Saved by Grace #7 — JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, YET JUDGED BY WORKS?

We have stressed, as does Paul, that sinners are justified by faith, apart from works of law (Rom. 3:28; 5:1). But the fact is that many Biblical texts specifically say or at least imply that we will all somehow be … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #8 — SAVED BY GRACE, SAVED IN BAPTISM

We are now ready to explain how baptism and grace are related. First, I will state several basic principles to keep in mind when studying baptism. (A) Every doctrine, including baptism, is based on Scripture first, not on experience. (B) … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #9 — IS BAPTISM A WORK?

Many in the Christian world will vehemently reject just about everything I said in the previous lesson (part 8, “Saved by Grace, Saved in Baptism”). This is because they view baptism as a work, and believe that this automatically prevents … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #10 — SAVED BY GRACE, FOR GOOD WORKS

I like to summarize salvation, using Eph. 2:8-10 and Col. 2:12, thus: we are saved BY GRACE, THROUGH FAITH, IN BAPTISM, FOR GOOD WORKS. Here we are examining the last phrase, “for good works” (Eph. 2:10). Good works are simply … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #11 — “ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY”?

Much of the world (including many Christians) assume that if we do something “wrong,” we can do something “right” to make up for it. In many religions this concept is the key to whatever they consider to be “salvation.” An … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #13 — ORIGINAL SIN–OR ORIGINAL GRACE?

What about babies—when they are conceived, while in the womb, at birth? Are they under law, or under grace? This question is actually raised and answered in Romans 5:12-19, where Adam’s sin is contrasted with Christ’s cross. The issue being … Continue reading

Saved by Grace #14 — Once in Grace, Always in Grace?

“Once in grace, always in grace.” “Once saved, always saved.” “Eternal security.” These three phrases all refer to the same idea, namely, that once a person has truly become saved, he or she can never become unsaved. Once you are … Continue reading

THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL: ROMANS 3:21-26

Romans is my favorite book of the Bible, and Romans 3:21-26 is my favorite passage in this epistle. I have a series of 28 lessons on the first eight chapters of Romans, including the one that follows here. (This is … Continue reading