Bible Basics

Finding Forgiveness

For the last several weeks an attempt has been made to show from the Scriptures that we are saved by grace through faith; that salvation does not come from within ourselves but is a gift from God; and that salvation is not earned through meritorious works (Eph. 2:8, 9). And yet, faith alone will not save us (James 2:24), for “faith without works is dead” (v. 26). Therefore, Christ becomes “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 2:9). Nevertheless, as crucial and necessary as our obedience is to our salvation, we must remember that we do not earn salvation by these works of faith. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Christ died to save us from sin, not from the requirement of obeying God’s law. Listen carefully! The only way anyone shall be saved is by means of God’s grace for we all need a Savior (Rom. 3:23). It is by our faith in Him and His sacrificial death that we access God’s grace (Rom. 5:2). But only as we have enough faith to obey Him will that faith save. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15, 16). Once we are baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3) we must continue to live in obedience to the will of God. But when we do sin we can find forgiveness again by grace through faith in Christ.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics