How are people saved? This should be a question that Christians can easily answer, and indeed most can. However, Christians are less knowledgeable about the doctrine of justification and its important distinctions.
“’For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16, NKJV). This is a very familiar verse to most people. It talks about God the Father send his Son, Jesus, into the world to give us everlasting life. Jesus did this by dying on the cross and taking the punishment for the sins of the world “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, NJKV). Jesus was raised from the dead. His work on the cross has brought everlasting life to all who believe in him, because everyone has sinned and needs to be justified by Christ in order to obtain everlasting life.
Protestant Christians in the Reformed tradition believe that people are saved by grace alone through faith alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). Not everyone believes this, and the different perspectives on justification have caused division, the most well-known one being the Reformation.
While we are justified by grace alone through faith alone, we should be compelled to perform good works as a result of our faith. It is important to realize that our justification does not hinge upon these works, though. Our works do show, however, that we truly believe in Christ and point others to Him. The Bible tells us that “someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works…Do you not see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:18,22, NKJV). This passage shows how faith and work come together in harmony to point people to Christ.
God’s plan is for Christians to be justified in His sight, saved, by grace alone through faith alone. Easter and the resurrection of Christ has its meaning in this truth. While we are justified by faith, we cannot let that become an excuse to not do works. We do works from a spirit of gratefulness and in doing so show others our faith, lead them to Christ and glorify our Father in Heaven. This Easter season, rest in His grace and in the knowledge that, as Jesus said to the woman washing His feet grateful for forgiveness, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 NKJV).
-Kelsey Gerhard '23
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Image by Raheel Shakeel from Pixabay
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Apr 1, 2021
Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.
Dr. J. Ligon Duncan of Reformed Theological Seminary delivered the spring 2021 Commencement address at Geneva College on May 10, 2021. Here is an excerpt of that message, entitled, "Every Good Work," from 2 Timothy 3. This excerpt first appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of Geneva Magazine.
When the Bible teaches one thing and your “instincts,” as it were, disagree, whose wisdom do you trust, your own or God’s? Do we really need to be told not to trust in our own minds? Yes, because we want to trust ourselves, and because in our day putatively wise people constantly tell us that high self-esteem brings success.
When the Bible teaches one thing and your “instincts,” as it were, disagree, whose wisdom do you trust, your own or God’s? Do we really need to be told not to trust in our own minds? Yes, because we want to trust ourselves, and because in our day putatively wise people constantly tell us that high self-esteem brings success.
As busy as college students are, it can be profoundly beneficial for them to seek out and engage in a routine Bible study. Diving deeper into their faith, exploring what the world’s challenges mean to them, and creating a Christian-based path forward can give any college student the direction he or she needs to achieve their best life. Still, it’s not always easy to make that decision—instead of a night with friends or yet another study session for a high-level math class, go to Bible study instead.
Handing our cares and worries over to God gives us peace which keeps us from falling into doubt, as stated in Philippians. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
What should someone with wealth do? Solomon writes, “Pay attention to it and know its condition.” He uses the example of sheep and goats. Wise parents blessed with wealth will teach their children how to work to maintain it. Wise children will accept the burdens of responsibility that go with family wealth, always remembering that riches do not last forever.
The Book of Proverbs has no use for the gullible, viewing them as willful fools. Even when everyone else can see a hateful, deceitful person for what he is, the gullible choose to believe gracious words.
How should leaders deal with difficult situations in difficult times? Geneva College’s John Gallo and Jenna Bieber provide a guidebook for leaders. "Lessons from Cain and Abel to Guide Leaders Through Turbulent Times" walks readers through the account of Cain and Abel to teach leaders the importance of justice, mercy, harmony and equality.
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