The Bible declares that salvation is of the Lord and is based on faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Salvation is a work of God, as proclaimed in Scripture, highlighting that it is not dependent on human will or effort. In Romans 9:16, the Apostle Paul states, 'It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.' This underscores the sovereignty of God in the salvation process. The completed work of Christ, where He, as our substitute, bore the sins of His people, is central to the Christian faith. He achieved salvation for those whom God had chosen before the foundation of the world, as indicated in Ephesians 1:4-5.
Romans 9:16, Ephesians 1:4-5
Election is supported by Scripture, which affirms that God chooses individuals for salvation through His mercy.
The doctrine of election asserts that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4-5 clearly states, 'For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.' This divine choice is unconditional and not based on foreseen faith or works. Historical confessions, such as the Canons of Dordrecht, articulate that this election rests solely on God’s will and mercy, emphasizing that without this election, no one would choose God due to inherent sinful nature.
Ephesians 1:4-5
Faith is essential for Christians as it is the means by which we receive God's grace and salvation.
Faith is a gift from God and serves as the instrument by which believers receive salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 highlights that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from ourselves; it is the gift of God. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but entails a complete trust and reliance on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Furthermore, genuine faith results in obedience and good works as an outflow of the believer’s relationship with Christ, emphasizing that while faith itself does not save, it is the channel through which God's redemptive work is applied to us.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 1:17
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!