Which Saves: Grace or Faith in God?

Is it grace or faith in God that saves us? This question may often arise in your mind.

Various versions of the answer are circulating. Some argue that salvation is purely by grace, so there is no longer any need for faith in God. Christians are free to do anything, because God will surely forgive and save. Others argue that faith in God is what saves. Christians need to pursue it, because without faith, there will be no salvation.

If so, which answer is correct?

Salvation = Grace + Faith in God

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, but the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2 : 8

If you are confused in looking for the answer, be sure to check the source, namely the Bible, so that you are not tossed about by other teachings. Referring to the verse above, we obtain salvation by grace and through faith. What does that mean?

First of all, it needs to be understood that sometimes we find two or more things with a similar context in the Bible. This does not mean we must choose which one is right, but rather see them as things that complement one another.

Based on that principle, then what saves is not grace or faith in God, but grace and faith in God.

The Toll Road, the Car, and Spiritual Fuel

Grace is like a toll road, built in such a way with better quality than other public roads. Safety and comfort are prioritized so that users can arrive safely at their destination. The death of Jesus on the cross is the toll road for those who believe in Him.

On the other hand, faith in God is like our vehicle. You cannot travel on a toll road without the proper vehicle, nor may you act however you please. For example, you ride a bicycle on the toll road, stop wherever you like, then selfie in the middle of the road. You are guaranteed to get ticketed or arrested, if not injured.

There are Christians who have a mistaken paradigm about grace. This is because they take only part of the whole Word of God. It is like eating a burger and tasting only one piece, so we think a burger is merely bread. We do not taste the delicious meat, vegetables, or sauce. A mistaken paradigm makes us think that being a Christian is pleasant; anything goes. Salvation is already in hand, and obtained free of charge at that.

In fact, it is written in Galatians 5:13, “Brothers and sisters, you were indeed called to freedom. But do not use that freedom as an opportunity for a life of sin; instead, serve one another through love.” That means there is still a part we need to work out within that salvation.

Faith in God needs to be cultivated and guarded. Without faith (the vehicle), we cannot enjoy the grace of God (the toll road). Faith must be built intentionally, because faith without works is in essence dead (James 2:17).

Imagine this effort to build faith like the effort required when you want to buy a car. We need to save up and cut expenses. Perhaps we also practice driving, and learn the various traffic rules and signs. We need preparation, even the sacrifice of time, energy, and thought. It is the same with our spirituality: faith will not grow unless it is intentionally nurtured. How do we grow faith? A person of faith is one who focuses on God. He cares about what God says, not his own thoughts or other people's opinions. A person of faith values what God feels above personal comfort. He keeps walking according to the word, even though by doing so he appears different from others. This person does not shrink back when he must carry the cross, because he believes God will surely be with him and give him strength.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17

Faith arises from hearing the word of Christ, not from other words. For example, the ‘words’ of ancestors / parents. Or the ‘words’ of others, such as lucky days, discrimination against certain races or groups, myths, zodiac signs, and false prophecies. Christians must love the word of God more than those things.

If grace is the toll road and faith is our vehicle, the word of God is the fuel. We cannot mix it with other words. If our vehicle’s fuel is mixed with water, the result will surely be a breakdown. Likewise, our faith will ‘break down’ when it is not filled with the word of God.

In conclusion, salvation is the gift of God, through the death of Jesus on the cross. Our part is to be grateful for the way given by God by keeping faith in God, through hearing the word of God and doing it. Salvation is grace plus faith in God.

May this article help us to have faith in God rightly and to keep growing. God bless.

* The GKDI church is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every region; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us via the GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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