Bible Truth FAQs
GRACE ONLY WILL NOT AVAIL
A very popular Bible passage is Eph. 2:8-9 where Paul said, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Many are content to stop here and claim for themselves salvation by grace only. The very next verse reads, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
True, no works of man can ever earn salvation. Without God's grace (unmerited favor) salvation would not be possible. However, there is a vast difference between works of God and works of man. God has given requirements man must meet through faith and obedience, otherwise he will not be in God's grace. Obeying God's commandments is not meritorious works.
It is plainly taught (Matt. 7:13-14) that the majority of people will be eternally lost. Since God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), why will not everyone be saved? Obviously, grace only will not suffice.
20020323.ch