teaches that the totality of our salvation is a gift of grace from God.
Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Solo Christo
Christ’s Alone, The Savior Has A Unique Role:
- Salvation is accomplished entirely through Christ’s work.
- Christ alone is our King, High Priest, and Redeemer, as evidenced in Scripture (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:14, Revelation 19:16).
Exclusivity of Christ’s Righteousness:
- Our own deeds are insufficient for salvation (Titus 3:5; Luke 17:10).
- Christ’s atonement is the sole foundation for our justification (Romans 3:22).
Stick With Christ and The Gospel
- The gospel is the Good News about what Christ's finished work for us. It's about what He did for us, and not about what we do for Him (Luke 19:10, Revelation 5:9).
- Christ alone deserves the glory and supremacy in our salvation (Colossians 1:18).
Sola Scriptura
Scripture’s Authority:
- Scripture is the inerrant, God-breathed guide for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16).
- It is the ultimate authority, overruling traditions that conflict with its teachings.
Reformation Context:
- Martin Luther emphasized the Bible’s authority over church traditions, countering doctrines like indulgences, transubstantiation, and prayers to saints that had no Scriptural basis.
- His stand (“Here I stand, I can do no other”) highlighted the non-negotiable primacy of Scripture.
Traditions vs. Unbiblical Practices:
- Church traditions are valid only if they align with Scripture.
- Traditions based on human invention, detached from Biblical truth, lead to doctrinal error.
Practical Challenges:
- Though Christians in the early church lacked a compiled Bible or universal access due to illiteracy or technological limits, the Bible’s authority was not diminished.
- Church leaders were responsible for studying and teaching Scripture faithfully.
The Living Word and the Written Word are In Full Agreement!
- Solo Christo and Sola Scriptura together emphasize that:
- Salvation is through Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture.
- Faith must rest on the solid foundation of God’s Word, ensuring all glory is directed to Christ, not human institutions or traditions.
Do you know the Lord in a personal and meaningful way? You can right now. Believers, let's follow Him closely, remaining focused and centered on Christ while totally grounded in Scripture.
Can Christians lose Their Salvation?
People are afraid of this idea, and it's for good reason. When you have thoughts like, Hey, maybe I'm not even saved; maybe Christ really isn't living inside of me, you need to stand on the Word of God, not on your emotions, circumstances or options -- you know emotions will fluctuate. Feelings are fickle.
Here are some Scriptures to remind you of God's faithfulness, believer:
All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. (1 John 5:10)
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16)
I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
Scripture strongly supports the eternal security for all those who are in Christ Jesus as His believers.
1. God's Faithfulness Secures Salvation
Salvation is an act of God, grounded in His character and promises:
- God's Irrevocable Gift: Romans 11:29 declares, "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." Salvation, being a gift of grace, cannot be revoked without contradicting God's nature.
- Jesus’ Assurance: In John 10:28–29, Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." The security of salvation is in His hands, not ours.
2. What Salvation Entails
The depth of salvation underscores its permanence:
- New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17): Being "in Christ" means an irreversible transformation—a spiritual rebirth. You cannot be "unborn" spiritually.
- Redemption and Justification (1 Peter 1:18–19; Romans 5:1): Through Christ’s blood, believers are redeemed and declared righteous. To lose salvation would mean God undoing the eternal effects of Christ's sacrifice, which is impossible.
- Eternal Life (John 3:16): By definition, eternal life cannot be temporary. If it were, it would contradict God's promise and the very nature of eternity.
3. The Sealing of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of our salvation:
- Marked and Sealed (Ephesians 1:13–14): Believers are sealed with the Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. To lose salvation, God would have to break this guarantee, which He cannot do.
- Glorification Assured (Romans 8:30): Glorification, promised alongside justification, confirms the believer’s ultimate destiny in God's presence.
4. Addressing Common Concerns
a. Unrepentant Sin: True Christians may stumble, but they will not live in habitual, unrepentant sin (1 John 3:6). If someone persists in sin without remorse, it raises the question of whether they were truly regenerated.
b. Apostasy: When someone renounces their faith, 1 John 2:19 clarifies: "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us." This indicates that their departure reveals they were never truly saved.
5. Encouragement for Believers
Assurance of salvation rests not on our emotions or performance but on God's promises:
- Stand on the Word: When doubts arise, return to Scriptures like Romans 8:38–39 and John 5:24, which affirm God's unshakable love and the believer's eternal security.
- Jesus as Mediator: 1 Timothy 2:5–6 reminds us that Christ is our mediator, ensuring that our salvation is sustained by His finished work.
- Faithfulness of God: Jude 1:24–25 assures us that God is able to keep us from falling and will present us faultless before His glorious presence.
Hey Believer, Abide in Christ. Enjoy His Peace, His Lead, and His Assurance
Salvation is entirely a work of God, from beginning to end. It is secured by His grace, guaranteed by His Spirit, and upheld by His faithfulness. Doubts may come, but they are opportunities to deepen trust in God's Word and promises. For those truly born again, salvation is not something to fear losing—it is a gift to treasure and live out daily in faith and gratitude.
