Salvation by Grace

Since I have not posted in quite awhile, I decided to make up for lost time. Even though we hear about salvation by grace all the time, we should never tire of the amazing truth set forth plainly in the Bible.

The topic of salvation of grace can be one which is easy to discuss in abstract terms but distance ourselves from its reality. Only when we understand the full significance of this glorious doctrine and see how it relates to our sinful condition can we give due praise to God. If we view ourselves as essentially good people able by our own will and works to gain favor with God and earn eternal life, we miss the point. Another false view that is easy to fall into is that of our works in a balance. Like the belief of the ancient Egyptians, we can fall into the trap of believing that we deserve a reward if our good works outnumber our bad ones, or if our soul is “light as a feather,” then can we escape punishment.

The problem though lies in our ability to fulfill this task. Even if we could go to Heaven based on the number of good works versus bad works, we would still be left with a serious problem. The answer is that in our naturally depraved state, we are completely incapable of performing works pleasing to God. In Isaiah 64:6, the prophet declares, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” The apostle Paul describes in Romans chapters one and three the woeful state of mankind dead in trespasses and in sins. Romans 3:10, 11 declare, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” These verses paint a terrible scene of depravity. Not only are our so called “good” works unrighteous and filthy, but from the beginning, there was no one that sought God. This description of depravity brings up a troubling point. How are we to attempt to tip the scales in our favor if our best efforts are for naught? How can we even begin to do what is right if we are not even seeking God? To further make matters more difficult for us, the illustration of the good and bad works in the balance is at fault. The just and thrice holy God that condescends even to make Earth his footstool, demands absolute perfection. Even one filthy rag, one bad thought, or one blemish is enough to condemn us to destruction. Try as we might, we can never by our own strength attain this lofty standard. The law that God set forth speaks out against us, for Romans 3:20 states that, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Is there any hope then for poor, weary sinners who struggle daily with the burden of sins and yet yearn to be free? If we act like the haughty Pharisee who saw himself righteous and thanked God that he was not like others, then we will find no comfort. On the other hand, if we say with the publican, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” and know that Christ is our only hope, we may find rest. Then may we join with the songwriter and sing of the amazing grace that delivered us from our wretched condition and transported us to the very throne of God. But wait! How is it possible that we are changed from filthy rags to being able to lift up sweet odors of incense to God? What about the penalties of the law that must be fulfilled? Isaiah describes in graphic terms just how that punishment was enacted. The only hope for sinners is a perfect, spotless, sacrifice. No one can meet that standard except Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He acted as our advocate and willingly offered up himself as the ultimate sacrifice that appeased the just wrath of God. All of the sins of God’s elect children were placed upon Christ. The perfect, righteous king, who never sinned, became sin for us. Isaiah 53:7 tells us that “all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Verse 11 tells us how God’s wrath was appeased: “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied…”

The doctrine of salvation by grace became more meaningful to me recently. Last semester at the University of Memphis, one of my close friends and I were in a world history class together. Our teacher encouraged class interaction, and as we began the topic of early Christianity, he broached the issue of salvation. We soon entered a friendly but lively class debate. My friend and I shared our beliefs about immediate regeneration, election, and particular redemption. Some of the other classmates seemed a bit shocked when we talked about God choosing to save His people before the world began. When we compared views, some of the others actually said that they believed God loves the people in Hell as much as He does those in Heaven. When I heard this, I realized that if that were the case, everyone would be doomed. If Jesus is not powerful enough to save His children from destruction or if our hearts can successfully resist His divine grace, we would all be left without hope. How comforting it is to believe in a successful Savior! Matthew 1:21 leaves no doubt as to the success of Christ’s work. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus was not thwarted by sinful humans or denied His goal by unregenerate hearts. He accomplished His work and freed every stray sinner for whom he died. Because of His death and resurrection, we shall be ever in the presence of God, crying with the angles, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty.”