Salvation Cannot Be Earned

“…we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” – Romans 3:28-30

In today’s church, topics like election, faith, and works often stir more debate than devotion. We lean into theological systems—Calvinism, Arminianism—and sometimes try to soften the message to make it more acceptable to man. But in doing so, we risk robbing God of His glory.

Salvation is not earned—it’s received. William MacDonald put it beautifully: “God is the source of this salvation. His great mercy is its cause.” As 1 Peter 1:3–4 declares, we’ve been “begotten… to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ… to an inheritance incorruptible.” This inheritance is not built on our works, but on Christ’s blood. Like Augustus Toplady wrote, “In my hand no price I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” That’s the posture of true worship—empty hands, clinging to grace.

The Bible tells us that salvation is for all who believe—Jew and Gentile alike. It’s not a tribal privilege but a global invitation. And it’s not just about saving us—it’s about vindicating God’s righteousness. In Ezekiel’s day, God said, “I acted for My name’s sake” (Ezekiel 20:9, 14). He used Babylon, a pagan nation, as His sword of judgment. No one could hide—no wealth, status, or fortress could shield them.

Ezekiel 21:14 says, “It is the sword that slays… That enters their private chambers.” We often misjudge ourselves—feeling righteous when we’re not, or unloved when we are deeply cherished. Just as Babylon’s sword reached the hidden places of kings, may God’s Word pierce the high towers of our hearts and provide us the right view of our standing in Christ. Psalm 139:23–24 is our needed prayer: “Search me, O God… and lead me in the way everlasting.” Let God’s Word slay pride and awaken reverence.

“Justification by faith alone reveals the law’s true purpose and provides the way forward in fulfilling it… Not even the good we do in cooperation with the Lord’s grace gives us reason to boast, for this good follows justification and is not the basis of it.” – R.C. Sproul