THE GRACE OF GOD
That we are saved by the grace of God is a
sound biblical doctrine validated by Ephesians 2: 8, which goes
on to say that salvation is a "gift of God." Grace
is most often defined (accurately) as the unmerited favor of
God. It is this unmerited favor which leads our eternal Father
to favor us with this inestimable gift.
Unfortunately, many have taken this truth to an extreme
which is not taught by God's word. They reason that unmerited
means unconditional. This error is nothing new; Paul dealt
with it in Romans 6: 1.
The following from an article by Larry R. Hafley [Guardian
of Truth, Sept. 17, 1992] explains the difference between conditions
and merit:
"... Our 'daily bread,' our food, 'is the gift of God' (Eccl.
3:13; Matt 6:11). Yet, there are conditions to be met before
we receive it. Eating, drinking and enjoying the benefits of
'labor' are called 'the gift of God" (Eccl. 3: 13;
cf. 2 Thess. 3: 10).
"Note another example of the point above. God gave
Jericho to Israel, but there were conditions attached (Josh. 6:
2-5; Heb. 11: 30). Israel had to be obedient in order to be blessed
(Duet. 28-32; cf. Matt. 7: 21-28). God said, 'I have given
into thine hand Jericho,' yet 'they took the city' (Josh.
6: 2,20). After meeting the terms, the conditions necessary to
secure it, the land was not earned. Conditions do not equal merit."
While this exposition is valid and accurate, it should
be unnecessary to anyone who has even a rudimentary understanding
of God's word. If, in fact, God's grace is unconditional, then
the bible is meaningless -- why bother to read it? If God's grace
is unconditional, then the selection of the saved is arbitrary.
But the bible tells us that we need to study it (2 Tim.
2: 15; 3: 16), work out our own salvation (Phil. 2: 12), and that
those who work righteousness are the ones who are saved (Acts
10: 35). I challenge you to read two pages of the New Testament
in a row without encountering doctrines which assert the conditional
nature of salvation.
To those who have not met God's conditions of salvation,
we plead for you not to be swallowed up by illogical philosophies.
Hear God's word (Jn. 6: 44), believe it (Jn. 3: 16), repent of
your sins (Lk. 13: 3), make your life a confession of him (Mt.
10: 32), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Jn. 3:
5; Acts 2: 38).
To those who have met and continue to meet God's conditions,
recognize that you do not merit salvation -- it is the
free gift of God! And be thankful.