Saved By Grace . . . BUT

If there is one truth which is crystal clear in the Bible, it is that men are saved by grace. I suppose that almost everyone who believes the Bible says that he believes this crystal clear truth.

While most say they believe it, there seems to be a tendency to "but" it to death. Yes, most say man is saved by grace, BUT he must accept this free gift.

The sinner must, by faith, reach out and take it. Others say, BUT he must first repent of his sins and believe on Christ. Still others say, BUT he must join our church.

You hardly find anyone who is willing to say that men are saved by grace (the unmerited favor of God) with no "buts." The sinner must do something in order to get himself saved. Do not misunderstand me. I believe that those who are saved by grace will do these and other good works, for Jesus said, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should bring forth good fruit."

I just believe that these things are not conditions to be met in order to obtain the grace of God, which is quite an oxymoron, if you would just stop to think about it.

Paul says quite plainly in Romans 11:6, "And if by grace (this election under consideration) then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

Paul says again in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, lest any man should boast."

You see, even the faith is not of the sinner. There is no room for man to brag that something he did caused God to save him.

If a sinner is saved, he is saved because, before the world ever began, God purposed to bestow His grace upon him (Ephesians 1:4-5). Salvation is of the Lord!

Eph 1:4-6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.