Are We Saved by Grace?

Jo Oliver on May 23, 2008

Tags: Christian, good works, religion, saved by grace

Religious discussion on if we are saved by grace or works.

Religion is a touchy subject for many. We have a vast assortment of denominations in America and those that believe in the principles of Darwinism, atheist, etc. So, just mentioning the word religion often opens a can of worms. However, I am a firm believer in the core values our forefathers fought for freedom of all men to worship without persecution. Therefore, I do believe that all are entitled to worship or not worship however they choose. Now, to open that can of worms and share my belief.

I recently read an article about being saved by faith. The author come to the conclusion we are saved by grace /faith and that good works has nothing to do with it. I disagree most adamantly. If this principle was truly correct, that would mean that evil men like Ted Buddy and Hitler are in the Kingdom of God if they expressed that they simply believe in God. Both of these men did acknowledge God, but I do not in any way believe they are in his kingdom.

If faith alone held the keys to heaven, then what is the purpose of life on earth? Faith could easily be shown without trial. Especially, if you only have to have it momentarily. No, I firmly believe in good works. Good works, now that is the trial behind our faith. If grace is simply the door to heaven…..good works is the key that opens the door. God only guarantees us the door. The key is ours to keep or loose through our actions.

Most religions do believe in “saved by grace” and often I am told that I am not a Christian because I do not believe the Bible passage it is derived from. However, I am NOT saying I do not believe in the Bible nor this particular passage. I am saying that the founders of denominations that believe the meaning of the passage to be interpreted as saved by grace are simply interpreting it wrong.

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Comments (5)

Jie T. Elins on May 23, 2008
You made a great point, and I agree with you. I personally believe that grace and faith are two different principles. Faith is the gift we give to God and Grace is the gift He gives to us. Without His grace, our faith and any good works would be in vain.

I also believe that good works are necessary because they are a demonstration of our faith. Anyone can say they believe in Christ, but those who are doing His works to the best of their ability are the ones who truly are believers.

Thanks for the great article and for fearlessly sharing your beliefs.
Jen on May 24, 2008
I think you are tackling a very sensitive subject there. In fact, it has been debated time and again by many theologians and Christians of different sects, i.e. Roman Catholics and Protestants.

I believe that I am saved by grace through faith,not by works so that NO ONE can boast. The faith that the Word of God talks about is not merely saying I believe. It is much more than that! It is a faith which PRODUCES GOOD DEEDS for faith without action is dead. If a person, say Hitler, said that he believed in God but did all those nasty things, can you conclude then that Hitler had faith? By no means! The faith referred in the Word of God is not that superficial!
Read Romans 1 and James 1. If you dig deep enough, you\’ll see that they are coherent as the whole Bible is and that they talk of the same faith though they may at first glance, appear otherwise.
Dan on May 25, 2008
This is a Good piece and well written.

I must say to understand grace is not normal for us humans. God is perfect any imperfection is not good enough. We as human classify sin. Murder, rape, theft, they are what we consider worse sins, put in God\’s eye even a white lie, cheating on a test, a lustful thought, envy or many others is as the same all imperfection.

If we do not except grace then there is no reason for the sacrifice of Jesus the son because by being good to our standards would be good enough to enter eternal life. The Bible states that our righteousness, are as filthy rags in front of God (Isa. 64:6). This means unacceptable to God no matter what we do.

If we do not except grace then also we ignore the Bible teaching.

Most everyone has read John 3:16 and it explains very well why Jesus was sacrificed. Ephesians 2:8-9 as one here commented on is also a great illustration.

The apostle Paul murdered many Christians. He repented and was one of the greatest writers in the Bible. Adolph Hitler murdered many Jews does that mean God would accept Paul and not Hitler if he repented and asked for grace? This is hard to fathom as Hitler was modern history and his atrocities are well known. The Apostle Paul we only know that he murdered Christians by brutally stoning.
Carolyn Ann Aish on Apr 3, 2009
Interesting discussion from your article, Jo. I believe in both GRACE and FAITH – it is by GRACE I am saved, through FAITH, not of myself, not of good works lest I should boast. And once saved through Gods Grace, by Faith in His Son Jesus Christ and the WORK He completed at the Cross, through His shed blood, I now want to do HIS works in HIS strength and Power. Grace has a very wonderful acrostic that explains it: G R A C E = GODs RICHES AT CHRISTs EXPENSE. The Bible clearly teaches ME that I am saved by Grace through faith, as for any other person who lived in the past or who lives today, I cannot speak for, only God will be the final judge as to whether they were–or are– saved. Blessings to you for your bravery on writing about such a subject.
skylite on Apr 18, 2009
Very nicely written … I am still not sure what I completely believe in !

Are We Saved by Grace?

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