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How do we know that salvation is by grace and not by works?

Answered in 76 sources

Scripture repeatedly affirms that salvation is by grace alone, emphasizing that any reliance on works is ultimately a rejection of God's appointed means of salvation.

The distinction between grace and works is foundational in Reformed theology. The account of Cain and Abel illustrates this relationship, where Abel's faith and obedience to God's requirements led to his acceptance, while Cain's self-reliance on his fruit offering led to rejection. The New Testament reinforces this truth, notably in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, to prevent any man from boasting. Grace, defined as unmerited favor, cannot mix with works; any attempt to do so renders grace ineffective. This is further demonstrated through the blood sacrifice, which signifies that salvation is rooted in Christ's atoning work alone. Thus, understanding that we can offer nothing to earn salvation is crucial to accepting God's grace.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 11:6, Genesis 4:1-8, Titus 3:5, Acts 15:11, Romans 4:1-5, Galatians 3:10-12, Romans 4:2-3, Ephesians 2:8, Galatians 4:23, John 5:39, Romans 3:28, Galatians 5:4, Romans 4:4-5, Romans 5:12, John 5:24, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 7:6, Galatians 2:16, Isaiah 64:6, Luke 23:32-43, Luke 23:39-43, Romans 11:5-6, Romans 9:16, Genesis 4:5, Hebrews 11:4, Acts 2:38, Galatians 2:21, 3:10-13, Romans 10:1-4, 2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 55:1, Matthew 5:20, Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:10, Hebrews 10:14, Galatians 1:6-7, Galatians 6:14, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:9, Romans 4:16, John 3:3, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 3:20-22, Romans 10:3-4, Acts 22, Romans 3:27, Acts 11:1-18, Galatians 4:30, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 4:4, Matthew 20:1-16, Romans 6:14, Hebrews 8:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

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