SALVATION IS BY GRACE

Robert Meredith

  Is one saved by grace only?  As one considers this question, he must keep in mind the difference between grace and grace only.  The Bible thoroughly teaches that one is saved by grace (Tit. 2:11; Eph. 1:6; 2:5, 8; Rom. 15:15).  The question under consideration is not if man is saved by grace, we are.  The question pertains to being saved by grace only.  If salvation is by grace only, you have one of two possibilities, both of which contradict the scriptures.  One possibility is universalism.  Universalism is the idea that everyone will be saved.  Some who contend for “grace only” say all will be saved because “Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man” (Heb. 2:9), and God wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4).  This doctrine, however, contradicts other passages which clearly show that not all people will be saved.  Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Mt. 7:13-14).

  If one is saved by grace only, the only other possibility would be that God has elected some to be saved and others to be lost, and one can not do anything to change his eternal destiny.  Once again the scriptures do not teach this idea.  The scriptures are full of evidence that God is love (Jn. 3:16; Rm. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16) and that He desires the salvation of all men (Mt. 11:28-30; 1 Tim. 2:4; Heb. 2:9; 1 Jn. 2:2; Rev. 22:17).  It is indeed sad that some teach that God is so unloving that He would create some and never offer to them the grace He forces on others.  God loves all and wants all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4), but man has a choice in the matter.  Therefore, mankind is saved by grace, not by grace only.

  Grace is defined as unmerited favor.  God was not, and is not obligated to save man, but He has extended His unmerited favor to man, making it possible for mankind to be redeemed from sin.  This amazing grace is freely offered to us, but we have to access this grace by an obedient faith.  The Apostle Paul tells us this in Romans 5:2, “By Whom we also have access by faith into this grace…”; the book of Romans begins and ends with obedient faith (Rm. 1:5; 16:26).

  There are several things involved in God’s grace; His developing the scheme of redemption; the Word taking on flesh (Jn. 1:14) and living and dying on earth for our sins; and the Holy Spirit’s directing the apostles and the other inspired men to the completion of God’s revealed will, the Bible.  All these things were given by God so that man might enjoy salvation.  All should be humbled by God’s wonderful grace which can save all.  Let us access this grace, not reject it (Heb. 5:8-9).