The following is a summary containing some of the highlights that are found in the PDF File and the Audio below.

 

Grace vs. Works

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The question of how we are saved—by God’s grace or by our own good works—has long been debated. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn by our own efforts. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, given to us not because we deserve it, but because of His love and mercy. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” No amount of good deeds can make us worthy of heaven; all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

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However, this does not mean that good works are unimportant. The book of James reminds us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). True faith in Christ naturally results in a changed life and good deeds—not as a means to earn salvation, but as evidence of it. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a Christian is known by the good works that flow from genuine faith. We do not do good works to become saved; we do them because we are saved.

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The early church fathers in the 1st Century also echoed this teaching. Polycarp and Clement of Rome both affirmed that we are justified by faith and God’s grace, not by our own wisdom or works. Yet, they also taught that good works are the natural result of true faith. In summary, salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, but real faith will always be accompanied by a life that seeks to honor God through good works.

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