Ephesians 2 : 8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God, not of works so that no one can boast.
CCF cites the verse above to justify its doctrine that faith alone saves. It equates the word "saved" in the verse to mean saved from judgment and eternal damnation. It refers to "grace" as something undeserved yet given freely. Lastly, it cites the words " not of works" to mean that one does not need good works to be saved.
First of all, does the word "saved" truly mean saved from judgment or eternal damnation ? Does the word "saved" refer to believers exclusively ? If one will read the verses preceding verse 8, one will learn that the word "saved" means saved from sin. And as such, it pertains to everyone and not merely the believers. Jesus died FOR EVERYONE so that everyone is saved from sin and its power. Note that the word "saved" is not at this point referring to outright salvation of the individual. Jesus' death and resurrection gave everyone the free gift of being saved from sin and its influence is what the verse is saying. The words "not by works" refer to what Jesus did for us ON HIS OWN. Not a single individual can boast of doing something to gain salvation from sin. It was Jesus' death and resurrection alone that saved man from sin.
Lastly, does the verse reinforce the doctrine that faith alone saves ? If one just proceeds to verse 10, we will see that the words "good works" are written. Could Ephesians 2:8 actually mean that everyone is saved from sin and its influence through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that faith allows everyone to turn his back on sin and do good works which God created everyone for ? What do you think ?
"Could Ephesians 2:8 actually mean that everyone is saved from sin and its influence through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that faith allows everyone to turn his back on sin and do good works which God created everyone for?"
ReplyDeletePrecisely. Jesus died as payment for our sins, we believe in that sacrifice (grace) through faith, and thus we are saved from sin. And because we are saved, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the good works God has prepared for us to do.
The punishment for sin is eternal death. Jesus paid for our sins, provided we believe in Him. Thus we are saved from eternal death, which is the definition of salvation.
What separates us from God? Sin. Yes, Jesus died for everyone to be saved from sin and its power. But then why would Paul and Silas say, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” ? Because belief (faith) is required for salvation. The payment is made. We just have to accept that "gift of God."
dear anonymous,
ReplyDeleteso where does faith alone come into the picture ?
secondly, what does believing in Jesus mean ? does it mean merely professing with your lips that you believe Him ? what do you do with His commandments ? if all it takes is faith, then we could simply do away with His commandments, don't we ?
thirdly, if Jesus paid the full penalty of our sins, then no one deserves to go to hell. as ccf claims that Jesus has paid the price for our past, present and future sins, how then will anyone deserve to go to hell ?
lastly, how will God judge us if not for our works ?
hope to hear your response soon.
Faith alone = the only thing we need to do for salvation is faith. Which is believing. Though as James says, faith is dead if it is not evidenced by works. Like the fruit of the Spirit.
ReplyDeleteWhat commandments are you talking about? He said that if we truly love Him, we will obey His commands. Which comes as a result of being saved. He paid the full penalty, and but without faith or acceptance of His gift, we are therefore rejecting it and rendering it null.
Judgment day is a bit more complicated because there are a couple stages of judgement that are mentioned, and I need to review that.
Sorry for the on-the-fly response... this weekend is crazy for me. :/
dear anonymous,
ReplyDeletethe word "saved" in ephesians 2:8 is in the past tense. what does this mean ? you mentioned that "Jesus paid for our sins, provided we believe in Him.". so you mean to tell me that Jesus' death and resurrection will pay for our sins only if we believe ? i always believe that Jesus' sacrifice is valid whether we believe Him or not. whether believer or unbeliever, Jesus supreme sacrifice stands on its own merit. He saved everyone, including the unbelievers. is that not right ?
i also believe that faith is needed for salvation. but faith alone for salvation cannot be found anywhere in the bible. in fact, the oppOsite is stated in the bible. FAITH ALONE DOES NOT SAVE !
The word "saved" is in past tense because Galatians is written to believers. Thus they have already been saved.
ReplyDelete"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." (Romans 3:28)
You and I both believe that faith is necessary to salvation. If someone does not believe that Jesus died on the cross and forgave their sins, if they do not have faith in that sacrifice, then they will not be saved. The sacrifice was sufficient for all, but not everyone is saved because not everyone has placed their faith in Jesus.
Anyway, while we don't agree on faith alone for salvation, we can both agree on the fact that faith is required for salvation (Eph 2:8-9), and that a true Christian will do good works (Eph 2:10).
dear anonymous,
ReplyDeletethank you for your comment.
the word "saved" pertains to being saved from sin and its power and not saved from judgment. read the preceding verses, it is explicitly written that we are saved from sins.
as far as romans 3:28, thw works that is being referred to are the works of the laws of moses. it does not pertain to the works of the holy spirit and contained in the laws of Christ.
there is a huge difference with what you believe in with mine. as the book of james teaches, faith alone does not save. EXPLAIN JAMES 2 : 20 AND JAMES 2 :24 !!!