“For by grace you have been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8). The fact that salvation is by grace is one of the few points on which most – if not all – self-proclaimed Bible believing Christians will agree. But though we will all agree on the concept of salvation by grace, there is disagreement when you get below the surface.
A common misconception in the religious world is that we are saved by grace alone. Those who believe this will contend that salvation is wholly in the hands of God and that man can do nothing to impact his salvation – either to become saved or to remain saved. This doctrine of grace saving us unconditionally is completely false. Paul said, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11). But this simply means that God has made salvation available to all men by His grace. It does not mean that all will be saved. Jesus made it clear that many would go down the path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
When Paul and Barnabas were teaching in Antioch of Pisidia, Luke recorded a summary of their message that helps present a picture for us as to what Christians need to remember with regard to God’s grace.
“Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43).
Paul encouraged them to continue in the grace of God. This brief verse tells us three things about grace.
We can fall from grace – Why else would Paul be “urging them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43)? The Scriptures are clear in teaching that a child of God can fall from grace and be lost (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 3:12).
We choose to continue in grace or not – This is why Paul urged them. The fact that he persuaded them necessarily implies that they had a choice. When men preach the gospel, they try to “persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). This persuasion is an attempt to convince others either to follow God (Acts 26:28-29) or to remain faithful to God (2 Corinthians 6:1).
We continue in grace by following God’s word – Paul urged them to continue in God’s grace through his preaching. He would later describe his message as “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). The grace that God extended to us includes the instruction to “deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12).
Conclusion
Yes, we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). But we must also be “faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). We must “observe all that [Christ] commanded” (Matthew 28:20). When Paul wrote to the brethren in Corinth, he said, “We also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1).
So while it is certainly true that we are saved by God’s grace, we need to be sure we understand that God saves us conditionally. Let all Christians heed the words of Paul – “Continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Do not choose to forfeit the salvation He offers by refusing to obey Him.
