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Grow your faith in God and walk in his light

What is the Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone? Salvation is a central theme in Christianity, and the question of how one can be saved has been a topic of theological debate for centuries. One of the key points of contention is the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This belief, famously championed by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation, asserts that a person is declared righteous before God solely by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any good works. But what does the Bible say about salvation by faith alone? Let’s explore this topic and examine the biblical basis for this doctrine.

The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

From a Biblical Perspective

Understanding Justification by Faith Alone

The concept of justification by faith alone is rooted in the belief that humans are inherently sinful and unable to earn their own salvation through good works. Instead, salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This belief is based on several key passages in the Bible, including Galatians 2:16, which states, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus.” This verse emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through adherence to religious laws or good deeds but through faith in Christ alone. But as we know, true faith in Jesus Christ produces obedience and good works.

The Context of the Galatian Christians

To better understand the importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, it is helpful to examine the context in which the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians. These believers were facing a theological crisis, as they were being pressured by Judaizers, legalistic Jews who insisted that adherence to the Law of Moses, including circumcision, was necessary for salvation. In response to this false teaching, Paul vehemently condemned any notion that salvation could be achieved through works. He emphasized that salvation comes by faith in Christ, not by human effort (Galatians 2:3-4).

The Reformation and the Council of Trent

The doctrine of justification by faith alone became a focal point of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Martin Luther, a German monk, boldly proclaimed that this doctrine was the foundation upon which the Church stands or falls. In response to the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church convened the Council of Trent from 1545 to 1563 to address the theological challenges posed by the Reformers. The council issued canons that explicitly rejected the notion of justification by faith alone and affirmed the necessity of works, particularly participation in the sacraments, for salvation.

The Protestant Perspective

Protestant theology upholds the belief that faith alone is the means by which a person is justified before God. This view is based on various biblical passages, such as Romans 3:28, which states, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” According to this perspective, salvation is a result of God’s grace, received through faith, and not dependent on any human effort or merit. Good works, while important, are seen as the fruit of genuine faith rather than a means of earning salvation.

The Role of Works in Faith

While the emphasis of the doctrine of justification by faith alone is on the exclusivity of faith in salvation, it is important to recognize the role of works in the life of a believer. The book of James addresses this aspect, stating that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). However, this should not be understood as contradicting the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Rather, James emphasizes that true faith is always accompanied by actions that demonstrate its genuineness. Good works are evidence of a transformed life and a response to the grace and salvation received through faith in Christ.

A Comparison with Other Religions

The doctrine of justification by faith alone sets biblical Christianity apart from other major religions. In Islam, for example, salvation is dependent on adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, but there is no guarantee of acceptance by Allah. Buddhism seeks to end the cycle of reincarnation through the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Hinduism teaches the concept of multiple rebirths to pay for previous sins. In all these religions, salvation or attaining a higher state is contingent upon human effort. Biblical Christianity, on the other hand, emphasizes salvation as a gift received through faith, not earned through works.

The Grace of God and Salvation

Central to the doctrine of justification by faith alone is the understanding of salvation as a gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirm this truth, stating, “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.” This passage highlights that salvation is entirely God’s work, and faith is the means by which we receive this gift. Faith is not considered a work that earns salvation but rather the response to God’s grace.

Rejecting the False Gospel

To reject the doctrine of justification by faith alone is to embrace a false gospel that undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. The Scriptures are clear that no amount of human effort or good works can merit salvation before a holy God. Salvation is solely a result of God’s grace and received by faith in Christ alone. Acts 16:30-31 encapsulates this truth, as the Apostle Paul responds to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” with the simple answer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Conclusion

The doctrine of justification by faith alone is a foundational belief in biblical Christianity. It affirms that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any human effort or merit. While good works are important as evidence of genuine faith, they do not contribute to one’s justification before God. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is by faith alone, and any deviation from this truth leads to a distortion of the gospel message. As believers, we can rest in the assurance that our salvation is secure through our faith in Christ alone.

The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Group 1 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Romans 3:20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Galatians 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

Group 2 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

James 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Genesis 15:6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Romans 3:22 The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Romans 4:1-25 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, …

Group 3 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 4:16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

James 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

James 2:1-26 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? …

Group 4 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Galatians 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”

Romans 3:24 And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Romans 4:11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

Romans 9:30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;

Group 5 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

James 2:14-26 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. …

Group 6 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Galatians 3:6 Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 10:43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Group 7 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Galatians 3:14 So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 3:30 Since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

John 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Group 8 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Romans 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

James 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

Romans 3:27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.

Romans 5:18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.

Group 9 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

John 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

John 6:28-29 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Acts 13:39 And by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Romans 3:25 Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Group 10 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Galatians 3:1-29 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— …

Group 11 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?

Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

Romans 3:10 As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 1:15 And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Group 12 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Group 13 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

1 Timothy 3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 8:4 In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

Romans 1:5 Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

Romans 3:24-25 And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

Group 14 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. …

Group 15 – The Doctrine of Salvation by Faith Alone

John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 3:26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, …

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Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, Grace, What The Bible Says

How can you Believe in Salvation by Faith Alone when the only Occurrence of “Faith Alone” in the Bible (James 2:24) says that Salvation is not by Faith Alone?

August 14, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

How can you Believe in Salvation by Faith Alone when the only Occurrence of “Faith Alone” in the Bible (James 2:24) says that Salvation is not by Faith Alone? Salvation by faith alone is a foundational concept in Christian theology. However, James 2:14-26, as a whole, and especially verse 24 containing the phrase “faith alone,” has been a subject of debate and confused interpretations. Behold, the passage seems to cause serious problems for the “salvation by faith alone” concept. The only occurrence of this phrase in the Bible, James 2:24, seems to suggest that salvation is not by faith alone. But how can we reconcile this apparent discrepancy? In this article, we will explore the meaning of James 2:24 and the broader context of salvation by faith alone in the Bible.

How can you Believe in Salvation by Faith Alone when the only Occurrence of “Faith Alone” in the Bible (James 2:24) says that Salvation is not by Faith Alone?

From a Biblical Perspective

Understanding James 2:24

James 2:24, in the English Standard Version (ESV), reads, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” At first glance, it seems to contradict the concept of salvation by faith alone. However, it is essential to examine the context and the intended meaning of the words used.

The term “justified” in James 2:24 should not be understood in the same way as Paul’s usage in Romans 3:28. Paul uses “justified” to mean “declared righteous by God,” emphasizing the legal aspect of salvation. On the other hand, James uses “justified” to mean “being demonstrated and proved,” emphasizing the practical outworking of faith.

The Context of James 2:24

To fully understand James 2:24, we need to examine the broader context of James 2:14-26. This passage focuses on the relationship between faith and works. James argues that genuine faith will inevitably result in good works. He emphasizes that faith without works is dead and useless. In other words, a faith devoid of works is not true faith at all.

James’s point is not to deny the importance of faith but to emphasize that genuine faith will naturally manifest itself through good works. The works serve as evidence of a living faith and are not a means of earning salvation. Therefore, James 2:24 does not contradict the concept of salvation by faith alone but rather highlights the inseparable connection between faith and works.

The Teaching of Salvation by Faith Alone

While James 2:24 may seem to challenge the idea of salvation by faith alone, it is crucial to consider the broader teaching of the Bible. Many other verses explicitly affirm salvation by faith alone, even if they do not contain the precise phrase “faith alone.”

For example, John 3:16 declares that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Acts 16:31 proclaims that salvation comes through believing in the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 states that we are saved by grace through faith. These verses, along with many others like Romans 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; 3:24; Ephesians 1:13; and Philippians 3:9, clearly teach that salvation is received through faith alone.

The absence of the phrase “faith alone” in these verses does not negate the doctrine but rather affirms it through different language and expressions. The New Testament consistently emphasizes that salvation is a result of God’s grace, received by faith, and not by any human effort or merit.

Demonstrating Faith through Works

The relationship between faith and works is a crucial aspect of the Christian life. While salvation is by faith alone, genuine faith will naturally produce good works. Ephesians 2:10 affirms that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of a living faith. As James 2:18 states, we demonstrate our faith through our actions. Good works are the outworking of a transformed heart and a response to the grace and love of God. They are not performed to earn salvation but as a result of being saved.

The Unity of Scripture

It is essential to approach James 2:24 and the concept of salvation by faith alone with a holistic understanding of Scripture. The Bible is a unified book, with various authors writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. While individual passages may highlight different aspects or perspectives, they ultimately harmonize to convey the consistent message of salvation by faith alone.

Conclusion

The only occurrence of the phrase “faith alone” in the Bible, James 2:24, can be misleading if taken out of context. However, when examined in light of the broader teaching of Scripture, it becomes clear that James is emphasizing the inseparable connection between faith and works. Salvation is indeed by faith alone, but genuine faith will always produce good works as evidence of a transformed life. As Christians, we can believe in salvation by faith alone while recognizing the importance of demonstrating our faith through actions that reflect God’s grace and love.

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Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, Grace, What The Bible Says

Why is Salvation by Works the Predominantly Held Viewpoint?

August 14, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Why is Salvation by Works the Predominantly Held Viewpoint? Salvation is a concept that has been explored and debated throughout human history. Different religious and philosophical traditions have offered various perspectives on how one can attain salvation or eternal life. One of the most commonly held viewpoints is salvation by works. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind the prevalence of this belief and shed light on its appeal to individuals. We will explore the psychological, moral, and theological factors that contribute to the popularity of salvation by works.

Reasons Why Salvation by Works is the Predominantly Held Viewpoint

From a Biblical Perspective

The Desire for Control

One fundamental aspect of human nature is the desire for control. We often seek to have agency over our lives and destinies, and this extends to our eternal destiny as well. Salvation by works appeals to this innate desire for control. The idea that our actions and deeds can determine our salvation provides us with a sense of power and influence over our eternal fate. It allows us to believe that we have the ability to earn our way into heaven through our own efforts.

The Appeal of Justice

Another reason why salvation by works is a predominantly held viewpoint is our inherent sense of justice. Regardless of religious or moral beliefs, most people have a basic understanding of right and wrong. We have an innate sense of justice that demands accountability and retribution for our actions. Salvation by works aligns with this sense of justice, as it suggests that our “good works” can outweigh our “bad works” and lead to salvation. It provides a framework in which we can reconcile our actions with a system of moral judgment.

The Influence of Culture and Religion

Culture and religion play a significant role in shaping our beliefs and perspectives. Many religions, except for biblical Christianity, are built on the foundation of salvation by works. This cultural and religious influence can be seen in the prevalence of this belief among different societies and faith traditions. From ancient civilizations to modern-day religious practices, salvation by works has been deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness.

The Deception of the Human Heart

The human heart is often described as deceitful above all things. Our perception of our own sinfulness and God’s holiness is clouded by this inherent deceit. We struggle to fully comprehend the extent of our own sinfulness and the holiness of God. This deception prevents us from recognizing our true state before God and leads us to believe that our good works can outweigh our bad works. However, the truth remains that even our best efforts are like “filthy rags” before a holy God.

The Unattainable Standard

The concept of salvation by works is based on the belief that our good deeds can earn us salvation. However, the Bible presents a different perspective. It teaches that God’s standard is perfection and that even stumbling in one aspect of His righteous law makes us guilty of breaking all of it. The idea that our good works could ever balance out our bad works is a flawed and unbiblical concept. If salvation were dependent on works, there would be no way for anyone to be saved.

Misinterpretation of Scripture

Salvation by works can also be perpetuated through the misinterpretation of biblical passages. One such passage is James 2:24, which states, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” However, when read in context, it becomes evident that James is not asserting that our works make us righteous before God. Instead, he is highlighting the importance of good works as evidence of true saving faith. It is a contrast between genuine faith that produces good works and a false or “dead” faith that does not.

The Gift of Grace

Biblical Christianity stands apart from other religions in its emphasis on salvation as a gift of God’s grace, not earned through works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” Salvation is not something we can achieve through our own efforts, but rather a gift bestowed upon us by God’s grace. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we receive this gift of salvation.

The Role of Good Works

While salvation is not dependent on good works, they do hold significance in the life of a believer. Good works are not the cause of salvation but the evidence of it. Titus 3:4-5 emphasizes that we are saved “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy.” Once we have received the gift of salvation, our transformed lives should be characterized by good deeds. These acts of kindness and righteousness are a reflection of our faith and gratitude for God’s grace.

Conclusion

Although salvation by works may be the predominantly held viewpoint, it is not biblically accurate. The appeal of control, justice, cultural influence, and human deception contribute to its prevalence. However, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Good works are important, but they do not earn salvation. Instead, they are the natural outpouring of a transformed life. Understanding the true nature of salvation can bring clarity and freedom to those seeking eternal life.

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Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Love, What The Bible Says

Salvation By Grace Through Faith

August 14, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Discover What the Bible Says About Salvation by Grace Through Faith. When it comes to understanding the concept of salvation, the Bible speaks clearly about the role of grace and works. The debate between grace and works has been a topic of discussion and interpretation among Christian theologians for centuries. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about being saved by grace and not by works. We will delve into key scriptures and examine the significance of grace in the context of salvation.

Salvation By Grace Through Faith

From a Biblical Perspective

The Foundation of Grace

One of the foundational scriptures that addresses the relationship between grace and salvation is Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.” This passage clearly states that salvation is a result of God’s grace and not our own works. It emphasizes that it is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned.

Understanding the Thief on the Cross

To further illustrate the concept of salvation by grace, we can look at the example of the thief who was crucified alongside Jesus. In Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the thief, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Despite the thief’s lack of good works or religious practices, Jesus extends grace to him, offering salvation in that very moment. This serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is not dependent on our own efforts but on God’s grace.

Saved Through His Life

While the forgiveness of sins is a vital aspect of salvation, there is more to it than just receiving the forgiveness of sins. Romans 5:10 states, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” This verse highlights the significance of being saved through the life of Jesus. It implies that salvation involves a transformation that goes beyond the forgiveness of sins.

The Power of Grace

Upon receiving the forgiveness of sins and coming to faith in Jesus, believers are able to receive the Holy Spirit. This empowers them to live according to God’s will and do His works. However, it requires denying our own will and surrendering to God’s leading. Luke 9:23-24 emphasizes this, stating, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” This shows that salvation by grace also involves actively following Jesus and allowing His Spirit to transform us.

The Salvation of Our Soul

The salvation of our soul is a process that goes beyond the initial forgiveness of sins. 1 Peter 1:9-11 speaks of the prophets who prophesied about the grace that would come to us. It alludes to the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory that follows. Salvation encompasses entering into the sufferings of Christ, denying ourselves, and experiencing a new heavenly life in full alignment with God’s will. This transformation occurs in the soul, which is the source of our human will.

Grace and Active Participation

While salvation is by grace alone, it does require active participation on our part. Some may mistakenly believe that they can do nothing to overcome sin and live a new life, citing that they are saved by grace, not by works. However, Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 that we can do nothing without Him. Once we have received the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, enabling us to do the will of God. Salvation by grace involves a partnership between God’s grace and our response of faith.

The Balance of Grace and Works

In the discussion of grace and works, it is important to strike a balance. While we cannot earn salvation through our own efforts, James 2:26 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Our works, however, are not the means by which we earn salvation but rather the evidence of a transformed life. Good works flow from a heart that has been touched by God’s grace. They are the outpouring of our love for God and others, demonstrating the reality of our faith.

Conclusion

The Bible is clear that salvation is a result of God’s grace and not our own works. It is a gift freely given to us through faith in Jesus Christ. While salvation by grace does not negate the importance of good works, it emphasizes that our works are a response to God’s grace and not a means of earning salvation. As believers, we are called to actively participate in the process of salvation, allowing God’s grace to transform us and empower us to live according to His will. May we continually rely on His grace and walk in obedience, knowing that we are saved by His unmerited favor alone.

Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 11:1-36 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. …

Group 1 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Ephesians 2:9 Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

1 Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Romans 9:1-33 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. …

Group 2 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Group 3 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Romans 10:1-21 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. …

Group 4 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 3:24 And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Isaiah 64:6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Group 5 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

James 2:1-26 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? …

Group 6 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 16:26 But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—

Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Matthew 18:3 And said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

John 6:1-71 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” …

Group 7 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Group 8 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

James 2:14-26 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. …

Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Group 9 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

1 Corinthians 9:1-27 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? …

Romans 3:20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Group 10 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify:

1 Peter 2:1-25 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …

Acts 15:1-41 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, …

Group 11 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Hebrews 5:8-9 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,

Titus 3:7 So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Group 12 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Ephesians 2:1-22 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— …

Ephesians 2:1-10 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— …

Group 13 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Ephesians 1:22-23 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Group 14 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Romans 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Group 15 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Romans 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Romans 11:20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.

Acts 20:28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

Acts 23:1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 11:22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Acts 22:4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,

Group 16 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Romans 3:1-31 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) …

Romans 5:20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Romans 4:3-5 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Acts 8:36-38 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Group 17 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

Romans 2:7 To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Acts 2:47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 8:35-39 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Group 18 – Salvation By Grace Through Faith

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Acts 2:1-47 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Romans 1:5 Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

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Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, Love, What The Bible Says

Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical?

August 14, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical? The concept of assurance of salvation or “once saved, always saved” is a topic of great debate among Christians. Some believe that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, their salvation is secure for eternity. Others argue that salvation can be lost through sin or a lack of faith. So, what does the Bible say about this? Let’s explore the scriptures and delve into the different perspectives on eternal security.

Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical?

From a Biblical Perspective

The Gift of Eternal Salvation

The Bible makes it clear that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 states, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and through Him alone, we have access to eternal salvation.

Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection for salvation. It says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This passage highlights the significance of an ongoing belief and confession of faith in Jesus.

Titus 3:5 reminds us that salvation is not earned through our own righteousness but is a result of God’s mercy. It says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Our salvation is a gift from God, given by His grace and not by our own efforts. Likewise, 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.”

The Assurance of Eternal Security

Many Bible passages provide assurance of the believer’s eternal security once they have accepted Christ. Romans 8:30 declares, “And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.” This verse assures us that once God chooses us, our glorification is certain. Nothing can prevent a believer from being glorified because God has already purposed it. Once justified, our salvation is guaranteed.

In Romans 8:33-34, Paul asks two crucial questions: “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” These questions remind us that no one can bring charges against God’s elect because Christ is our advocate. He intercedes for us and ensures our salvation.

The concept of being “born again” is often associated with salvation. Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:3, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This new birth, or regeneration, occurs when a person believes in Jesus (Titus 3:5). The Bible gives no evidence that this new birth can be taken away, providing further assurance of eternal security.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (John 14:17; Romans 8:9) and baptizes them into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). If a believer were to become unsaved, they would have to be “un-indwelt” and detached from the body of Christ, which the Bible does not support.

More Biblical Facts

John 3:14-16 states, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” If eternal life could be lost, it wouldn’t truly be eternal. The promises of eternal life made in the Bible would be in error if salvation could be taken away. Once a person believes in Jesus and receives eternal life, it remains their possession.

Galatians 5:4 – “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

Romans 9:16 – “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

Acts 13:39 – “and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.”

Romans 11:6 – “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.“

Romans 8:3 – “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,“

The Call to Perseverance and Faithfulness

While the Bible assures believers of their eternal security, it also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness. Following Christ is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. Jesus Himself says in John 15:4, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” This passage highlights the need for believers to abide in Christ, continually seeking Him and remaining faithful to Him.

Revelation 2:10 encourages believers not to fear suffering or persecution but to be faithful to the point of death. The promise of eternal life is given to those who endure and remain steadfast in their faith.

Romans 8:30, which speaks of predestination, also reminds us that God calls, justifies, and glorifies those whom He has chosen. However, this does not negate the fact that believers must continue to walk in obedience and faithfulness to God’s Word. Our salvation is secure, but our response to God’s grace should be a life of obedience and devotion.

The Responsibility of Believers

Although salvation is secure for those who have accepted Christ, it does not give license to live in sin or to be complacent in our faith. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to live holy and righteous lives, striving to follow Christ’s example.

Matthew 19:24 reminds us that entering the Kingdom of God is not easy. It says, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” This verse emphasizes the need for believers to surrender everything to Christ and live with a heart of humility and devotion.

The idea of eternal security is not a license to sin but a call to live a life that honors God. As Deuteronomy 28:1-68 explains, obedience to God’s commandments brings blessings, and disobedience brings curses. Believers are called to faithfully obey God and live according to His Word.

Conclusion

The concept of “once saved, always saved” is a complex and debated topic within Christianity. While the Bible assures believers of their eternal security through faith in Jesus Christ, it also emphasizes the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and a life that reflects obedience to God’s Word. Salvation is a gift from God, given by His grace, and cannot be earned or lost through our own efforts.

As believers, let us hold onto the assurance of our eternal security while also embracing the responsibility to live lives that honor and glorify God. May we continually abide in Christ, remaining faithful to Him until the end, and trusting in His promises of eternal life. As we approach this topic and draw conclusions, let’s do so with Biblical discernment as led by the Holy Spirit knowing that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).

Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical?

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Group 1 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Group 2 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

1 John 5:10-13 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Group 3 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

2 Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

Group 4 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Romans 10:13-14 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Group 5 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Group 6 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:20 For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

Group 7 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Timothy 1:12 Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

1 John 5:18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Group 8 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

1 John 2:3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 2:3-4 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

John 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.

Group 9 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Romans 8:1-39 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. …

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Acts 2:20-21 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

Group 10 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

John 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

1 Peter 1:5 Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

Hebrews 6:11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.

Group 11 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Group 12 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

1 John 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

1 John 3:24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Group 13 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

1 John 5:16-17 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

1 John 3:10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Group 14 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Hebrews 10:10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Romans 11:19-22 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Jude 1:24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Group 15 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

John 3:1-5 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Group 16 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Hebrews 6:18 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Romans 2:6-8 He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

Ephesians 1:4 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Group 17 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1 John 5:5-8 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

2 Timothy 3:15 And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Group 18 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

1 John 3:19-21 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;

James 5:19-20 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Hebrews 10:21-23 And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Group 19 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

James 2:14-26 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. …

Group 20 – Is Once Saved, Always Saved Biblical

Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

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What is Salvation?

August 12, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

What is Salvation? Salvation is a fundamental concept in the Christian faith, representing deliverance from danger or suffering. At its core, salvation refers to the rescue and redemption of humanity from the consequences of sin. It is a concept that operates at both the individual and cosmic levels, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning, purpose, and process of salvation, drawing insights from various biblical passages and theological perspectives.

Salvation: A Deliverance from Sin and its Consequences

The Individual and Cosmic Dimensions

The Individual Dimension of Salvation

Salvation, in its simplest definition, is being saved from the penalty of sin. The Bible states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This universal human condition separates us from God and exposes us to eternal death (Romans 6:23). Salvation, therefore, entails deliverance from this separation and the restoration of our relationship with God.

The consequences of sin are grave, and salvation offers liberation from its power and penalty. Through salvation, we are set free from the bondage of sin, experiencing forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It is a transformational process that not only saves us from eternal damnation but also empowers us to live a life of righteousness and purpose.

The Cosmic Dimension of Salvation

While salvation has a personal aspect, it also encompasses a broader scope. The biblical narrative reveals that salvation extends beyond individual redemption to the entire created order. God’s plan of salvation encompasses the restoration of all things (Colossians 1:19-20), culminating in the establishment of a new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Salvation, therefore, not only redeems humanity but also seeks to reconcile and renew the entire cosmos.

The Source of Salvation: Jesus Christ

The Need for a Savior

The necessity of salvation arises from the inherent sinfulness of humanity. The Bible affirms that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and our sinful nature prevents us from bridging the gap between ourselves and God. Human efforts, no matter how virtuous, cannot earn salvation or appease God’s justice. Therefore, a savior is required to rescue us from the consequences of sin.

The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

God, in His unfathomable love, provided the ultimate solution to the human predicament through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world as a human being to save humanity. He lived a sinless life, fulfilling the requirements of the law, and willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus paid the price for our sins and made salvation possible for all who believe in Him (John 3:16).

The Role of Faith in Salvation

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith involves acknowledging our sinful nature, repenting of our sins, and placing our complete trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It is not based on our own merits or good works but on the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice and surrendering our lives to Him, we enter into a personal relationship with God and receive the gift of salvation.

The Process of Salvation: Past, Present, and Future

Salvation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey marked by different stages and dimensions. Understanding the past, present, and future aspects of salvation helps us grasp its comprehensive nature and transformative power.

Salvation in the Past: Justification

The past aspect of salvation is commonly referred to as justification. Justification is the act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22-24). It is a one-time event that occurs at the moment of conversion when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Through justification, our sins are forgiven, and we are declared righteous before God, not based on our own righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to us.

Salvation in the Present: Sanctification

After justification, the process of sanctification begins. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, transforming them into the image of Christ. It involves the gradual growth and maturation of our faith, as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to develop Christlike character and live according to God’s commandments. Sanctification is a synergistic process, with God’s grace empowering us to live a holy and righteous life.

Salvation in the Future: Glorification

The final aspect of salvation is glorification, which refers to the future transformation of believers into a state of perfection. Glorification occurs at the resurrection and consummation of all things when we receive our glorified bodies and enter into the eternal presence of God. In this glorified state, we will be free from the presence and power of sin, fully experiencing the joy and fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

The Purpose of Salvation: Restored Relationship and Kingdom Living

Salvation not only saves us from the consequences of sin but also restores our relationship with God and empowers us to live according to His kingdom principles. This restored relationship and kingdom living form the foundation of the purpose of salvation.

Restored Relationship with God

Salvation reconciles us with God, bridging the gap caused by sin. Through Jesus Christ, we are adopted as children of God and enter into a personal and intimate relationship with Him (Ephesians 1:5). This restored relationship enables us to experience God’s love, guidance, and transformative power, as we walk in communion with Him.

Empowered Kingdom Living

Salvation empowers us to live according to the values and principles of God’s kingdom. It is not merely a ticket to heaven but a call to participate in God’s redemptive work on earth. As ambassadors of Christ, we are entrusted with the mission of sharing the good news of salvation and demonstrating God’s love through our actions. Salvation equips us with the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts to serve others and contribute to the transformation of society.

Conclusion

Salvation is a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses individual redemption and cosmic restoration. It is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation is received by faith and involves justification, sanctification, and glorification. Its purpose is to restore our relationship with God and empower us to live according to His kingdom principles. As believers, we are called to embrace and share the gift of salvation, proclaiming the transformative power of God’s grace to a broken world. Let us rejoice in the salvation we have received and strive to live out its profound implications in every aspect of our lives.

What is Salvation?

Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,“

Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”

Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

John 15:1-27 – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …”

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Group 1 – What is Salvation

Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Psalm 62:1 – “To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

Acts 28:28 – “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

Psalm 3:8 – “Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!”

Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Acts 16:30-33 – “Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.”

Psalm 37:39 – “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”

John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.“

Group 2 – What is Salvation

John 3:17-21 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Jonah 2:9 – “But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

Galatians 2:21 – “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”

John 3:16-18 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.“

Group 3 – What is Salvation

Acts 2:36-41 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” …”

Romans 6:14 – “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting, And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …”

Psalm 60:5 – “That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!”

Group 4 – What is Salvation

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Romans 10:9-10 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Acts 11:18 – “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.””

Acts 16:31 – And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:36 – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Group 5 – What is Salvation

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

John 1:12 – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”

Psalm 25:5 – “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

John 3:3 – Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 – “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.“

John 5:24 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

Group 6 – What is Salvation

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

James 2:18 – But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Philippians 2:12 – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”

1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

Ephesians 2:1-22 – “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— …”

Group 7 – What is Salvation

Romans 10:13 – For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Ephesians 1:13 – “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,”

1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

John 6:37 – “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

John 3:1-36 – “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …”

Group 8 – What is Salvation

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,”

John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

2 Corinthians 6:2 – “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Acts 22:16 – “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’”

Revelation 3:5 – “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”

Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

2 Timothy 1:9 – “Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”

Group 9 – What is Salvation

Hebrews 6:4-6 – “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”

Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Acts 2:41 – “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Mark 16:15-16 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

John 10:9 – “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”

Group 10 – What is Salvation

Acts 17:30 – “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,“

Acts 15:7-15 – “And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” …”

Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,”

Romans 8:37-39 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Hebrews 2:3 – “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,”

Group 11 – What is Salvation

Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Psalm 21:5 – “His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.”

Acts 4:1-37 – “And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, …”

Romans 6:1-2 – “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”

Group 12 – What is Salvation

Romans 3:10 – “As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;“

Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

James 1:21 – “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Acts 13:48 – “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

Romans 1:1-32 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ...”

Group 13 – What is Salvation

Ephesians 1:1-23 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, …”

1 John 2:23-29 – “No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. ...”

Group 14 – What is Salvation

Isaiah 64:6 – “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

Romans 3:1-31 – “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) ...”

Luke 1:67-80 – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; …”

John 12:35-36 – “So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.”

Group 15 – What is Salvation

1 Corinthians 1:21 – “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”

Ephesians 1:4 – “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love”

1 Timothy 4:16 – “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Romans 3:20 – “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”

Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. …”

Group 16 – What is Salvation

John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Psalm 6:3-4 – “My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long? Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.”

Revelation 22:11-21 – “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. …”

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What Did Jesus Say About Salvation?

August 11, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

What Did Jesus Say About Salvation? Salvation is a central theme in the Bible, and the message of salvation is clear: it is open to all. The Bible teaches that God’s invitation for salvation extends to every person, regardless of their background, nationality, or status. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about salvation being open to all and delve into key verses that highlight this universal message. Through an examination of these verses, we will gain a deeper understanding of God’s desire for all people to come to Him through Jesus Christ and receive salvation.

What Jesus Taught About Salvation

Salvation from a Biblical Perspective

The Universal Program of Salvation

The Bible makes it clear that the program of salvation is universal, applying to all people. In Isaiah 45:22, God declares, “Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” This verse emphasizes that the Gospel applies to every individual, from every nation. God’s invitation for salvation is extended to all, leaving no one outside of His salvation plan. There is only one way to heaven, and every person is welcome to come through Jesus, who is God Himself.

The universality of salvation is further emphasized in John 3:16, which states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s love encompasses His entire creation, and He desires the salvation of all people. Salvation is not limited to a select few but is made available to everyone. The decision to receive salvation through faith is left up to every individual, ensuring that no one can make an excuse for not accepting God’s invitation.

God’s Will for All to be Saved

The Bible clearly expresses God’s will for all people to be saved. In 1 Timothy 2:3-6, it is written, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” God’s desire is for every person to experience salvation and come to know the truth. Jesus didn’t die for just a select few; He gave Himself as a ransom for all.

2 Peter 3:9 further emphasizes God’s will for all to be saved: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” God’s patience and longsuffering are evidence of His desire for every individual to come to repentance and receive salvation. His will is that none should perish, but that all should have the opportunity to be saved.

Provision for All

In His great love and mercy, God has made provision for the salvation of all people. Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse highlights the contrast between the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life offered by God. While sin leads to death, God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ brings eternal life. This gift is available to everyone, regardless of their past sins or shortcomings.

The Gospel, as the power of God for salvation, is available to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Salvation is not limited to a particular group or ethnicity. It is accessible to everyone, from every tribe and nation. The only requirement for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ, and this faith opens the door to the power of God’s salvation.

Salvation Through Faith

Salvation is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. John 1:12-13 affirms this truth: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” This verse emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through human effort or lineage but is received through faith in Jesus and the new birth that comes from God.

Romans 10:9-13 further underscores the importance of personal faith in salvation: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Salvation is not based on works or religious rituals but on a genuine belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord in faith will be saved.

The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ

The Bible clearly states that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, Jesus Himself declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement affirms the exclusivity of Jesus as the only way to God. Just as the Old Testament symbols and teachings emphasized the exclusiveness of God’s claim, Jesus fulfills these symbols and serves as the sole means of access to God. Salvation is not attained through any other means or religious practices but solely through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Role of Grace and Works

The Bible teaches that salvation is a result of God’s grace and cannot be earned through good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “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.” Salvation is a gift freely given by God, not something that can be achieved or earned through human effort. It is solely through faith in Jesus Christ that we receive this gift of salvation.

However, while salvation is not based on works, it does result in a transformed life characterized by good works. Titus 2:11-14 explains that God’s grace not only brings salvation but also trains believers to renounce ungodliness and live godly lives. Good works are the fruit of salvation and evidence of a genuine faith in Christ. Christians are called to live in a manner that reflects the grace and love they have received.

The Assurance of Salvation

Those who accept God’s invitation and believe in Jesus Christ can have assurance of their salvation. 1 John 5:13 says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” The Bible provides assurance that those who have put their faith in Jesus have eternal life. Salvation is not a matter of doubt or uncertainty but of confident trust in the finished work of Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible’s message is clear: salvation is open to all. God desires the salvation of every person and has made provision for it through Jesus Christ. The Gospel is universal, extending to every nation and every individual. Salvation is received through faith in Jesus, and it cannot be earned through good works. Jesus is the only way to God, and through Him, all who believe can have eternal life. The assurance of salvation is available to those who put their trust in Jesus. Let us embrace God’s invitation for salvation and share the good news with others, knowing that it is open to all who believe.

What Did Jesus Say About Salvation?

Isaiah 45:22 Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Group 1 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Group 2 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Group 3 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Group 4 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

1 John 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Group 5 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Colossians 1:1-29 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, …

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Acts 16:30-33 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

Group 6 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

Ephesians 2:9 Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

1 John 2:2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Group 7 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

1 Timothy 2:1-15 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, …

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Matthew 15:21-28 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” …

Group 8 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Romans 10:15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Psalm 3:8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

Psalm 62:1 To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

1 John 2:1-29 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: …

Group 9 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

1 Peter 2:1-25 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …

Group 10 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Group 11 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. …

Group 12 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Acts 28:28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

Acts 2:36-41 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” …

Group 13 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Acts 16:30-31 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 2:1-47 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …

Acts 2:39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

John 15:1-27 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …

Group 14 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Luke 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:17-21 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Group 15 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Group 16 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Psalm 60:5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!

Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

1 John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

James 5:20 Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Group 17 – What Did Jesus Say About Salvation

Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,

1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. …

Also Read

Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, What The Bible Says

Salvation Is For All Who Believe

August 11, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Behold, Salvation Is For All Who Believe in Jesus Christ. Salvation is a central theme in the Bible, and the message of salvation is clear: it is open to all. The Bible teaches that God’s invitation for salvation extends to every person, regardless of their background, nationality, or status. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about salvation being open to all and delve into key verses that highlight this universal message. Through an examination of these verses, we will gain a deeper understanding of God’s desire for all people to come to Him through Jesus Christ and receive salvation.

Salvation is For All Who Believe in Jesus Christ

Salvation from a Biblical Perspective

The Universal Program of Salvation

God’s Will for All to be Saved

Provision for All

Salvation Through Faith

The Exclusivity of Jesus Christ

The Role of Grace and Works

The Assurance of Salvation

Conclusion

Salvation Is For All Who Believe

Group 1 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

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Group 3 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 4 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 5 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 6 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 7 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 8 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 9 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 10 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 11 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 12 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 13 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 14 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 15 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 16 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Group 17 – Salvation is For All Who Believe

Also Read

Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, What The Bible Says

Who Can Be Saved?

August 10, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Who Can Be Saved? The concept of salvation is a central theme in Christianity, offering hope and redemption to believers. The question of “Who can be saved?” has intrigued theologians and individuals seeking spiritual guidance for centuries. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the diverse perspectives on this topic, examining biblical teachings, Catholic doctrine, and the concept of invincible ignorance. By delving into these various viewpoints, we aim to shed light on the profound and inclusive nature of God’s gift of salvation.

Who Can Be Saved?

Salvation From a Biblical Perspective

1. Introduction

Salvation holds profound significance within the Christian faith. It represents the deliverance from sin and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The question of “Who can be saved?” arises from a desire to understand the extent of God’s inclusive love and His plan for humanity’s redemption.

2. Biblical Teachings on Salvation

The Bible provides essential teachings on salvation, offering guidance on the path to eternal life. John 3:16 emphasizes that belief in Jesus leads to salvation for all who embrace Him. Romans 3:23 highlights the universal need for salvation, emphasizing that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith, not through our own efforts.

3. God’s Grace and Forgiveness

Central to the understanding of salvation is God’s abundant grace and forgiveness. His grace is sufficient to cover all sins, as highlighted in Romans 5:20. The Bible also presents numerous examples of individuals saved from sinful backgrounds, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s grace. The apostle Paul himself serves as a powerful example of God’s mercy and the redemption available to even the most unlikely candidates.

4. God’s Salvation for Unlikely Candidates

Throughout history, God has displayed His ability to save individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Bible showcases stories of individuals like the thief on the cross, Paul, Peter, and many others who experienced God’s saving power. Isaiah 50:2 reinforces the truth that no one is beyond God’s ability to save, offering hope to those who may feel unworthy or distant from God.

5. The Requirement for Salvation

Salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. Recognizing one’s sinfulness and acknowledging the need for salvation are essential steps in the process. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is solely by God’s grace, not by our own works. Accepting Jesus’ death and resurrection as the means of salvation is paramount, as it demonstrates trust in God’s redemptive plan.

6. Embracing Salvation from God

To fully embrace and experience salvation from God, we must respond to it with faith, surrender, and submissiveness. We are called to accept His love and salvation, not because we deserve it, but because of His grace and mercy. By placing our trust in Jesus and acknowledging Him as our Savior, we open ourselves up to the fullness of His love and the abundant life He offers.

We can pray a simple prayer of surrender, acknowledging our need for Jesus and the salvation He offers. It is not the words we say that save us, but the genuine surrender of our hearts. We can pray, “Dear God, I recognize that I am a sinner in need of your love and forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I surrender my life to you and ask for your love to fill me and guide me. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

7. The Concept of Invincible Ignorance

The Catholic Church recognizes the concept of invincible ignorance, referring to those who, through no fault of their own, are unaware of the gospel or the Church. Lumen Gentium, a document from the Second Vatican Council, teaches that sincere seekers of God, moved by grace, can attain salvation. These individuals strive to do God’s will as revealed to them through the dictates of conscience.

8. Reconciling Catholic Doctrine with Traditional Teaching

The Catholic Church’s stance on salvation includes the necessity of the Church for salvation. However, this requirement applies to those who knowingly reject the truth or authority of Christ and His Church, not to those in invincible ignorance. The distinction between invincible and vincible ignorance is crucial in understanding the Catholic Church’s position on salvation.

9. Salvation Through Christ Alone

Acts 4:12 unequivocally states that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Redemptoris Missio, emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice in offering salvation to humanity. The Catholic Church affirms that Jesus is the sole savior, providing hope and redemption for all who believe in Him.

10. Salvation for Non-Believers and God’s Universal Will

God’s desire for all to be saved is evident in Scripture. Even individuals who have not explicitly heard the gospel can still respond to the light and grace they have received. The Bible highlights the salvation of Old Testament saints through implicit faith in Christ. Additionally, God judges non-Christian Gentiles based on their response to the truth and grace available to them.

10. The Mystery of Salvation

While human understanding of salvation may be limited, it is essential to embrace the mystery of God’s plan. Trusting in God’s mercy and His ability to save those who seek Him is foundational to the Christian faith. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that believers can experience the transformative power of salvation and the hope of eternal life.

In conclusion, the question of “Who can be saved?” is a complex and profound topic within Christianity. Biblical teachings, Catholic doctrine, and the concept of invincible ignorance all contribute to our understanding of salvation. Through God’s abundant grace and forgiveness, salvation is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Embracing the mystery of God’s plan and trusting in His redemptive power brings hope and assurance to those seeking salvation.

Who Can Be Saved?

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Group 1 – Who Can Be Saved

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Group 2 – Who Can Be Saved

Revelation 22:1-21 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. …

Romans 12:1-10 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. …

Group 3 – Who Can Be Saved

Luke 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Group 4 – Who Can Be Saved

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Group 5 – Who Can Be Saved

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Revelation 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Acts 2:1-47 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. …

Group 6 – Who Can Be Saved

2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Group 7 – Who Can Be Saved

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

1 Peter 2:24-25 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 3:18-21 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Group 8 – Who Can Be Saved

John 6:65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Group 9 – Who Can Be Saved

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Acts 13:47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 16:30-31 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Group 10 – Who Can Be Saved

1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Group 11 – Who Can Be Saved

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Romans 11:5-6 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Group 12 – Who Can Be Saved

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Isaiah 64:6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Hebrews 10:25-26 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Group 13 – Who Can Be Saved

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Psalm 62:1 To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

1 Chronicles 17:1-27 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. …

Group 14 – Who Can Be Saved

Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

John 3:1-36 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …

Group 15 – Who Can Be Saved

2 Corinthians 6:2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Romans 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 18:9-14 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ …

Group 16 – Who Can Be Saved

Malachi 3:6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Zechariah 14:1-21 Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. …

Group 17 – Who Can Be Saved

Titus 1:1-16 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— …

Galatians 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.

Colossians 3:1-4:18 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. …

Group 18 – Who Can Be Saved

1 Corinthians 1:8 Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:11-14 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Romans 3:20-22 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Group 19 – Who Can Be Saved

Mark 16:1-20 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” …

John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Proverbs 1:20-23 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

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Bible Verses, Faith, Gospel, Love, What The Bible Says

Does God Love Me?

August 10, 2023 Desemond Mbantoh Leave a comment

Does God Love Me? As believers, we often find ourselves pondering the question, “Does Jesus love me?” This question may arise in moments of doubt, discouragement, or even when we consider our own unworthiness. We long for a deep understanding of God’s love and seek reassurance in His affection for us. In this article, we will explore the profound love of Jesus, delving into the scriptures and gaining a deeper understanding of the truth that God’s love knows no bounds.

Does God Love Me?

Understanding the Depth of God’s Love

The Unfathomable Love of God

When grappling with the question of whether Jesus loves us, we must first recognize that the answer lies not in our own subjective experiences or feelings, but in the objective truth revealed in the Scriptures. It is easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation in our own loveliness or good deeds, but the Bible makes it clear that no one is righteous in their own right (Romans 3:10). Our emotions are fickle, and our obedience can never be enough to earn God’s love.

Instead, we find the solution to our longing in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures consistently point us to Him as the embodiment of God’s love for His people. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is not contingent upon our actions or worthiness. He loved us even when we were His enemies, sending His Son to save us.

The Depth of God’s Love Revealed

To truly grasp the extent of Jesus’ love for us, we must understand the concept of agape love – a love that originates entirely in God and not in our own loveliness. This unconditional love is at the heart of biblical love. It is a love that flows from God Himself, lavishing upon us despite our shortcomings. Ephesians 1:4-6 reminds us that God chose us in Christ, blessing us with His love and making known the riches of His glory.

Unlike human love, which can be conditional and fleeting, God’s love is unmerited and unchanging. It is not based on our performance or worthiness, but solely on His grace and mercy. While we may struggle to comprehend this type of love, it is a glorious and encouraging reality. Our own love may waver, but God’s love remains steadfast and constant. He loved us from eternity past, and He will continue to love us for eternity to come.

The Ultimate Proof of God’s Love

When we question whether Jesus loves us, we need only look to the ultimate proof of His love – the cross. In John 3:16, we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus stretched out His hands on the cross and declared, “I love you this much.” He willingly gave His life to offer us the gift of new life and eternal salvation.

The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross is the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us. It is in this act of selfless love that we find the assurance of His affection. When doubts arise, we can look to the cross and remember that Jesus’ love for us is not based on our own merit, but on His unwavering devotion to save and redeem His people. The cross is the tangible evidence of His love that we can cling to.

God’s Love Transcends Circumstances

In our human experience, love can often be influenced or diminished by circumstances. However, God’s love is not contingent upon our circumstances or the state of our lives. Whether we are facing trials, pain, or brokenness, His love remains constant. Romans 8:38-39 assures us, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in the unwavering love of Jesus. He is with us through every trial, every pain, and every struggle. His love sustains us and provides us with the strength to persevere. We are never alone, for He promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Rejoicing in God’s Love

As we reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love for us, we are called to rejoice in this truth. Despite our unworthiness, God chose to love us and extend His grace and mercy. We can find comfort and joy in knowing that His love is not based on our performance or our ability to earn it. It is a free gift, offered to us solely because of His character and His desire to reconcile us to Himself.

When doubts about God’s love arise, we are encouraged to turn to the Scriptures. The Bible is filled with passages that remind us of His love and faithfulness. We can meditate on verses such as Zephaniah 3:17, which says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.“

Embracing God’s Love

To fully embrace and experience God’s love, we must respond to it with faith, surrender, and submissiveness. We are called to accept His love, not because we deserve it, but because of His grace and mercy. By placing our trust in Jesus and acknowledging Him as our Savior, we open ourselves up to the fullness of His love and the abundant life He offers.

We can pray a simple prayer of surrender, acknowledging our need for Jesus and His love. It is not the words we say that save us, but the genuine surrender of our hearts. We can pray, “Dear God, I recognize that I am a sinner in need of your love and forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I surrender my life to you and ask for your love to fill me and guide me. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The Assurance of God’s Love

Once we have accepted Jesus’ love and surrendered our lives to Him, we can have the assurance that His love will never waver. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God’s love is not a fleeting emotion; it is a steady and unwavering commitment to transform us into the image of His Son.

In moments of doubt or uncertainty, we can hold onto the truth of God’s love. We can remind ourselves of His faithfulness and His promises. As we grow in our understanding of His love, we will experience a deepening relationship with Him. We will find comfort and security in His presence, knowing that we are loved with an everlasting love.

Conclusion

The question, “Does Jesus love me?” is one that resonates with believers throughout their spiritual journey. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it is essential to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God’s love. He loved us before the foundations of the world, and His love for us will endure for all eternity.

Let us rejoice in the depth of Jesus’ love, which surpasses all understanding. May we embrace His love, surrendering our lives to Him and experiencing the abundant life He offers. And may we rest in the assurance that His love will never fail us, for His love is steadfast and unwavering.

Remember, dear reader, that you are deeply loved by Jesus. His love knows no bounds, and He longs to shower you with His grace and mercy. Embrace His love and allow it to transform your life. For in His love, you will find true peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Does God Love Me?

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Group 1 – Does God Love Me

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Group 2 – Does God Love Me

1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Group 3 – Does God Love Me

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. …

1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

1 John 4:9-11 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Group 4 – Does God Love Me

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:2 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Group 5 – Does God Love Me

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Psalm 36:7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Group 6 – Does God Love Me

Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Group 7 – Does God Love Me

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; …

Group 8 – Does God Love Me

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

John 16:27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

Ephesians 3:17-19 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Group 9 – Does God Love Me

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

1 John 4:9-10 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Group 10 – Does God Love Me

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Matthew 22:37-39 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

John 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:

John 17:26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Group 11 – Does God Love Me

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Psalm 109:26 Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Group 12 – Does God Love Me

1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

John 15:9-10 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

Revelation 1:1-20 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. …

Group 13 – Does God Love Me

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.

Group 14 – Does God Love Me

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Isaiah 43:4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Group 15 – Does God Love Me

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Psalm 18:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love you, O Lord, my strength.

1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Psalm 136:2-3 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Group 16 – Does God Love Me

Titus 3:4-5 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 3:14-19 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, …

1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

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