Day 19: The Doctrine of Salvation — By Grace Alone

Scripture Reading:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9, LSB

At the heart of the gospel is the truth that salvation is by grace alone. Paul insists in Ephesians 2:8–9 that salvation is not earned by works but given freely as God’s gift. This truth separates biblical Christianity from every false religion. All other systems say, “Do this and live.” The gospel says, “Christ has done it—believe and live.”

Grace is unmerited favor. It is God’s kindness poured out on the undeserving. Romans 3:24 declares, “Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Salvation is not wages earned but a gift received.

John Calvin emphasized, “We are saved solely by the grace of God, through redemption in Jesus Christ” (Institutes, 3.14.5). If salvation were even partly our work, then grace would no longer be grace. Louis Berkhof explained, “Grace is not something that supplements good works, but the very opposite of works” (Systematic Theology, p. 426).

This doctrine humbles us. It strips away pride, for we bring nothing to the table but our sin. It also comforts us, for if salvation depends on God’s grace, then it rests on His unchanging character, not our unstable performance. As Paul writes, “It does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Rom. 9:16).

Throughout history, the church has been tempted to compromise this doctrine. In the Middle Ages, Rome taught that grace and works together save. The Reformers recovered the biblical truth of sola gratia—grace alone. Martin Luther declared, “Grace is given to heal the sick, not to decorate spiritual heroes.” Grace is not God rewarding the righteous but rescuing the guilty.

Beloved, the doctrine of salvation by grace alone is the anchor of our hope. It keeps us from boasting in ourselves and compels us to boast only in Christ. Doctrine preserves the church by proclaiming that God saves sinners, not by works, but by grace through faith in His Son.

Personal Reflection

1. Why must salvation be by grace alone and not by works?

2. How does this doctrine humble us and exalt God?

3. In what ways has the church historically drifted from sola gratia?

4. How does salvation by grace alone bring assurance to the believer?