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Why can't works save us according to reformed theology?

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According to Reformed theology, human works cannot save us because salvation is a gift of grace, rendering our works insufficient (Romans 6:23).

Reformed theology firmly asserts that human works cannot procure salvation because the standard of righteousness required for justification is unattainable by sinful human effort. Romans 6:23 states, 'For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' This verse discerns between the consequences of our works—death due to sin—and the gift of God, which is salvation through Christ alone. The law serves merely as a schoolmaster to point us towards Christ (Galatians 3:24), demonstrating our inability to adhere to its demands. Thus, salvation is solely by grace, affirming that faith in Christ’s redemptive work is the only basis for justification before God. Any reliance on works is a misunderstanding of the gospel and detracts from the glory of the grace of God.
Scripture References: Romans 6:23, Galatians 3:24

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An Eternity in Christ
Jason Renfroe · Sep 24, 2017
Joshua

Joshua

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