The Objection
Paul says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8)
I am saved by grace not by works.
The Response
This statement is 100% correct: we are saved by grace through faith. However, this objection attempts to answer a question we are not asking.
We aren't asking, "How does a person become saved?". (Ephesians 2:8 provides that answer.)
Instead, we are asking, "How should a person live once they are saved?"
This topic usually comes up early in conversations where Christians misunderstand the role of G-d's Law in our lives.
Unfortunately, the primary and (often) sole focus of Christian churches today is salvation. In many cases, they completely overlook the work of sanctification, where G-d's Law is of great value in revealing His character and His will for how believers should live. We were reborn as new creations in Messiah to do good works:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
May the grace that saved us also guide and strengthen us for those good works.
Scripture says...
Objection overruled.
If you still have questions, check out our definitions and assumptions page. If you still have questions or concerns after reading that, please contact us. We would love the opportunity to understand and respond to those concerns!
