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NASB | Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; |
Bible Question (short): Bootstrap Salvation? |
Question (full): Humanism teaches a "bootstrap salvation" of sorts. The humanistic worldview asserts that man is captain of his own soul, the master of his fate. Major world religions, except Christianity, teach that works are a vital ingredient in the salvation forumla. Even some Christians believe that salvation hinges upon some combination of faith and good works, even though the Bible states plainly that salvation is the gift of God, a product of His grace made manifest through faith in His Son who paid the price by going to the Cross. The question is: Why do you suppose it is so difficult for some to come to grips with the biblical truth of John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8,9? The biblical view of salvation is so unlike the views of humanism and pagan religions. Could it be that some professing Christians who insist on adding works as a requisite of salvation are being influenced by secular views without being fully aware of it? Can we think like the world thinks, allow ourselves to be influenced by prevailing worldviews, and yet follow Christ and His teachings also? In essence, do you think that there is a trend that modern Christians and churches tend to think more in harmony with the worldview than with God's view -- not only on the "good works" topic but in other areas as well? Let's try to keep this "on topic," by backing up views with what the Bible teaches. --Hank |