Sola Gratia or Grace Alone

How are mortal men brought into right relationship with the Divine Creator? By what means are unholy sinners declared righteous before a Holy God? How can we who are separated from God, inherit everlasting life with God? If, as we wrote last week, Scripture alone is the definitive source for the answers to these kinds of questions, then we must solely rely on what God has written in His Word. On the other hand, if the Bible is not sufficient or fully authoritative to rightly resolve the above-mentioned questions, then there is not only a plethora of possibilities, but also endless uncertainty on how these inquiries are answered.

The theology behind the terms Sola Gratia, Sola Fide and Solus Christus – which in English equates to Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Christ alone is what separates true Christianity from artificial Evangelicalism and all other false religions. These three, of the “five solas,” specifically address the subject of salvation. Every single person on the planet should want to know, without a shred of doubt, how the redemption of sinners is accomplished and applied. This subject is of such vast importance, there should not be one ounce of dissension or ambiguity among those branded as Christian. While it may seem unnecessary to address this, believe me, not everyone who claims to hold to orthodox Christianity believes the same thing. Sadly, even under the umbrella of Evangelicalism there exists numerous philosophies on how a person is reconciled to God. Yet contrary to the absurdity of our post-modern society, these varied opinions cannot all be true. Instead, some of these erroneous ideas can condemn the human soul for eternity. It is my conviction we either believe what God has said in His Word as our final and sufficient authority, or there can be no certainty about our eternal destinies.

It was the contention of the Reformers, (and other faithful believers outside the Protestant Movement), that Scripture alone is the absolute authority in all spiritual matters. Hence, on the pages of the Bible we can quickly and confidently discern how mankind is brought into a right relationship with the Almighty. The Word clearly teaches men are saved by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. Plus nothing.

In Ephesians 2:4-5 we read, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ; by grace you have been saved.” Folks, one does not need scholarly seminary training to understand the theology of this passage. The Apostle Paul writes in the simplest of terms and says, it was God, motivated by His immeasurable love for mankind, who showed mercy to the undeserving and graciously made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. Please take note, the inspired writer affirms this was done – by grace alone.

But just in case the reader did not initially grasp this truth, Paul reiterates, “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” (Ephesians 2:8-9). For a second time, Paul adamantly insists the believer’s redemptive relationship with Christ was not earned, but was the free gift of God. The very word grace means, unmerited favor. So, in the clearest language possible, the Apostle wants his readers to know, that if they are indeed saved, born-again believers, then this salvation was given to them as an unearned, unmerited gift from God. I really don’t know if the author could have been any clearer?! All one must do is read this second chapter of Ephesians to see the doctrine of salvation by grace alone indelibly engraved on the page. The passage begins by stating the natural condition of all humanity is one governed by wickedness, depravity and spiritual death. Paul pronounces all men are by nature alienated from God and bound by the dominion of darkness and we would remain that way if God did not intervene. But thankfully, intervene He does. It is God, and God alone who gives the new believer spiritual life. We cannot save ourselves any more than we can give ourselves spiritual life. God who is Life, must give us this gift. Regardless of how highly you may think of yourself, you do not merit God’s mercy. You do not deserve His love and you cannot work your way to heaven.

To put it simply, a gift is not earned. If you earn it, it isn’t a gift. The Bible states, eternal life is the unmerited gift of God bestowed on all who place their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, if anyone at any time every comes to a saving knowledge of God, it will be by grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone … plus nothing!

Friends, if any mortal ever sets foot on the streets of gold, or enters those pearly gates, it will be because of God’s Amazing Grace – nothing less and nothing more. If we fallen sinful creatures ever enjoy fellowship with the Heavenly Father, it will be ONLY because God (in Christ) has done for us what we cannot and will not do for ourselves. The salvation of sinners is from conception to completion accomplished by grace alone.

This foundational truth, has been, and continues to be a bloody battle over the souls of men. Yet, the Bible is abundantly clear on this subject. Scripture teaches us salvation is an unearned gift, freely given by God to lost sinners by grace alone. Though none deserve God’s mercy, still in His matchless grace He has given everlasting life to all who turn from their sins and put their faith in the Risen Messiah.

What are you trusting?

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