Day 1: Salvation is a Free Gift by Jesus Christ
Myth:
Salvation can be earned by my works.
Scriptural Truth:
When talking about salvation, the Bible is consistent in stating that it is a free gift, something given above and beyond what is deserved.
In Romans 3:24, we see the concept of salvation clearly stated:
Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Matter-of-factly, the gift of salvation is free. The motive for the gift is nothing more than the grace of the Giver.
Now, consider the word used to define salvation in Romans 5:15-16. It is the Greek word “charisma,” meaning “a gift of grace.”
For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
Also consider Romans 6:23:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift [charisma] of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now, if something is a “gift of grace,” it cannot be earned. To earn something (by means of working for it) is to deserve it, and that would produce an obligation—a debt.
That is why works destroy grace as written in Romans 4:1-5:
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
As well as is written in Romans 11:5-6:
Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
When presenting salvation, the New Testament writers carefully chose words that emphasize grace and freedom. As a result, the Bible could not be more clear—salvation is absolutely free, the true gift of God in Christ, and our only responsibility is to receive the gift by faith. Take for instance what’s written in Ephesians 2:8-9:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.