In a world that often measures our worth by our accomplishments, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that our good deeds are what make us right with God. This belief, however, couldn't be further from the truth of the Gospel. Today, let's explore the profound difference between being saved by works and being saved by grace through faith.
The concept of earning our way to heaven through good deeds is not new. In fact, it's a heresy that has plagued Christianity since its earliest days. Even in the first century church, we see this struggle playing out. The story of Stephen in Acts 6 highlights this conflict. Stephen, full of grace and power, was accused of speaking against Moses, God, the temple, and the law. These accusations reveal a deeper issue: the belief that adherence to the law and religious customs was the path to righteousness.
But what does Scripture actually say about this? Let's turn to the words of the Apostle Paul for clarity:
"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This passage clearly states that our salvation is not a result of our own efforts. It's a gift from God, received through faith. Paul emphasizes this point again in Romans 3:20: "By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight."
The danger of relying on our own righteousness is that it leads us to create our own standards of what's good and right, often unanchored from God's Word. As Paul writes in Romans 10:2-3, "They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness."
This struggle was so significant in the early church that Paul devoted entire letters to addressing it. In Galatians, he confronts this issue head-on, even describing how Peter himself grappled with it. Paul's words in Galatians 5:4 are particularly striking: "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace."
So what does it mean to be saved by grace through faith? Grace is God's unmerited favor towards us. It's His love extended to us not because we deserve it, but simply because He chooses to love us. Faith is our response to that grace – choosing to believe and accept God's love and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
This truth is liberating! We don't have to earn God's love or salvation. We simply need to accept it through faith. However, this freedom in Christ comes with a responsibility. Paul warns in Galatians 5:13, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Here's where we need to be careful. Just as some twist the truth to make salvation about works, others distort grace to justify sinful behavior. They argue that since they're saved by grace, they can live however they want. This is equally dangerous and unbiblical.
The truth is, when we come to Christ, we're not made free to sin; we're made free from sin. As 1 John 2:1 reminds us, the goal is not to sin, but if we do, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Our response to God's grace should be a desire to live in a way that pleases Him, not to see how much we can get away with.
So how do we apply these truths to our lives?
Embrace God's grace: Recognize that you are loved and accepted by God not because of what you do, but because of who He is.
Live by faith: Choose daily to believe in and act upon God's love and promises for you.
Pursue holiness: Let your gratitude for God's grace motivate you to live a life that honors Him.
Guard against legalism: Be wary of teachings or attitudes that suggest you need to earn God's favor through your actions.
Resist using grace as a license to sin: Remember that true freedom in Christ means freedom from sin's power over you.
Stay anchored in God's Word: Let Scripture, not cultural norms or personal opinions, be your guide for right living.
Extend grace to others: As you've received God's unmerited favor, show that same grace to those around you.
In conclusion, the message of salvation by grace through faith is at the heart of the Gospel. It's a truth that sets us free from the burden of trying to earn our way to God and from the destructive power of sin in our lives. As we embrace this truth, may we live in the freedom Christ has won for us, neither bound by legalism nor abusing our liberty, but walking in the newness of life that comes from being in right relationship with God.
Let us remember the words of Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Whether that slavery is to legalistic works or to sin, Christ has liberated us. Let's live in that freedom, for His glory and our joy.