We know salvation is by grace alone because Scripture repeatedly affirms it, showing that human effort cannot earn God's favor.
The doctrine of salvation by grace alone is supported throughout the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles. Romans 11:6 indicates that if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. Furthermore, Galatians 3:11 declares that no one is justified before God by the law, but 'the righteous shall live by faith.' These verses emphasize that salvation is an act of God's unmerited favor. Salvation being a gift embodies the idea that humanity's works fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) and that it is Christ's work that fulfills the law on behalf of believers (Romans 10:4). Historic Reformed theology insists that grace is not merely important but essential to the understanding of salvation, as it accentuates God’s sovereignty in electing a people unto Himself.
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