justsayingJesusBless

 It is only through the grace of God that humanity can be saved which comes through accepting Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior. Salvation cannot be obtained through works alone. It is not to be compared to a payment for a job performed. From a biblical apologetics prospective, this post focuses on salvation through grace, Salvation through Faith and Salvation shown through works but not received from works-actions.

Save Through Grace

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”[1] This particular scripture pretty much explains how salvation is acquired or received. It also notes how grace, faith and works play a role in salvation and Christianity. It is important for both Christians and non-Christians to understand that no one is saved through their own might, work or power.

The Apostle Paul understood that people have the tendency to glorify themselves by boasting about the great works they have done or righteous acts they do for others. Clearly, this is not a characteristic of a Christian life. Salvation is a gift to humanity from God’s grace (His unmerited favor) and man cannot work their way into the Kingdom of God.

Faith in Action through Works

Many righteous people-the patriots of faith in the Old Testament were remembered for their ‘faith’. Hebrews 11:39 highlights that many kings, prophets and other leaders did mighty exploits and lived according to God’s commandments by practicing the law but they were mostly remembered for their unwavering faith and stand for righteousness. One must believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit-Triune (God manifested in all three) God. The entire book of James points out how Christians must show their faith and salvation through their works.

The ministry of James focused on exemplifying our salvation and faith through action within the Church-the body of Christ. Demonstrating Christian conduct challenges the Christian community to serve those in church as well as out without partiality.  James points out the importance of practicing patience, wisdom, prayer, which is some of the Christian core values. Finally, these early Christians were taught about immoral conduct, and works without faith. The book of James has a constant theme that teaches how” faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” in Chapter 2:17. This message is similar the scripture in Mark 16:17, “And these signs will accompany those who believe.” This scripture does not say these signs might accompany believers.

Conclusion

Grace, faith and works go hand in hand. You cannot leave out either one out of the equation of salvation. It is more convincing and powerful when Christians show God’s grace and salvation towards others. The author of Share Jesus without Fear, Fay William notes, “If you are not sharing your faith, you are not living a good Christian life.”[2] Ed Hindson and Ergun Caner described grace as “one of God’s many communicable attributes, and the term generally refers to His “underserved favor” toward sinners.”[3]

People need to know the truth (‘keep it real’) which is a concern that all Christians should have when approaching or informing others about salvation. Because there are a lot of religious groups, cults, cultic-behavior, pluralists, false prophets, and pseudo-worldviews, this pluralistic society and country spreads its multiplicity of messages that are very convincing and seducing. It is still a powerful tool for Christians to share their testimonies and the transformative and redemptive work of salvation within the heart.

By Cheryl Howard, MA., B.C.P.C., Author of Self-published book: Let Me Out!  http://letmeout.net/

Website: Founder of Get Your Life Back Counseling Ministries– http://www.getylifebkcounselingministries.org/

Blog: http://getyourlifebk.wordpress.com/