What does "not because of our works" teach about grace and salvation? The core verse “He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.” — 2 Timothy 1:9 What “not because of our works” teaches • Salvation originates in God, not in us. • Human effort, merit, or morality plays zero role in initiating or securing redemption. • Grace is the sole basis of our rescue: an undeserved, unearned favor freely given. Grace defined by Scripture • Ephesians 2:8-9 — “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness we had done, but according to His mercy.” • Romans 3:24 — “and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Together these passages draw a bright line: God’s gift, not our goodness, accomplishes salvation. Why works cannot save • Our best deeds are tainted by sin (Isaiah 64:6). • God’s standard is absolute perfection (Matthew 5:48). • The law reveals sin; it cannot remove it (Romans 3:20). • Depending on works robs God of glory and places the burden of perfection on flawed humans. How works fit in after salvation • Works follow grace; they never precede it (Ephesians 2:10). • They are evidence of a transformed heart (James 2:17). • Good deeds become acts of gratitude and obedience empowered by the Spirit, not self-saving performances (Philippians 2:13). Why grace alone exalts God • Salvation “before time began” (2 Timothy 1:9) magnifies God’s sovereignty—He planned and accomplished redemption without human consultation. • Grace spotlights Christ’s cross as fully sufficient (Galatians 2:21). • It eliminates boasting so that praise rests entirely on the Savior (1 Corinthians 1:31). Living in the freedom of grace • Rest: No fear of falling short, because Christ’s work is complete (Hebrews 4:10). • Joy: Gratitude overflows when we remember we contributed nothing but need (Psalm 116:12-13). • Service: Freed from earning, we gladly serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). |
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