Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine that salvation is not by works is a central tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing that human efforts or deeds cannot earn salvation. This belief is rooted in the understanding that salvation is a gift from God, granted through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human merit or actions.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul articulates this doctrine clearly in his epistles. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , he writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the concept that salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement, and it eliminates any grounds for personal boasting about one's own righteousness. Similarly, in Titus 3:5 , Paul states, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." This verse highlights the role of God's mercy and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation, further distancing it from human efforts. The Role of Faith Faith is presented as the sole means by which individuals receive salvation. Romans 3:28 declares, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." This assertion reinforces the idea that adherence to the law or any set of works cannot justify a person before God. Instead, it is faith in Jesus Christ that brings about justification and reconciliation with God. The Example of Abraham The example of Abraham is often cited to illustrate salvation by faith. In Romans 4:2-3 , Paul explains, "If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Abraham's faith, rather than his works, is credited as righteousness, serving as a model for believers. The Inadequacy of the Law The New Testament frequently addresses the inadequacy of the law to bring about salvation. Galatians 2:16 states, "Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." This passage emphasizes that the law's purpose is not to save but to reveal sin and point to the need for a Savior. The Role of Works in the Life of Believers While works are not the basis for salvation, they are a natural outgrowth of genuine faith. James 2:17 notes, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This indicates that true faith will manifest in good works, not as a means to earn salvation, but as evidence of a transformed life. Conclusion The doctrine that salvation is not by works is foundational to understanding the nature of God's grace and the means by which individuals are reconciled to Him. It affirms that salvation is a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not something that can be achieved through human effort or adherence to the law. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:9 2 Timothy 1:9 Titus 3:5 Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... Faith works, and is ... but they do not have (experience) faith ... of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k Library Faith Without Good Works is not Sufficient for Salvation. Saved by Grace Alone. The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 Salvation by Knowing the Truth On Predestination to Salvation, and on Damnation Considered in the ... Rejection of Errors Salvation On the Perfection of the Scriptures The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... On the Assurance of Salvation Resources Questions about Salvation (All) | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
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