How are we saved?

February 25, 2021 (Thursday)

 

One of the main questions in the Christian faith is, “how are we saved?” Believe it or not, the answer is much more complicated then it appears on the surface. Let’s dig in!

 

Going back into the Old Testament we see a precedent set by Abraham. “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” [Genesis 15:6 ESV] There is a question concerning if “righteousness” equals “salvation.” For the sake of the argument, let’s consider them parallel. In other words the one who is saved is considered by God as righteous and the one who is righteous, in God’s eyes, is saved.

 

Paul makes an almost unbelievable statement in Romans 3:21a, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law…” [ESV] What Paul is saying is that keeping a set of rules and regulations (law) does not make one righteous. Paul knows this because he was flawless regarding the law (see Philippians 3: 4 – 6). Yet Paul found himself outside the saving grace of God, until he personally encountered Jesus.

 

Some might argue that one is saved “through grace alone.” The argument is “grace plus nothing equals salvation.” However, that seems to contradict Paul’s theology. It also camps out on only ONE of the five “sola” statements that are the core of evangelical faith. It ignores the “by faith alone” sola. What does that mean? I am so glad you asked.

 

Faith is a verb. I know I just stepped on a lot of theological toes. But let me show you what the Bible says. What if righteousness were manifested through, “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” [Romans 3:22a ESV] Again with the verbs. Notice, this is “for all who believe” (another verb).

 

Let’s be clear, “believe” is not in any way earning or deserving salvation. Paul continues, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” [Romans 3:24 ESV] Just to emphasize a point. Romans 3:23 is about the universal sinfulness and short fall of every human. Believing is simply accepting the gift of redemption that is offered in Christ Jesus.

 

Paul continues the line of reasoning in Romans 4:2 – 3, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” [ESV] Notice, Paul distinguished “justified by works” and “believed God” as two different things.

 

WAIT, THERE’S MORE!!! There is evidence in Scripture that believing does not get it done. For instance, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:12 ESV] So, what we call “receive” and “believe” only authorizes us to BECOME children of God.

 

I think the point is that, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” [James 2:14 ESV] James insists, “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” [James 2:17 ESV] What proof does James use to support this claim? Demons believe (see James 2:19). Choke.

 

If we go back to Paul’s explanation we see, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” [Ephesians 2:10 ESV] This thing we call “salvation” is God’s work. It is literally an act of creation. Or as Jesus called it, “born again.” The BECOMING part is us walking in the good works, “which God prepared beforehand.”

 

Faith, a.k.a. believing, gives us the right to BECOME children of God. We BECOME the children of God as we BECOME like Him, doing the good work He has CREATED us to do. That’s what separates true believers from demons. We act in a way consistent with our faith. There is proof of our salvation.