Eddie J. Cornelius, Minister Emeritus
THE TRUTH ABOUT SALVATION:
Salvation Is By God’s Grace
Eph. 2:4-9
INTRODUCTION:
1. Most people readily admit that salvation is by the grace of God.
2. Yet there is a strange phenomenon among those claiming to be Christians.
3. Most have not taken the time to search the scriptures to find out just what the grace of God is, and how
it functions in saving man.
4. Most simply believe that grace is some how an attribute of God that, like manna, covers the whole
world.
5. But beyond saying that "grace is the unmerited favor of God” most people would be hard pressed to
define grace.
DISCUSSION:
I. Grace Must Be Understood By God’s Actions.
A. Grace is much more than a simple good feeling of God for man.
1. What would cause God to feel good towards man?
2. Is there anything worthwhile in sinful man that would cause God to feel good about him?
3. Is there anything that man has done or can do to illicit such a feeling from God?
4. Of course the answer to all such questions would be a resounding absolutely nothing!!
B. A good example of God’s grace may be found in the story of Noah (Gen. 6:5ff).
1. The first thing we see in this story is God’s reaction to man’s sinful condition (:5-7).
2. Then we see God’s strong desire for mankind to continue. What a conflict!
3. God’s decision to extend grace to Noah accomplished two things simultaneously.
a. It condemned the world.
b. It saved Noah and his family.
4. But notice, God’s Grace is seen in what He did, Not in what He felt.
5. His grace is seen in the exacting instructions He gave Noah.
6. His grace was appropriated by Noah’s following God instructions to the letter, or by faith
(Heb. 11:7).
C. God’s methodology for saving sinful man has not changed.
II. Today Grace Must Still Be Understood By God’s Actions.
A. Lets notice today’s text Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith
he loved us, :5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) :6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together
in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: :7 That in the ages to come he might shew the
exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. :8 For by
grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: :9 Not
of works, lest any man should boast.
B. First, notice that just as in the days of Noah, God is aware of man’s sinful state.
C. God is still desirous of saving man, because of His great mercy.
D. Salvation comes to man on the basis of what God has done, not on any works of man:
1. He raised us up;
2. He decided that all the saved must "sit together”;
3. He decided that salvation would be "in Christ”;
4. He decided that His grace would come "through Christ Jesus”;
E. There is nothing, in and of himself, that man can do to bring about salvation.
III. Grace Is The Gift of God to man.
A. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given (John 3:16).
B. Jesus was given for a specific purpose:
1. Jesus said in John 10:10: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
[it] more abundantly.
2. Again, Jesus said in Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever
believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
C. Notice what this great gift supplies for man:
1. Jesus Christ is the supplier or giver of "grace and truth” (John 1:17).
2. Notice :18 of John chapter one: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him].
D. Jesus Christ and the revelation He brought is the grace of God.
1. 2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world; :13 Looking for that blessed hope, and
the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; :14 Who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. :15 These things speak, and
exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
CONCLUSION:
1. Now that we have a clear understanding of "the grace of God that brings salvation” how do we take
advantage of His blessed grace?
2. Notice two statements by Jesus Himself that will tell you how:
A. Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
B. Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
3. It is by demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ that we gain access into His grace: Rom 5:1 Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: :2 By whom
also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory
of God.
4. Jesus commands that you:
A. Hear and believe His word Rom. 1:16; Rom. 10:17; John 12:47-48.
B. Repent of sin Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30.
C. Confess His holy name Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10; (ex. Acts 8:37).
D. Be baptized for the remission of sin Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; (ex. Acts 8:38).
E. Live faithfully unto death Rev. 2:10.
