Grace, Not Good Deeds

Bill Brinkworth

In Ephesians 2, Paul addresses converted Gentiles (vs. 11), and he reminds them of the most important points of how they became a Christian.  This crucial step has eluded many religions, even some “Christian” denominations. The distinctions that separate a lost, even religious, person from a saved person are that:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8   A “gift” is freely given and does not include a price to the recipient.

Many nod their head in agreement to Ephesians 2:8-9, but do not connect what it says to what they may be doing or believing.  The whole point of the two verses is there is nothing we can do to earn heaven. We must only trust what God has already done for us.  Yet, even biblical doctrines have been turned into good works people hope will make them worthy of heaven.  Countless people and religious leaders have clarified their salvation as “Of course I am going to heaven, I have been baptized”, “I tithe”, “help the poor”, “have done the sacraments”, “live a good life”, or “I obey the rules of my church”. Some of them may be good works that will please God after one is saved, but none are good works to get one saved and to heaven. Those deeds become conditions added to what God said to do in Eph. 2:8-9.  It is faith only that will get one God’s promise of heaven.  You cannot add anything to it.

All the religions of the world teach that getting to Heaven is either through doing good works or by God’s grace.  The Bible says it is only grace that will get anyone there.

 

 

 

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