Sovereign Grace

Questions Answered in This Article

What does the Bible say about sovereign grace?

The Bible teaches that sovereign grace is God's unmerited favor towards sinners, exemplified in the redemptive work of Christ.

Sovereign grace is central to the biblical narrative, illustrating God's initiative in salvation. Scripture reveals that God, in His sovereignty, chooses to extend grace to individuals who are dead in sin. Ephesians 2:4-5 states, '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.' This demonstrates that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, not based on human merit but on His divine purpose and will.

Ephesians 2:4-5

How do we know that Christ's redemption is effective?

Christ's redemption is effective because He fulfilled the law completely and intercedes for those given to Him by the Father.

The effectiveness of Christ's redemption is rooted in His perfect obedience to the law and His sacrificial death. Hebrews 10:12 affirms, 'But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.' This indicates that His sacrifice was sufficient to atone for the sins of those chosen by the Father. Furthermore, Romans 8:34 emphasizes Christ's ongoing intercession for believers, ensuring that nothing can separate them from His love.

Hebrews 10:12, Romans 8:34

Why is God's grace important for Christians?

God's grace is essential for Christians as it underscores their dependence on Him for salvation and sanctification.

God's grace is fundamental to the Christian faith because it reveals mankind's total inability to save themselves. Romans 11:6 states, 'But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.' This highlights that salvation is an act of God’s grace alone, which liberates believers from reliance on their works. Additionally, God's grace empowers Christians in their sanctification, as Philippians 1:6 promises, 'He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.' Thus, grace is vital in both justification and the believer's ongoing walk with Christ.

Romans 11:6, Philippians 1:6