7) Grace and Faith
How God's grace and our faith work together in salvation
Salvation comes entirely by God’s grace and is received by faith. In this lesson, we will understand how grace and faith relate to each other in the Christian experience.
What Is Grace
What is God's grace?
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Answer: God's unmerited favor that saves us
Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
To whom is God's grace offered?
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Answer: The grace of salvation has appeared to all people
Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,"
“Grace is an attribute of God exercised toward undeserving human beings.” — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, MH 161.2
What Is Faith
How does the Bible define faith?
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Answer: The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Where does faith come from?
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Answer: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God
Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Is it possible to please God without faith?
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Answer: Without faith it is impossible to please God
Hebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Grace and Faith Together
How are we saved, according to Ephesians?
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Answer: By grace, through faith, a gift from God, not by works
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
What is the role of works in salvation?
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Answer: Faith without works is dead; works demonstrate genuine faith
James 2:17-18: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
Why did God save us by grace and not by works?
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Answer: So that no one may boast
Ephesians 2:9: "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
“Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do.” — Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, FW 20.1
Living by Faith
How should the just live?
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Answer: The just shall live by faith
Romans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
What does God's grace teach us?
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Answer: To deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly
Titus 2:11-12: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
And Now?
Grace and faith are inseparable:
- Grace is God’s gift: Unmerited favor offered to all
- Faith is our response: Trust in God and His Word
- They are not works: Salvation is not earned, it is received
- Works are fruit: Genuine faith produces loving obedience
- We live by faith: Each day depending on God’s grace
My Decision
I accept God’s grace as the foundation of my salvation. I choose to exercise faith in God’s promises, trusting not in my works, but in the complete work of Christ. I desire that my faith will manifest itself in a life of loving obedience.