Articles
Saved by Grace
The Bible affirms that we are saved by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:5). How so?
By grace, God made a plan for our salvation before He even created us: “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Timothy 1:9).
By grace, God sent His Son to die for us. “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9).
By grace, God invites us or calls us to receive the blessing of salvation in Christ. “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ . . .” (Galatians 1:6).
By grace, God forgives us in Christ. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8a). By grace, God instructs how to live. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12).
By grace, God provides gifts to help us learn and grow. “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. . . . And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:7, 11).
By grace, God gives us gifts to use in His service. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly . . .” (Romans 12:6).
By grace, God provides the help we need along the way. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 5:16).
By grace, God will one day take us to heaven. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13; cf. vv. 3-5).
“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1).
