Salvation is God’s Free Gift

 

I saw this poster recently which is true but then thought - what scripture supports it? And the answer may be longer than you think:

Core texts on grace alone (not works):

Ephesians 2:8-9 (the one already on the poster) - “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.”

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”

2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace…”

Romans 3:20, 28 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight… Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Romans 4:4-5 “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.”

Galatians 2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Galatians 3:10-11 “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse… But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”

Philippians 3:9 “…and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Why Christ’s death was necessary: These verses underline that if works could save, the cross would be unnecessary:

Galatians 2:21 “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

Hebrews 10:11-14 (especially v. 14) The repeated sacrifices under the law could never take away sins, but Christ offered one sacrifice for sins forever.

The poster is simply restating the clear New Testament teaching: every religious “work” (tithing, church attendance, keeping commandments, turning from sin, confession, living right, etc.) is good after salvation, but none of them can earn or contribute to it. 

Salvation is God’s free gift received by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church