SALVATION (Eph. 2:1-9)

“For by grace [we] have been saved through faith, and this is not [our] own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield (Nov. 5, 1851 - Feb. 16, 1921) wrote:

“In this reiterated phrase [‘by grace you have been saved’] we have in effect the heart of [Paul’s] gospel, to know which is our prime necessity if we are to know what that gospel is. The whole gospel turns as upon its hinge on this fact, that salvation is of pure grace.” (“Election,” Selected Shorter Writings, 286)

Brothers and sisters, the doctrine of salvation is probably the most significant aspect of Christian faith and theology and it benefits us all to understand it well because salvation lies at the heart of God’s will and purposes, salvation is the why Jesus came to earth and why he died on the cross, and salvation is our one truly vital need.

As we continue our study of the doctrine of salvation, keep this in your hearts and minds. Let it sink deeply into your body and soul: God’s grace is the foundation of the doctrine of salvation.

Grace is God’s power, freely wielded…not out of constraint, obligation, or duty…not because we deserve it or have earned it…but because God loves us. And salvation is God’s grace raising us from the dead.