Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 1

[Pchris]

My reply to Paul.
I totally agree with your statement ” salvation is not dependent on our good works whatsoever “. If the plan and process of salvation were from ourselves, based on our good works , then when we achieve the necessary level of goodness to warrant salvation, we would boast. We would say things like “I did it” , also statements like ” I gave it my all and overcame obstacles and I have finally ascended to the highest levels of goodness and holiness and God gave me what I deserved”. We could also look down those who did not make it . Those who failed because they lacked the fortitude, insight and piety that I cultivated.
Boasting would surely abound , if the plan and process of salvation were based on human works. We would elevate ourselves over other people and even in some sense over God himself because our salvation was our own doing not His. Ephesians 2: 8-9 says an emphatic ‘No’ to this .
The plan and process of salvation is from God, a gift . It is by grace and it is accessed through faith. We are not saved by doing good works , but we are saved for the purpose of doing good works.