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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:
I was asked by one of our forum members, "Faith keeps us saved? Where does scripture tell us this?" I'm concerned that there are teachings going forth in our time that omit the responsibility of the believer. There are teachings that omit the importance of "knowing" God and focuses on "the knowing of" God. There are teachings that deny God in that of the power of the Holy Ghost - once saved, always saved, just believe :one time repentance, one time confession, one time to ask for forgiveness and it's all done - I have eternal life because God promised it and I believe! My question is how can you be saved without faith? Yes, Jesus gave His life for the sins of the world, He did His part. I understand that without the guidance of Holy Ghost this question is difficult. I'm not concerned with being popular in this forum, it would be a bit scary if everyone agrees with me. (I enjoy learning and sharing God's Word as led by the Holy Ghost - I never want to be a stumbling block to other souls). "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13) "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 16:25) WalkingTalkingBible |
Bible Answer: Greetings WalkingTalkingBible! By no means do I suscribe to 'one saved, always saved'! :-) But, even I have concerns about the way you have addressed this issue. Scripture is clear that salvation is not based upon anything we 'do'. See Eph. 2:8-9, Gal. 2, and Rom. 4 for examples. Scripture speaks of salvation as an accomplished fact, not as something that we only hope to achieve one day. 1 Peter 1 sums it up nicely. In verse 3, Peter says 'he has given us new birth'. 'New birth' is actually an aorist passive participle. We aren't hoping to be saved one day - if we are good enough. We have been born again, and it has been accomplished for us, not because of us. In verse 5, we are being shielded by by God's power. 'Shielded' is a present passive participle. God is actively shielding us right now. Until when? Until the revelation of our salvation in the last times. Finally, in verse 4, we are told that we have 'an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fadeākept in heaven for you'! 'Kept' is a perfect, passive participle. Our inheritance is a present and abiding reality. Nothing we do can change these realities. I will not be 'more' saved if I do good things. Nor, will I be 'less' saved if I don't do good things. Why? I am not saved by works, but by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus did more than 'His part' my friend. He did it all! :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |