I would like to ask a question... what is Salvation? Or, what is it that God saves us from? Sin – correct? The scripture tells us in 1 John 3:5 And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.
Just to clarify, Salvation (which is the end-result of what we are discussing here) has all to do with the redemption of a man (or woman) from their sinful life, so that they might trade that life in for the life that Christ gave for us and wants us to have. This has been proven in past studies, and I will share with you again if you contact me. Now, let’s talk about where God’s Grace fits into this picture:
Perhaps the most popular scripture that comes to mind, pertaining to this subject, is most likely the very same one that many here have already thought of:
Ephesians 2:8-10 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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I often hear many people proclaim a popular teaching wherever this scripture pops up. These people will tell you that their salvation (from sin?) consists of “grace plus nothing”. The question is, does grace-plus-nothing yield true salvation? -or- Is grace-plus-nothing really God’s Grace at all? The answers to these questions may not be what many will want to hear, but necessary to understand if we are to be saved. One thing is for sure: salvation comes God’s way folks, and I hope all here will.
We need to know the Truth concerning this… according to The Gospel, God’s Grace is the only thing that can save us. That is why it is called a gift. It is nothing that we can go out and buy, build, or otherwise gain access to without God imparting it to us. If he does not give it to us, we simply will not have it! We have/had no pure thing in our own lives that we could offer that would atone or take away our sins. There is also nothing that we can do to earn God’s Grace because we could never pay what it cost – Jesus had to die for it!
Notice that I am talking about Grace right now, and not salvation. These are two different things, you see? Grace is one of the first key ingredients that we must have in this recipe (if you will) for salvation. There are, in fact, other ingredients in addition to Grace that are necessary, like mercy, faith, and obedience to name some. This is because true Grace will work all of these other things out within our lives if God has mercy on us. (Explained later, please continue to read.)
I am afraid that many people that say, “grace-plus-nothing” have been snared by one of the devil’s many traps. Maybe some are afraid for it to be more? A few may even realize the truth but have accepted a lie because they were simply never converted and have not tasted that the Lord is good? Maybe they thought that they were, but then judged God’s Word by their own ways and discounted His plan of salvation? Remember the parable of the sower? Offences, cares of this world, no root (not sincere), possibly not enough patience to wait on God? By the Grace of God, I hope to explain this and prove to all who hear what is that good and acceptable Will of God concerning this subject, so please bear with us and continue on!
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
We see here that it is very possible that Satan can and will take people captive, and that at his own will. he does this through lies and hypocrisy of course. No different than he did with Eve in the garden. he told Eve, “thou shalt not surely die.” Did he tell the truth? Yes - well part of it. The devil understands that man is a very intelligent creation and so he often mixes what we know is true with non-truths, or simply leaves out some of the story in order to deceive us into taking a different fork in the road. he wants nothing more than for us to be quiet, sit back, and cruise down that broad highway that leads to destruction, with everyone else in this world.
As a matter of fact, we find that close to a third of the world (31% according to Google online today) are confessing that they are going to heaven via Jesus Christ, when the scripture clearly teaches us that only a few will be saved. Jesus Himself speaks to this on several occasions.
Below are the membership statistics on the most prominent “Christian-confessing” churches. There are many more that have close to or have millions in attendance that are not mentioned here. I am sure that most, if not all people associated here have a confession that they are saved by grace. It does not leave many of the 7.7 Billion people on earth out. What about the past generations?
· 47,000 Protestant organizations world-wide
(Many of these have broken off from the Catholic Church (another subject in herself)
· 1.313 Billion Catholic Church Members
· up to 105 Million Baptist
· up to 280 Million Pentecostalism (Includes Seventh-day Adventist & New Apostolic)
· up to 100 Million Calvinism/Presbyterian
· up to 90 Million Lutheran
· up to 80 Million Methodist
Luke 13:23-27 Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Because to strive and to seek are two different things) When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets. But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.
So how many is a few? Let’s start by saying that there cannot possibly be a church on every corner full of saints. I say this because God only provided one way to get to heaven folks. When He does something, it is perfect! Amen? Each of these churches teach some things different, do they not? This is no secret.
That is why Jesus said above in Luke 13:27 “I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of iniquity.”
You see iniquity is the act of hypocrisy, or in other words: claiming to be a child of God when you are really not. Unfortunately, the bible also teaches that we are able to deceive ourselves. This is why it is so important to read and study God’s Word diligently for yourself!
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Psalms 28:3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
Psalms 119:1-3 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Just how possible is it for people to deceive themselves? Who knows you better than a loved one or neighbor?
Here are a few more statistics that may startle you (compliments of https://www.rotw.com/this-weeks-shocking-stat?mwm_id=344332683254&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1aq1lfmQ5gIVS__jBx254QS9EAAYAiAAEgLpAfD_BwE)
· 72% of the unchurched believe that “the church” is filled with hypocrites
· More than half of all young people (ages 18-24) don’t believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word (this is no doubt due to the people they observe daily who call themselves Christians)
· Only half of all teenagers that grew up in a “Christian Home” had regular conversations about God
· 50% of “Christians” think that most non-Christians have no interest in hearing about Jesus
· 78% of the unchurched would listen to someone who shared what they believe about Christianity
· 3 out of 4, or 74% of “Christians” seldom have a “spiritual conversation” with anyone
· Atheists and Agnostics scored 15% higher than “Christians” on their knowledge about religion in the “Pews Religious Knowledge Survey”
· 65% of “Christians” believe that there are multiple paths to heaven (Again, there is only one Jesus, our example; meaning that we only have one example who is “the one way” to heaven!)
So, remember that we said that there is only one true way to eternal life? There is only one Jesus? So let’s ask some silly questions: Do you really think that Jesus would call Himself a “Baptist”, “Calvinist”, Methodist? How about Catholic? …I hope that you answered no to these questions. If he did, then the others called by the many different names would be in error?
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
So why then do most people belong to a protestant ‘belief system’, or some other form of doctrine that is not found in the Holy Bible? The answer is simple, lies and deception. What this really and truly means is that only one of the ways, out of the hundreds of thousands of doctrines preached in the world today, is reality. The rest are merely counterfeits of salvation.
Ever see a counterfeit bill? It will fool some people, but not all. However, a different print will fool some that the first did not, and yet another – and so on. One sure way to tell many counterfeit ways to heaven is that they will be easy to fit into your lifestyle and the things that you want and desire. It is also true that many people are likely to pat you on the back and agree with what you are saying if you proclaim one of these false ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 2:16-22 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 7:21-27 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Satan wants to convince us that we are alright (when we may not be) and will tell us that we do not need to search anymore, nor do anything else that might lead us further into the truth of the matter. The further he can keep us from the Truth, the more likely we will not search out to find true salvation in Christ. So how many again does the protestant organization on your corner claim to have won over to Christ? Far more than will inherit salvation according to Jesus? That is just one organization folks. Are they part of the one true church? Maybe, maybe not?
Proverbs 14:15-16 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
Jesus said: Matthew 7:20-21 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
What fruits? Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
In contrast: Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Thanks be to Our God, and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that He did indeed provide a way for us to be saved! Which way is it? How can we tell? Well, if we are true followers of that which is Truth, there is tangible evidence in this life.
Let’s shed some more light onto the first scripture presented here today by adding some more Truth to it so that we can get a more precise understanding of how Grace works to our salvation. Here is another scripture of the very same subject…
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
(God dealt to every man a measure of faith – Romans 12:3b. What does it show us?...)
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (not drunken, marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness), righteously (morally right or justifiable), and godly (of, from, or like God or a god.), in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Did you catch where the evidence will be? Let’s examine Ephesians one more time:
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith (We must believe in the Truth [Jesus] and His operation – trusting Him to perform it on us); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God(already explained above): Not of works(This is not something that we can earn by being what the world thinks is a good person, or doing things that we think are good – at our own will – that would give us something to brag about), lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship (created through faith in the Truth found in God’s Word, that yields obedience to the instructions within His Word), created in Christ Jesus unto good works (He creates us to perform these works that are mentioned in Titus verse 12 above, and many others!), which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Notice that verse 8 says that the grace that saves us must come through faith. So – I mentioned to you physical, tangible proof of salvation in this life – please read again Titus 2:12 again. It says that WE are to deny ungodliness and worldy lusts, and in this present world.
I do realize that many confessing Christians today might accuse me of trying to earn my salvation because I simply quoted this scripture, but it is there. I did not write it. We should not try to change it to suit what is comfortable for us either. Let’s also not ignore it, take it out, find another translation or whatever to hope that it might say something else.
This is an instruction. God is telling us to do this. Call it earning salvation if you will, but it is therefore not “our” works, but rather obedience -or- the works God has asked us to perform; that prove our faith in God’s Word. Either way, Gods’ Word demands obedience in several different places throughout the Bible.
Now we cannot be completely obedient in and of ourselves. We need the true power of God. This, friends, is where the Grace of God in our lives comes in! This is the gift that He gives us when we are sincere and diligently seek for Him with an open heart and mind. Once we complete our first works (Repentance, Water Baptism, Confession) He is just and faithful to forgive our sins – 1 John 1:9. If we are a true seed of God, He will then make us free from that thing that we need to be saved from – sin.
There are then many other things that we must overcome as salvation is a progressive work. It does not take place in a split second of time. Here are the main steps that God’s Word teaches:
1. Godly sorrow -Psalms 34:18, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Romans 2:4
2. Repentance - Mark 1:14-15, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Revelations 3:3
3. Water Baptism -Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Romans 6:3
4. Conversion -Matthew 18:3, Mark 4:12, Luke 22:32, John 12:40, Acts 3:19
5. Crucifying of the flesh/Cleansing our spirit(mind) -Romans 12:2, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:26, Psalms 119:9, John 6:63, Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:20, Galatians 6:14, Hebrews 9:14, Luke 9:23, 1 Peter 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 5:48
If we have truly experienced God’s Grace, and have indeed been set free from sin, we have power over it and it therefore cannot overcome us. We can and must now be obedient. A truly repentant person will want this so it is no longer a sacrifice (for the most part, however we do have to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts.) Not that we fear God crushing us, but more of a reverence. The fact that we have power over the sin makes us more than capable – his Grace is sufficient and capable to keep us from falling! Fear no longer has a role to play here so long as we exercise faith.
-Here are some more scriptures to chew on!
1 Peter 1:3-16 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.(This verse is a direct reference to Ephesians 2 and Titus 2 references made earlier) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Psalms 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Father, please open ears, hearts, and minds to them that will hear. In Jesus precious name, amen.
rob@INTRUTH.site
Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
