Free Grace Theology is a theological perspective within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone (we don’t deserve it), through faith alone (and not by works), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from any human effort or good works (Rom 3:28; 4:4-5; 11:6; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5). This means that eternal life is not something we work for, but a free gift from God, given to all who believe in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16; 20:31; Acts 16:31). Scripture affirms, “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8), and that we are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). As Paul also wrote, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Salvation is a gift, free to all who want it, at no cost whatsoever to the recipient, no strings attached, without charge or obligation to give anything, and freely received by those who trust solely in Jesus as their Savior.
Our salvation was very costly to God and Christ and is the most expensive gift ever offered to anyone, and His precious and gracious gift is offered freely to anyone who accepts it by faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins (Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18), satisfying every righteous demand of the Father (1 John 2:2; 4:10), and forever justifying those who place their faith in Him as Savior (Rom 3:28; 6:23; Gal 2:16). Salvation is not by works, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Rom 3:28). When a person hears and accepts the gospel message that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4), that person can then “Believe in the Lord Jesus” for salvation (Acts 16:31), for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Believing in Christ means we trust Him to save us, for only Christ is needed for salvation. No one else. Nothing more.[1]
Our faith needs to be in Jesus alone. This, of course, is the Jesus of the Bible, for no other Jesus will do. A false Messiah, such as the Jesus of Mormonism or Jehovah’s Witness, does not save anyone. The Jesus of Scripture is the second member of the Trinity—God the Son (John 1:1; Heb 1:8)—who added perfect humanity to Himself nearly two thousand years ago (John 1:14; Col 2:9; 1 John 4:2). He was born of a Jewish virgin girl (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:26-35), in the prophesied city of Bethlehem (Mic 5:2; Matt 2:1, 6), as a biological descendant of Abraham and David (Matt 1:1), and came as the promised Jewish Messiah (Matt 1:1, 17). He lived a sinless life (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5) and willingly went to the cross to die for us (John 10:18; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18), atoning for our sins (Rom 6:10; Heb 7:27; 1 Pet 1:18-19). He was raised again on the third day (Acts 10:40-41; 1 Cor 15:3-4; 1 Th 4:14), never to die again (Rom 6:9). This is the Jesus of Scripture, the One who saves those who trust solely in Him. No one else can save. Scripture declares of Jesus, “whoever believes in Him will have eternal life” (John 3:15), and again, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It further states, “He who believes in Him is not judged” (John 3:18), and “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36; cf. John 6:47; 10:9; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12). These passages clearly emphasize that eternal life is obtained exclusively through belief in Jesus Christ.
Those who reject Jesus as Savior will spend eternity away from God in the lake of fire, for “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Th 1:9; cf., Rev 20:15). This is avoidable, for God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4), and is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9), and to this end “He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (Joh. 3:16). Salvation is available to everyone; therefore, no one goes to hell by accident, but by their own choice (John 3:18; 5:39-40). Salvation is open to all, for God has not elected anyone to damnation.
At the moment we place our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we are “born again to a living hope” (1 Pet 1:3), become “children of God” (Gal 3:26), instantly receive “forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43; cf. Eph 1:7; Col 2:13-14), are given “eternal life” (John 10:28), and receive “the gift of righteousness” (Rom 5:17; cf. Phil 3:9). We become “a new creature” in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), are “rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col 1:13), are spiritually “baptized into” union with Christ (1 Cor 12:13), become part of “the body of Christ” (1 Cor 12:27), are given a spiritual “gift” (1 Pet 4:10), and are “blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3). These are just a few of the amazing blessings we receive from God at the moment of salvation.
Once we are saved, God calls us to grow in our relationship with Him. This is accomplished as we learn and live His Word (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), submit to Him (Jam 4:7), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1), serve Him (Rom 12:1-2), live righteously (Rom 6:11-14; 2 Tim 3:16), love others (Eph 5:1-2; 1 Th 4:9), serve others (Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 4:10), and do good works (Gal 6:10; Eph 2:10; Tit 2:11-14), for which He promises to reward us eternally if we comply (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 John 1:8). Those who obey God and walk by faith will develop a personal sense of destiny that is tied to the infinite, personal, creator God who has called us into a relationship and walk with Him.
If believers turn to a lifestyle of sin—like the prodigal son—they do not forfeit their salvation, for that is not possible (John 10:28; Rom 8:1). However, they do break fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-7) and place themselves under divine discipline (1 Cor 11:32; Heb 12:6). This discipline is designed to restore them to fellowship, but if they persist in rebellion, it may result in physical death (1 John 5:16) and the loss of eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 John 1:8).
In conclusion, Free Grace Theology magnifies the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. It preserves the simplicity of the gospel message—that eternal life is a free gift received through faith alone in Christ alone—and upholds the eternal security of the believer. At the same time, it clearly distinguishes salvation from discipleship, justification from sanctification, and eternal destiny from eternal rewards. This perspective not only honors the integrity of Scripture but also exalts the character of God, who is both infinitely gracious and perfectly just. As recipients of such amazing grace, we are called not to earn or keep what God has freely given, but to respond in love, gratitude, and obedience, walking by faith and living for His glory and the edification of others.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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[1] Repentance is necessary for salvation if it is understood to mean having “a change of mind” about God and trusting in Christ alone as Savior. We teach “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Repentance does not mean turning from sin, as unbelievers cannot stop sinning. Repentance acknowledges that God is holy and completely set apart from sin (Psa 99:9; Hab 1:13), that we are corrupted by sin and cannot save ourselves (Rom 3:10-12; Tit 3:5), and that God freely offers us forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43) and eternal life (John 10:28) if we come to Christ alone and accept His atoning work on the cross as sufficient to save us forever. We understand that salvation is by grace alone (we don’t deserve it), through faith alone (and not by works), in Christ alone. Knowing this, we change our minds about our ability to save ourselves, understanding that He died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4), and we trust in Christ alone as our Savior (Acts 16:31).
I was wondering what you could tell me about Isaiah 55:7. On the outside, it seems to suggest that forsaking sin is necessary for salvation. I’ve heard that Fruchtenbaum interprets it this way in his new commentary on Isaiah, which shocks me, as I thought he was free grace.
Thanks for your question. Isaiah 55:7 reads, “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isa 55:7). Isaiah 55 is part of a broader section (Isa 40–66) in which God calls Israel to return to Him in covenant faithfulness. The invitation in verses 6–7 is addressed to the nation, not individuals seeking justification in the Pauline sense. The call to “forsake” wicked ways and “return” to the Lord reflects the prophetic appeal for national repentance and restoration. The Hebrew word for “return” (shuv) is often used in the context of covenant relationship, suggesting that this is a call for wayward Israelites to come back to their God—not an evangelistic message to unbelievers requiring moral reformation in exchange for salvation.
Biblically, eternal salvation is always by grace through faith alone in the promised Messiah, not by forsaking sin or performing works (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9). While a person may indeed turn from sinful patterns when coming to faith, that turning is not the condition of salvation but rather an outcome of spiritual awakening or conviction. In this case, Isaiah is appealing to a nation steeped in idolatry and rebellion to abandon its self-destructive course and seek the Lord, who stands ready to forgive. The abundant pardon offered by God flows from His mercy and grace, not from the sinner’s merit or moral effort.
As for Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, he has been consistently Free Grace in his soteriology, and it would be surprising if he taught that forsaking sin is required for eternal salvation. If his comments on Isaiah 55:7 seem to imply that, it’s likely due either to ambiguity in wording or a focus on national and temporal restoration rather than eternal justification. Even faithful Free Grace theologians sometimes use language that, without proper context, may appear to support a Lordship view. But properly understood, Isaiah 55:7 is not advocating salvation by reformation. It is a gracious invitation to a wayward people to return to their covenant God, who desires to show compassion. As always, salvation—whether in the Old or New Testament—is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. I hope this helps.
I believe this is the context in which it was used:
In the introduction to the commentary on Isaiah, the tenth section is labeled “Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation.” He states:
A third facet of spiritual salvation is the concept of conversion. Man must cooperate in conversion. This is brought out in Isa 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
The link to the article in question: https://faithalone.org/blog/is-arnold-fruchtenbaum-free-grace/
Hmmm. That’s interesting.
I appreciate your help, truly. This one is really eating at me. Another FG teacher I asked about thus verse say that given the context, it absolutely is about salvation / justification, but that the way and thoughts to be forsaken are one’s self-righteous ideas on how to be saved. However, given the context of Israel’s sinful rebellion, I just don’t see how it can be a reference to forsaking our own means of trying to save ourselves. It really sounds like we are to forsake a sinful lifestyle, or a life of overt sin. One will say that unbelievers can’t forsake sin without the Holy Spirit, and yet God did expect Israel to forsake sin for blessing, even though they did not have the indwelling HS at that time. So if God can in fact expect Israel to forsake sin, why not expect unbelievers today to forsake (at least a lifestyle of overt) sin to receive forgiveness? Is it really such a stretch? And if that’s the case, there is no hope for me. I can’t forsake all my sins. Or perhaps it’s just that, deep down, I’m unwilling… I feel damned if I do, damned if I don’t, as the saying goes. Perhaps my heart just wants sin more than God, and that’s all there is to it.
Steven, thank you for being so honest. I can hear the weight you’re carrying, and I want to speak clearly and gently: you are not beyond hope. If you’ve trusted in Jesus Christ alone—believing that He died for your sins and rose again—you have eternal life (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:28). God doesn’t ask you to clean yourself up to earn forgiveness. He offers it freely to the one who believes. Eternal life is a free gift to the guilty, not a reward for the righteous. Paul said, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23b), and “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8). It’s a free gift! Paid in FULL by Jesus (John 19:30). If you have to work for it in any way, it ceases to be a gift, and becomes something you’ve purchased. But Scripture is clear, it is “not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:9). Good works should follow salvation, but they are never the condition of it.
Isaiah 55:7 is a call for Israel—God’s covenant people—to return to Him during a time of national rebellion. The language of forsaking sin is not about how to be saved; rather, it is addressed to God’s people who need to be restored to fellowship. The word “return” assumes a prior relationship. This is covenant language, not a New Testament gospel invitation. It’s a call to rebellious Israelites to stop running and come home.
If you’ve trusted in Jesus alone as your Savior, then you have eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28). Now you need to learn God’s Word and live by faith—not to be saved, but because you already are. God desires your life to be righteous, holy, and aligned with His will (1 Pet 1:15-16). If you’re living in sin, then confess your sin (1 John 1:9), turn away from it (1 John 2:1), and resume your walk of faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38). Remember, God loves you (John 3:16; Rom 5:8), wants your best (Rom 8:28), and calls you to walk in His good and perfect will (Rom 12:1-2). So respond to Him with a willing heart and a faith that pleases Him.
So take a breath. He has you. Grace means you don’t have to carry this alone. You’re not stuck. You’re safe.
Thank you, Mr Cook. Your words helps. I have believed the truth of the Gospel, a long time ago, but I was raised in a Lordship Calvinist background that all but destroyed my hope. It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve come to learn about Free Grace, and it’s been so indescribably welcome, though people from my old church say the only reason I feel that way is because I am lost and am looking for excuses to justify continuing in my sin. I won’t go into detail, but my struggle has plagued me my whole life, and probably isn’t the kind of thing that will simply go away overnight. It has taken me years just to come to the point where I can begin to hope I really am saved like I thought I was initially, and as we know, it’s almost impossible to turn from sin if one doubts one’s security or standing to begin with. The shedding of sin is aided with joy and gratitude in knowing that one is already forgiven, and if one doubts that, you can’t even take the first step (in the flesh perhaps, but not in the spirit). I would be humbled and honored if you would pray for me, and for my best friend, Vladimir. He’s another who may in fact be saved, but warped and confused by bad teaching. It’s also possible he simply never heard the true Gospel, and at this point in his life, at least, he doesn’t seem very receptive to hearing about anything to do with God. You could say he’s been badly burned and tormented by an extremely graceless and legalistic church, and that has pushed him away. Sometimes I fear he and I both are too far from God’s grasp, though I know deep down that isn’t so. Please pray for us, and thank you so much for taking the time to help me. God bless you.
P.S. – I know I am a sinner, and that sin separates a sinner from God eternally. The wage of sin is death. I know I have sinned against God, and am worthy of His wrath. But I know He sent His Son, Jesus, God in the flesh, to bear the sins of His people, and that would include mine. Jesus paid the penalty due my sin, was buried, and rose again the third day and was seen by many. I know His payment on my behalf is accepted by God the Father, and that Christ’s own righteousness, the very righteosness of God, is imputed to me, freely. I know that it’s by that righteousness alone, the righteousness of His Son, that the Father will judge me, no longer seeing my sins, and that although I am still trapped in a body of flesh, I will one day be free of it, and live with my Savior forever in a new, incorruptible body. That is what I believe. However, others have told me that I have no right to that hope because I “skipped a step” in not turning from my sin. And that is where the doubts have crept in and plagued me. I “stole my way in” as they would say, “hopping the fence” rather than entering in the gate.
Thank you for your honesty and humility. What you’ve written is a clear and biblical testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—who He is, what He’s done, and what He freely gives to those who believe (John 3:16; 5:24; Rom 4:5; 6:23). You haven’t “hopped the fence.” You’ve come through the only door there is—Christ Himself (John 10:9). Free Grace is not an excuse to sin, but the only soil in which real transformation can take root. The joy of knowing we are forever His is the very fuel that drives growth, not fear, guilt, or endless introspection (Rom 8:1; Gal 2:20; Tit 2:11-12). I will pray for you and for Vladimir, that God would comfort, clarify, and draw you both deeper into the security and freedom that is yours in Christ. You are not too far from His grasp—He holds you in His hand, and no one can snatch you away (John 10:28). God bless you, brother. Keep holding fast to grace.