Grace, Faith, and the Word of God

 "Faith is a living, daring, confidence in God's grace."  - Martin Luther, German priest, theologian, and influential figure of the Protestant Reformation (1483-1546)

Core Teaching: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

We are "saved by grace through faith," but what does it mean to live this out? Today, we’ll see that genuine faith isn't wishful thinking—it is an active pursuit rooted in the knowledge of God and His Word.

Here are key terms and definitions to help you understand what follows.

• Grace: God’s unconditional kindness toward us, given freely despite our unworthiness. It is when God gives us salvation, mercy, and love, rather than the penalty of sin. 
• Faith: The personal, deep-seated confidence in Christ as the only Savior. It is the vital connection—the conduit—by which we accept the free gift of grace. 
• Works (Human Effort): Relying on personal morality or deeds to earn God's favor. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for our performance. 

We begin by examining grace-based salvation, which originates entirely from God, not human merit. It is the act of God making us alive while we are dead in our sins. - Romans 11:6 (ESV); Titus 3:5 (NIV)

Key Takeaway: We cannot boast about our salvation because it was given to us, not earned.

Next, faith is the mechanism by which we receive grace, trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross rather than our own efforts. - Acts 16:31 (KJV); Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)

Key Takeaway: Faith is not an emotional feeling to be manufactured; it is a firm trust in what Christ has already accomplished.

Moving forward, true faith is rooted in the Word of God. Saving faith doesn't just appear out of nowhere; it is developed through understanding God's truth in Scripture. - John 17:3 (ESV); Romans 10:17 (KJV); 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)

Key Takeaway: Weak faith usually stems from neglecting Scripture, not a shortage of faith from God.

In conclusion, good works are not merit-based salvation, but rather the essential fruit of a living faith that acts in love. - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV); James 2:17 (ESV)

Key Takeaway: Works are the evidence of genuine faith, not the source of our salvation.  

Let’s explore the main ideas we discussed and how to turn them into real-world results.

1. Stop Striving, Start Receiving: Grace is a Gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. Let the Word Transform You: Faith thrives when you habitually fill your mind and heart with the Message of Christ (Romans 10:17). 
3. Believe in Jesus: Your assurance comes from His completed work, not your own merits (Romans 5:1).
4. Faith in Action: Show your salvation through a life of love and devotion (Ephesians 2:10).

Ultimately, salvation is a free gift of God's grace, received through faith. Our role is to embrace this gift, allowing our faith to strengthen through the study of Scripture and deeper knowledge of God.

Closing Prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for the gift of grace. Help us to walk by faith, nourished by the knowledge of Your truth, Amen.”

Yours in Christ,

Emily