What makes Christianity different from other religions is that it teaches salvation is by grace alone, and that makes it beautiful. It elevates Christ and highlights His work of redemption on the cross, humbling humanity, for we have no part in it except for our sins that made His sacrifice necessary.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says: "[8] For by grace you have been
saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9]
not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Yet others teach that faith plus works is necessary for
salvation. But Romans 11:6 clarifies that, "...if it is by grace, it is no
longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace."
History tells us that, for the sake of beliefs and
traditions, some were even willing to kill others. The burning of the martyrs
in the 16th century serves as evidence. Imagine being burned alive for
translating the Bible into English so that common people could understand it.
This was prohibited because it would lessen the church's power over the people,
which is why reading the Bible during that time was done only in Latin.
Moreover, they even burned alive those who stood firm in
their belief that justification is by faith alone, labeling them heretics
because it didn't align with their doctrine that teaches both faith and works
are necessary for salvation, along with the administration of the sacraments.
But if these were true, that salvation requires both faith and works, then
Christ died in vain, and we would all have the right to boast about our
salvation because we have a part in it.
However, Romans 3:27-28 states otherwise: "[27] Where,
then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No! On
the contrary, by a law of faith. [28] For we conclude that a person is
justified by faith apart from the works of the law."
I am fully convinced that salvation is by grace alone through faith. Sola Fide (faith alone) is a key theological principle of the Protestant Reformation, contrasting Fides et Opera (faith plus works).
Had God not shown mercy on me, had He not lavished His grace
upon me, I would still be without Christ, who will be my answer, my
justification, and my righteousness when judgment time comes after my death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew
no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, believing
sinners are no longer judged guilty because their sins are imputed to Christ.
Jesus suffered the judgment and wrath of God on the cross for our sake.
Sure, James 2:26 states that "faith apart from works is dead." But this does not mean that works are necessary for salvation. It means that
true and genuine faith in the Lord will produce good works.
In our culture, many believe that everyone who dies goes to
heaven, often ignoring the reality of hell. But how can an unrepentant sinner
believe they will enter heaven after living a life here on earth that clearly
dishonors God? Just because someone prayed for their souls after they died?
Galatians 6:7-8 says: "[7] Do not be deceived: God is
not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [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."
If we profess belief in God, shouldn’t we adhere to His
Word? Otherwise, we risk creating a self-serving faith that borrows from
Scripture to satisfy our desires. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us: "All
Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness."
Christ Jesus came to save us, sinners. Turn away from traditions and self-righteous decrees, and look to Jesus. Believe in Him and follow Him—He is worthy.
