Until recently, I wasn’t aware of the many misunderstandings people have in regard to salvation through grace rather than works. Those who have not been raised in the Christian church or have not read what the Bible has to say about being saved by grace rather than works, I can now understand why this part of Christianity has been so misjudged.
I’d like to clear up some misconceptions. First of all, just because we don’t believe we’re saved by our works does not mean that good works are in vain or invalid! What the Christian faith teaches is that none of us are “good enough” to save ourselves. We all have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Since God is too holy to look at sin, we need a savior. The only one “good enough” is God Himself who became flesh for us in Jesus Christ. Prior to Christ’s death on the cross for us, sacrifices were still taking place for the redemption of sins. Yes, Christ was the sinless, pure, spotless Lamb who became the ultimate sacrifice for us as foretold centuries prior to His arrival. He, being God, gave His life for us so we would no longer be bound by the law. This brought forth the dispensation of grace for us.
When we decide to accept that gift that Jesus has already purchased for our eternal salvation, and allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives as we follow Him, the Bible says we will be known by our fruits (Matthew 7:20). If Christ is truly in us, it will be evident by our works. It’s not our works that save us; that was accomplished by the grace of Christ on the cross.
“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)
There are many Christians who believe that once we have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, we can never lose it or walk away from it. Though I do agree we do not lose our salvation, I do not believe that it’s impossible to walk away from it if one chose to do so.
A Christian should be a follower of Christ. We should want to do good as He’s done if He truly lives in our hearts. Our works are the evidence of a true Christian walk. I am so thankful to serve a God who loves us enough; who’s paid such a price to spend eternity with us! I don’t have to be good enough; I just need to put my faith in God.
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.