Grace and Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
These verses are fundamental to understanding Christian salvation. Yet, they often become a point of debate among believers, especially regarding whether Christian practices like baptism, repentance, and living a holy life are necessary for salvation.
The Grace of God
Grace is traditionally defined as “unmerited favour” — a gift from God that we don’t deserve. While this is accurate, a more profound understanding of grace is seeing it as both “God's gift to us and God's work in us.” Grace is not passive; it’s active and transformative. It’s not just about receiving a gift; it’s about God’s continuous work within us, reshaping our hearts and lives.
The doctrine of grace teaches that we are saved by God’s love and action, not by our works. Our salvation cannot be earned through good deeds. Verse 10 in Ephesians 2 further explains that although we are created to do good works, it’s God’s grace that initiates and sustains our salvation. The works we do are a response to God’s grace, not a means to earn it.
The Role of Faith
Faith, as described in the Bible, is more than just intellectual agreement or a mental acknowledgment of God’s existence. It is trust and reliance upon God, which naturally leads to obedience. In modern language, we may say "I believe" as if it’s merely an opinion. However, in the biblical sense, saving faith always includes a response; it is demonstrated through action.
The Apostle Paul, in the Book of Romans, frequently emphasizes that faith includes obedience. Romans 1:5 speaks of “the obedience of faith,” and Romans 16:26 reiterates this point. Paul shows that genuine faith is inseparable from obedience, making it clear that one cannot claim to believe while living in disobedience. Faith, when authentic, results in action.
To illustrate the difference between mere mental assent and true biblical faith, imagine a tightrope walker crossing Niagara Falls. The crowd watches and believes he can make it, but when asked to get into the wheelbarrow to cross with him, no one volunteers. They claim to believe, but they are not willing to commit their lives. In the same way, biblical faith is not about cheering from the sidelines; it’s about committing our lives to Christ.
Grace as a Teacher
The grace of God is available to all, but it requires an active response from us. Titus 2:11-12 says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly.”
Grace teaches and transforms. If someone claims to have received grace but continues living the same old life, they are not allowing grace to work within them. Grace leads to a transformed life and a pursuit of holiness.
Grace gives us both the desire and the power to live according to God’s will. It’s not about trying to be perfect on our own strength but about surrendering to God’s work in us. Grace changes our hearts, desires, and actions.
Responding to the Gospel
When the Apostle Peter preached in Acts 2, he called the people to respond to the message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. In Acts 2:38, he instructed them to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins and promised that they would receive the Holy Spirit. This shows that belief must be accompanied by action. Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit are not works we perform to earn salvation; they are responses to God’s grace and evidence of faith.
Repentance is not merely a human effort; it’s a work of God. Jesus made it clear: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Baptism is also not just a ritual; it’s an act of faith where we trust God to remove our sins. Receiving the Holy Spirit is a gift and an act of grace, further illustrating that salvation is God’s work in us.
Obedience
In some modern Christian circles, the concept of “grace alone” is taken to an extreme, where obedience is viewed as unnecessary. This perspective, sometimes referred to as the “hyper-grace movement,” teaches that grace covers all sins, regardless of one’s lifestyle. Such teachings often overlook the biblical call to holiness, repentance, and transformation.
Paul addresses this in Romans 6:1 when he asks, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” His response is emphatic: “God forbid!” Grace is not a license to sin. Instead, it’s an invitation to be transformed. True grace teaches us to live differently—soberly, righteously, and godly.
Walking Through the Door Grace Opens
Grace is the door to salvation, but faith and obedience are the steps through that door. Sin had locked us out, and neither the Mosaic Law, the blood of animals, nor tradition could open it. But God’s grace, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, unlocked the door, making salvation possible. Now, we are called to walk through it by faith, repentance, baptism, and living a transformed life.
Grace, then, is not just a concept; it’s the active and transformative power of God that enables us to live a life pleasing to Him.
As John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace, experienced, grace takes us from ruin to redemption. It doesn’t just save us; it teaches us to live as children of God, transformed and empowered by His love.