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Articles by - Mike Muzzerall

Grace Through Faith

 July 2023

The Apostle Paul was given the foundational truth of the new covenant. This new covenant would not be based on the implementation of a new type of sacrifice. It would not be based on the implementation of more religious works. The foundation of the new covenant would be based simply on the statement that we are saved by grace through faith.

GRACE IS THE ONLY MEANS OF SALVATION
Starting with Adam, man has attempted to deal with the issue of sin through his own efforts. The New Testament refutes the idea that man can be saved through his own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Clearly, salvation is not based on our efforts but on a simple faith in the completed work of Calvary: “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb. 11:6). Jesus’ death on the cross was the full payment for sin. That payment is applied to our sins the moment we place our faith in the cross of Christ and the Christ of the cross.

TEST THE MEANS OF SALVATION
Grace through faith is the foundational truth that separates a genuine salvation from a pseudo-soterios, or a false way of salvation. Unless salvation is completely a gracious gift from God, then it is not a genuine salvation. We can only be saved by grace through faith. If there are any requirements added to this simple means of salvation it immediately becomes a false way of salvation.

WHAT ABOUT WATER BAPTISM?
It cannot be faith plus water baptism. Although water baptism is one of the ordinances given by Jesus Christ and should be followed, it is not necessary for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith.

WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
It cannot be faith and speaking in tongues. Although speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, it is not a requirement for salvation. Church history proves that the baptism in the Holy Spirit did not end with the death of the last apostle. In fact, it is increasing in the last days as prophesied by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28). However, it is not a requirement for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith.

WHAT ABOUT WORKS?
It cannot be faith and a minimum number of volunteered hours. Yes, there is work to be done as part of being in the kingdom of God. I read God’s Word, not to be saved, but because I’m saved. I pray, not to be saved, but because I’m saved. I work for Christ, not to be saved, but because I’m saved. Salvation cannot be based on works. We are saved by grace through faith.

ADDING TO THE CROSS
You cannot add to the completed work of Calvary. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it. It is in the perfect tense, which means it is finished with the result that it continues to be finished. It is paid in full with the result that no further payment is necessary or acceptable. We are saved by grace through faith.

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF MAN’S SALVATION
Salvation was initiated by God and not by man. The Lamb of God was slain from the foundation of the earth (Rev. 13:8). Our salvation is clearly based on believing in the completed work of Calvary and not through our own efforts. Jesus’ death on the cross was, is, and always will be the full payment for sin. It is by grace through faith.



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