God’s grace saves us through our faith.  We did not and indeed cannot save ourselves.  Rather, our salvation is a gift from God (cf. Romans 6:23).  That’s the basic point of the Ephesians passage. Yet, many have questions about Ephesians 2:8-9.  Probably the one most asked is whether Ephesians 2:8-9 is teaching that we are saved by works.  In answering this, we must remember that the entirety of God’s Word is truth (Psalm 119:16) and thus be very careful to take into account all of what the Bible says about this and every other religious topic if we want the full, unvarnished truth.  There are more biblical passages to take into account than Ephesians 2:8-9 when it comes to our works and their place in our salvation and justification.… Read More “Not A Result of Works”…What Does That Mean?

Jesus said, “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).  Those to whom He was speaking bristled when He told them how they could be free:  “If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32).  Telling them they could be free of course implied they were not free and they were determined to persist in their fantasy of freedom.  Many people resist the idea that they are slaves to anyone or anything because slavery involves subjection and humility.  Who wants that?… Read More How Can I Be Absolutely Free?