You said you were a Christian?

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6 ESV)

Many people profess to be Christians yet have no grasp of the gospel. Some of the “Christians” believe one needs to work to be saved. It isn't easy to discuss the gospel with misguided people. If we add anything to the gospel, we deny the gospel. If we say that Christ saves us by faith plus works, we then erase the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. If I am to contribute to my salvation by works, my salvation relies on my actions—the actions of an inherent sinner, incapable of righteousness on my own, so much for going to heaven. An ideology like this puts works at the root of salvation, eliminating the gospel; there is no gospel, no good news.

Yet, many denominations will argue about it without end. We place works as a fruit of salvation. In chapter 2, verse 17, James writes, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This scripture specifically tells us that works are not added to faith to be saved but accompany faith and are the fruits of salvation. Getting this wrong produces an incorrect understanding of the gospel.

I would fail if I were required to give one-quarter of one-half of one percent towards my salvation. That is why God's redemption plan called for Christ's sacrifice. The Godhead knew we could not do it on our own. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote, "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." Understanding this point is why we must read the Bible. The answers to your questions, the truth of the gospel, exist in scripture, guiding and enlightening us.

We are incapable of saving ourselves. Only those enabled by God, his elect, will be saved. We know some will never bend a knee to Christ. God's selection is a selection; He does not make it through clairvoyance. His election is not made because of something we will do in the future. When we misinterpret scripture, embarrass ourselves with our errors, we deny Christ erasing His work. Study the scriptures so that when we speak God's words, we speak to them the way He intended.

Understand and take comfort that we are saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, through grace alone, in scripture alone, and all for the glory of God alone.

Soli Deo Gloria! Peace and Grace!