
Whose work is it any way? How do we come by faith?
Paul is interested in the next couple verses is helping us see the wonders of grace through faith. I find it beautiful and challenging that as Paul describes the nature of grace and faith in Christ he breaks into an exaltation for what God has accomplished for us in Christ. Shouldn’t we do the same as well? Take some time this week to sit with these verses and praise the Lord for the fact that by grace you have been saved through faith! You couldn’t accomplish this alone. You didn’t contribute to this work. You have received salvation as a free gift by faith alone, in Christ alone! Amen!
Questions
1. The author states that “for Paul, the stupendous good news of the gospel is that God saves sinners by grace alone.” How would you explain to a non-Christian that salvation is by grace alone? How would you explain “through” faith?
2. If faith is God’s gift, how can God require us to believe? What does it mean to say that salvation and faith are God’s gifts? How does God give faith?
3. “Why should you be allowed to enter heaven?” What are some answers to this question and what do these answers reveal about whether or not we are trusting in our own works or Christ’s work?
4. What’s the difference between knowing that Christ is a savior and trusting in Christ to be your savior?