Salvation Without Works
By Grace Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Free Grace Theology
Free Grace Theology is a theological perspective that emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ, without requiring good works as proof of genuine salvation. It holds that eternal life is a free gift from God, received solely through belief in Christ, and that assurance of salvation is based on God’s promise, not personal performance.
Key Beliefs of Free Grace Theology
1. Salvation is by Faith Alone
- A person is saved the moment they believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “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.”
2. Eternal Security (Once Saved, Always Saved)
- A true believer cannot lose their salvation, no matter what they do after believing.
- John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
3. Good Works are Encouraged but Not Required for Salvation
- While believers should do good works, these works are not required for salvation or proof of salvation.
- Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy.”
- Some believers may fail to produce visible good works, but they are still saved.
4. Assurance of Salvation is Based on God’s Promise, Not Performance
- A believer can be 100% sure of their salvation because it depends on God’s grace, not human effort.
- 1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
5. Disobedient Christians May Face Earthly Consequences, Not Loss of Salvation
- Believers who live in sin may experience discipline from God (Hebrews 12:6) and lose eternal rewards (1 Corinthians 3:15), but they do not lose their salvation.
How Free Grace Differs from Lordship Salvation
Free Grace Theology is often contrasted with Lordship Salvation, which teaches that true faith will always result in a transformed life and ongoing obedience to Christ.
| Free Grace Theology | Lordship Salvation |
|---|---|
| Faith in Christ alone saves | Faith + commitment to obedience proves salvation |
| Salvation cannot be lost | Ongoing faith and works demonstrate true faith |
| Good works are encouraged but not required | Good works are necessary evidence of salvation |
| Assurance of salvation is based on God’s promise | Assurance comes from perseverance in faith |
Biblical Support for Free Grace
- John 3:16 – “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (No mention of works)
- Romans 4:5 – “And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
- Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Common Misunderstandings About Free Grace
1. “Free Grace means Christians can live however they want.”
- Free Grace does not promote sinful living; it teaches that good works are a response to salvation, not a requirement for it.
2. “Free Grace ignores discipleship.”
- Free Grace teaches that discipleship (growing in faith, obedience, and good works) is important but separate from salvation.
Conclusion
Free Grace Theology emphasizes that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone, apart from works. While good works and discipleship are important, they are not conditions for being saved or staying saved. Assurance comes from trusting in God’s promise, not in our own performance.
