GRACE VERSUS GOODNESS

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.

GRACE VERSUS GOODNESS

Ephesians 2:8    By grace are ye saved through faith

Both grace and goodness are wonderful concepts, however, we need to know the role of each as it relates to salvation, specifically the grace of God and the goodness of man.

Grace

We were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:5). As such, we needed divine intervention to raise us to life (Ephesians 2:6-7 John 11:43-44 Acts 20:9-10). Therefore, God reached out to everyone despite our race, gender, or social status (Acts 8:27 16:13-15 Titus 2:11). God extended grace, mercy, and kindness towards us because it is his desire that every creature receive salvation (Hebrews 2:9 1 Timothy 2:4 2 Peter 3:9).

Goodness

Salvation is not dependent on the goodness of man (Ephesians 2:8). Our righteousness before God is like filthy rags Is64:6. Many individuals believe that their benevolent work guarantees them a place in the kingdom of heaven, but they are grossly mistaken (Matthew 7:21-23 Luke 18:9-14 Titus 3:4-5). Not even religious devotion or a good prayer life is sufficient (Acts 9:11 10:1-2 11:14 22:16).

Gift

All the world should recognize that salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8 Romans 6:23). The fact that grace is a gift does not exclude work. Although the blind man received a gift, obedience was necessary (John 9:6-7 Hebrews 5:9). We also need to recognize that the gift of God cannot be purchased (Acts 8:20). How then can we receive the gift of God?

God

In his wisdom, God has provided salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). Noah was saved because he believed God (Hebrews 11:7). This faith led him to build an ark, just as our faith will lead to baptism (Mark 16:16 Acts 8:36-37 18:8). Many believe that faith in God excludes baptism. How do we arrive at such a conclusion? Can anyone please explain? (John 6:28-29 1 Thessalonians 1:3 James 2:24).