Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about the need for salvation?
The Bible teaches that all humanity is born in a state of spiritual death due to sin, making them incapable of turning to God.
According to Scripture, all men and women since the fall of Adam are born spiritually dead and separated from God. This fallen state renders them unable and unwilling to turn to God in their own strength or to obey His commands, as shown in John 5:40, John 6:44, and Romans 3:9-19. This intrinsic evil nature means that individuals cannot exercise faith in Christ without divine intervention. Thus, the necessity of salvation arises from humanity's total depravity and inability to restore themselves to a right relationship with God.
John 5:40, John 6:44, Romans 3:9-19, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-3
How do we know that God chose us for salvation?
The Bible affirms that God chose many for salvation before the creation of the world.
Scripture clearly indicates that God's choice for salvation occurs prior to creation. Ephesians 1:3-6 states that God chose certain individuals in Christ to be holy and blameless before Him. This sovereign selection comes not from any meritorious acts of the chosen but solely by God's grace. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 also highlights that God chooses individuals to salvation through sanctification and belief in the truth, underscoring the idea that salvation is entirely an act of God's will. Thus, the doctrine of election reaffirms God's sovereignty over the salvation process.
Ephesians 1:3-6, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Why is the work of Christ important for salvation?
Christ's sacrificial death is essential as He atoned for the sins of those chosen by God.
The work of Christ is the central foundation upon which salvation rests. According to the doctrine of sovereign grace, Jesus died as the Substitute for those whom God chose before the foundation of the world. His death made atonement for their sins and secured eternal redemption, which Romans 3:24-26 highlights, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice was both infallible and just. By redeeming the elect from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), He fulfills God's plan for salvation completely. Therefore, without the atoning work of Christ, there is no hope for redemption or reconciliation with God.
John 10:9, Romans 3:24-26, Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 9:12
What is the means of salvation according to Scripture?
Salvation is brought about by the Holy Spirit who effectually calls the chosen to faith in Christ.
The means of salvation as outlined in Scripture involves a vital role played by the Holy Spirit. He effectually calls every chosen individual to Christ through the faithful preaching of the Gospel. As indicated in Psalms 65:4 and Ephesians 2:1-8, the Holy Spirit transforms these sinners into new creations by bringing them to life and granting them the ability to repent and believe. This powerful work is not contingent upon human effort but is entirely a gracious act of God. Such realization deepens the understanding of God’s sovereignty in the salvation process, affirming that it is His grace that instills faith in those He has chosen.
Psalm 65:4, Psalm 110:3, Ephesians 2:1-8
Can those chosen for salvation ever lose their salvation?
No, those who are chosen by God and redeemed by Christ will never lose their salvation.
The assurance of salvation rests on the unwavering promise of God who keeps all whom He has chosen and redeemed. As stated in 1 Peter 1:5, believers are kept by the power of God through faith, which guarantees their eternal security. Further backing this doctrine, John 10:27-30 illustrates that those given to Christ will never perish or be snatched from His hand, ensuring that salvation is eternally secure. Philippians 1:6 reassures that God will complete the good work He began in His elect. Thus, the perseverance of the saints is a vital tenet of sovereign grace theology, affirming that the grace God provides does not disappear and is never taken away.
1 Peter 1:5, John 10:27-30, Philippians 1:6
The Need of Salvation
All men and women, since the fall of our father Adam, are born in a state of spiritual death. Because of their evil nature, they cannot and will not turn to God. They cannot of themselves obey God or exercise faith in Christ. (John 5:40; 6:44; Rom. 3:9-19; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3)
The Cause of Salvation
From before creation God chose many of Adam's fallen race to salvation. Those whom He chose deserve God's wrath as much as the others. However, God chose them in Christ and determined to save them, and this He most certainly will do. (Eph. 1:3-6; 2 Thess. 2:13-14)
The Work of Salvation
The Lord Jesus Christ died as the Substitute for those whom God chose from before the foundation of the world and by His blood made atonement for their sins. He redeemed them from the curse of the law and obtained eternal redemption for them. By His death, Christ infallibly and justly secured the salvation of those that God the Father gave Him to represent. (John 10:9; Rom. 3:24-26; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12)
The Means of Salvation
God the Holy Spirit effectually calls every chosen, redeemed sinner to Christ. This He does by the faithful preaching of the Gospel. He brings them to life and turns them to Christ in repentance and faith. By His almighty grace, God makes them new creatures in Christ. (Psa. 65:4; 110:3; Eph. 2:1-8)
The Certainty of Salvation
God keeps all whom He chose and redeemed by Christ and calls them by the Holy Spirit. These He keeps and seals by His grace. He never takes away the grace nor the faith that He gives them. Those who are born of God can never perish. They will persevere because they are "...kept by the power of God through faith." (1 Peter 1:5: John 10:27-30; Phil. 1:6)
In Summary......
We believe that Christ is the Gospel. The entire Bible is about Him. The sure and only hope of every child of God is in Him. Every aspect of salvation from beginning (election) to end (glorification) is all of God's grace. Man cannot and should not ascribe salvation to any part of his will, work or worth. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
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