The prevenient work of God the Holy Spirit is the divine action that precedes faith and makes a genuine response to the gospel possible. Geisler notes, “Prevenient means ‘before,’ and prevenient grace refers to God’s unmerited work in the human heart prior to salvation, which directs people to this end through Christ.” (N. L. Geisler, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, p. 222). Paul affirms the universal scope of this gracious initiative, stating, “The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people” (Tit. 2:11). Left to himself, he neither desires nor comprehends the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14). Therefore, God the Holy Spirit must act first. Jesus stated, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). This convicting ministry is not salvation and it is not coercion. It is illumination. The Spirit exposes the reality of sin, clarifies God’s righteous standard, and confronts the unbeliever with accountability before God. In this way, the Spirit makes the gospel understandable and places the issue of Christ squarely before the conscience.
Category: Evangelism
The Lake of Fire is Forever
Scripture presents the lake of fire as eternal because it is described with the same unqualified duration language used for God’s own life and for the believer’s eternal destiny. Jesus stated, “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). The parallelism is decisive. The same adjective modifies both destinies. If eternal life is unending, eternal punishment must be unending as well. Any attempt to limit the duration of the punishment logically undermines the permanence of life. Scripture gives no contextual indicator that the term shifts meaning within the same sentence.
Eternal Life and the Faithfulness of Christ
The believer’s confidence about possessing eternal life is not grounded in self-effort but in the immutability of Christ’s person and promise. Eternal life is received the moment one believes in Christ, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16b). Once received, eternal life becomes the unbreakable possession of all who trust in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16; 5:24). God’s integrity and righteousness are bound up in the keeping of His Word, and even “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). Believers are “sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance” (Eph 1:13–14), guaranteeing their final redemption. This means that eternal life is locked in forever. To doubt the permanence of eternal salvation is to question the reliability of the God who cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).
Why Grace and Works Don’t Mix
The content contrasts two fundamental paradigms: works-based and grace-based systems. While the former leads to death due to human failure, the latter offers eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ as a free gift. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and rose victorious over sin and death (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 4:25). Now He offers us what we could never earn—eternal life. And it is offered freely, paid in full, and received by faith alone in Christ alone. Eternal life is not found in self-reformation, law-keeping, or moral merit (all works-based systems). It is found only in Jesus, our Savior (Acts 4:12).
Fullness in Christ
Salvation is entirely the work of God through Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless Son of God, bore our sins at the cross and secured eternal life for all who believe. Once received, eternal life is secure, sealed, and irrevocable. However, the abundant life Jesus promised is experienced in phase two of the Christian life—daily fellowship with Him—through humility, obedience, faith, and sacrificial service to others. God has supplied everything necessary for life and godliness, leaving no excuse for spiritual failure. As believers grow toward maturity, they walk by faith, depend on the Spirit, live by the Word, and cultivate a life that glorifies God and edifies others. Disobedience brings God’s discipline and forfeits present and eternal blessings, but a faithful walk overflows with joy, spiritual fruit, and eternal reward.
When the Gospel Becomes a Burden
Lordship Salvation has left a trail of wounded believers in its wake. It burdens the sinner with front-loaded demands that God never required for salvation. It subtly shifts the spotlight from Christ’s finished work to the sinner’s ongoing commitment. The result? Endless introspection, nagging fear, and a gospel of probation rather than pardon. Instead of proclaiming the cross as the place where sin was dealt with once and for all, Lordship theology makes it the starting line of a lifelong test. “Did I repent enough?” “Did I truly surrender?” “Did I truly turn form my sin?” “Have I made Jesus Lord enough?” These questions don’t lead to peace. They lead to paralysis. The wounded sit in the pews wondering if they ever really got saved—because their performance hasn’t lived up to the fine print someone added to the gospel.
The Gospel, the Walk, the Reward
The gospel addresses the issue of sin, highlighting humanity's inherent guilt and separation from God. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for salvation by grace through faith. While salvation is a free gift and eternal, believers are called to grow spiritually and live in obedience, ultimately accountable for their service to God.
God Desires Eternal Salvation for Everyone
God desires eternal salvation for everyone. Scripture declares that He “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4), that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), and that He is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). Nearly 2,000 years ago, God the Son took on humanity and entered the world on a rescue mission—“to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He accomplished this mission at the cross, where He died in our place, bearing the judgment we deserved. Jesus “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:6; cf. Mark 10:45), offering “one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:12). As Peter affirms, “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). He was buried and raised on the third day, never to die again (1 Cor 15:3–4; Rom 6:9). His resurrection proved the success of His work, for “He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God” (Rom 4:25).
Why and How I Pray for Israel
God’s faithfulness to Israel is rooted in His eternal covenant with Abraham, not in Israel’s performance or worthiness. Though the nation is currently under divine discipline for rejecting the Messiah, Scripture assures that God has not cast them off. His promises remain intact, and Israel’s future restoration is guaranteed by His unchanging character and covenant love (Gen 12:1–3; Rom 11:25–29). The pattern of Moses’ intercession in Exodus 32—appealing to God’s ownership of His people, His reputation among the nations, and His sworn promises—serves as a model for prayer today. Those who understand God’s plan for Israel are moved to pray, not merely for their safety, but for the fulfillment of God’s purposes, the vindication of His name, and the coming day when all Israel will turn to Messiah in faith (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26).
Does the Spirit Draw Everyone?
Over the past year, I’ve been asked more than once, “Does the Holy Spirit draw everyone?” The answer, biblically, is yes. The Spirit draws all people, but not all respond positively. The drawing is universal in scope, but resistible in nature. Jesus declared, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). The Greek verb helkō (ἑλκω)—translated “draw”—means to strongly attract, not to override the will. Christ’s crucifixion launched a global outreach consistent with God’s desire that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4) and His unwillingness for “any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). Paul reinforced this same message, writing, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11).
The Great White Throne Judgment
The Great White Throne Judgment is the final courtroom scene in human history. It’s not a trial—it’s a sentencing. The evidence is already in. This is God’s last judgment on all unbelievers from every dispensation, from Cain to the last rebel at the end of the Millennium. It is described in Rev 20:11-15, and make no mistake—no believer will be present at this judgment (John 3:16-18; Rom 8:1). If you’re at the Great White Throne, you’re already on the wrong side of history—and eternity. The Judge is the Lord Jesus Christ, as Jesus said, “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). He sits on the Great White Throne, pure and blinding in righteousness and justice. Heaven and earth flee away—no place to hide, no defense attorneys, no character witnesses. Just perfect divine integrity measuring every unbeliever by the only standard that counts—God’s absolute righteousness.
How Can I Know I’m Saved?
The question “How can I know I’m really saved?” is one of the most common—and important—questions a Christian can ask. The answer must be rooted in the clear promises of Scripture, not in feelings, performance, or spiritual experiences. Biblically, the assurance of salvation rests entirely on the objective truth of God’s Word and the finished work of Jesus Christ—not on our fluctuating emotions, personal circumstances, or behavior. Salvation is by grace alone (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We are not saved by our works (Rom 4:4-5), commitment, fruit, or perseverance. Scripture states, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). Salvation is never about what we do for God; it’s about what He has done for us through the Person and work of Jesus—the eternal Son of God—who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4).
Sovereignty and the Open Door of Grace
God is absolutely sovereign, but in His sovereignty, He chose to give mankind volition. That means people have the capacity to choose—to believe or reject, to obey or disobey. While all are born spiritually dead in Adam, that death is separation, not inability. A spiritually dead person is not a rock or a robot. Dead does not mean nonfunctional; it means cut off from God, not insensible. The Bible shows that unbelievers can perceive truth, respond to God, and are held accountable for doing so (Rom 1:18-20; Acts 17:27-31). The idea that only some are chosen to be saved and the rest left without any real chance is a theological fiction, not biblical doctrine. Scripture clearly states that Christ died for the sins of all humanity—not just the elect (1 John 2:2; Heb 2:9). The invitation is universal because the provision is universal. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4).
Why Regeneration Does Not Precede Faith
Strict Calvinism, particularly in its Lordship Salvation expression, teaches that genuine faith inevitably produces a life of obedience, perseverance, and good works, since regeneration precedes faith and imparts a supernatural ability to believe and obey. However, this view confuses justification with sanctification by making ongoing obedience a necessary proof of salvation. Biblically, all people are spiritually dead and totally depraved (Rom 3:10-12; Eph 2:1), yet God’s prevenient grace and the convicting work of the Spirit enable unbelievers to respond freely in faith (John 16:8-11). Faith precedes regeneration (John 3:16; Eph 1:13), and eternal life is a free gift received by grace through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9). While discipleship involves lifelong obedience and is rewarded, it is not a condition for salvation (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Tim 4:7-8). The Lordship view undermines assurance by tying it to performance, rather than to God’s unchanging promise (John 10:28-29; 1 John 5:13).
Salvation is Free, Discipleship is Costly
Salvation is the gift of God—period. There are no strings attached, no preconditions, and no performance requirements. It is not a trade agreement, contract, or partnership. It is grace. That means it’s free. And if it’s not free, it’s not grace (Rom 11:6). The sole condition for receiving eternal life is personal faith in Jesus Christ—believing that He is the Son of God (John 1:1; Col 2:9) who died for our sins and rose again (1 Cor 15:3-4). No commitment, no works, no rituals, no emotional displays—just faith. Now, discipleship is another matter. That’s the Christian life. That’s growth (1 Pet 2:2), maturity (Heb 5:14), suffering (Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 3:12), service (Rom 12:1; Gal 5:13), and reward (1 Cor 3:14; 2 Cor 5:10). Discipleship costs. Salvation doesn’t. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
The Gospel of Grace
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that God, in His love and grace, has provided a way of eternal salvation for all people through the death and resurrection of His Son. Scripture declares plainly that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He was raised on the third day” (1 Cor 15:3-4). This is not a limited offer to a select group. It is a universal provision, made available to whoever believes. Scripture states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The love of God and the sacrifice of Christ are not reserved for a predetermined few—they are extended to the entirety of the human race. Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and He is “the propitiation… for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
Repentance for Unbelievers and Believers
Repentance (Greek metanoeō) always refers to a change of mind. It is a mental shift—a reorientation of one’s thinking in response to divine truth. This change of mind may produce emotion or lead to action, but its essence is internal and volitional. Scripture uses the concept of repentance for both unbelievers (Acts 17:30; 20:21) and believers (Rev 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19), though the object and outcome of the change differ depending on context.
If You Died Today, Would You Go to Heaven?
I recently asked somebody, “If you were to die today would you go to heaven?” He said, “I don’t know.” When I asked him why he was uncertain, he said, “I’m not sure if I’ve been good enough.” His statement exposed the root of his confusion—works-based salvation. Sadly, he’s trying to measure up to God through human effort. That’s religion, not the gospel. Religion is man, by man’s efforts, trying to earn God’s approval. The gospel, in contrast, is God doing all the work, with man simply receiving what He has accomplished through Christ. Religion puts the burden on the sinner. The gospel places the focus on the Savior. Hell is full of religious people—those who trusted in their good works, their morality, or their church involvement to get them into heaven. But heaven is full of unworthy people who understood that salvation is a free gift, received by faith alone in Christ alone (John 3:16; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9). God doesn’t ask us to work for eternal life—He calls us to believe in the One who did all the work. The issue is not what we do for God, but what He has done for us through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus (1 Cor 15:3-4).
Grace Operates in the Low Places
The Bible reveals that “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5b). In this passage, Peter is writing to believers, but the principle is true for everyone, saved or unsaved. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently presented as displaying grace (Ex 34:6; Psa 103:8; John 1:14). While God’s common grace shines on the just and unjust alike (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:16-17), He gives special grace to the humble (Jam 4:6).
The Importance of Jesus’ Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as an indispensable feature of the Christian faith—historically grounded, theologically essential, and personally transformative. It is the Father’s validation of the Son’s work and the believer’s assurance of eternal life, power for daily living, and hope beyond the grave. To deny it is to unravel the very fabric of the gospel; to believe it is to stand firmly in the truth of God’s Word, secured by grace, and anchored in a living Savior who conquered death and lives forevermore. Because He lives, so shall we.
The Meaning of Good Friday
Good Friday is a day of paradox—darkness and light, sorrow and hope, death and life. At first glance, the day Jesus died doesn’t seem “good” at all. The sinless Son of God was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a Roman cross (Matt 27:26-31; John 19:16-18). The sky went dark, and even the earth trembled … Continue reading The Meaning of Good Friday
How to Avoid the Lake of Fire
The lake of fire, mentioned in Revelation, represents the final judgment for Satan, demons, and unbelievers, signifying eternal torment and separation from God. Salvation is offered through faith in Jesus Christ alone, granting eternal life and freedom from condemnation, ensuring believers will not face the lake of fire.
All Babies Go to Heaven When They Die
The belief that all babies and young children go to heaven highlights the age of accountability, when individuals can be held responsible for moral decisions. This doctrine asserts that those incapable of understanding sin or making choices, including infants and the mentally impaired, are graciously covered by God's grace and welcomed into heaven.
The Gospel in the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John, as a whole, was written as an evangelistic treatise to persuade people to believe in Jesus for eternal life. The apostle John was an eyewitness to the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Like other eyewitness accounts (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John documented the historical events of the Messiah. John states the purpose for his Gospel, saying, “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). What John recorded is historically accurate and sufficient to lead someone to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God and, by believing in Him, to receive eternal life. That’s good news!
Keep the Gospel Simple
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Eph 2:8-9). No gimmicks. No emotional hype. No religious rituals. The issue is not whether faith is “easy” or “hard”—that’s a false dilemma. The real issue is whether a person believes in the biblical Christ for eternal life. Jesus Himself stated, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). He didn’t say you must feel something, prove something, or commit to something. He simply said, “believe.” Salvation is based on Christ’s work, not on human effort.
Does Acts 2:38 Teach Baptismal Regeneration?
In Acts 2:38, Peter calls his Jewish listeners to change their minds about Jesus and to be baptized as a public testimony of their faith. The passage, when properly interpreted, harmonizes with the broader biblical doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Acts 2:38 does not teach baptismal regeneration.
The Priority of the Gospel
Getting the gospel right is of paramount importance because it determines the difference between eternal life and eternal separation from God. A person may be well studied in the Scriptures, know the original languages, be deeply versed in theology, and have sound doctrine in every respect, but if he misunderstands the gospel and fails to believe in Christ alone for salvation, he remains lost and in danger of eternal condemnation, for “if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15).
Totally by His Grace
Salvation is 100% the work of the Lord—grace from start to finish. It is all of God and none of man. No human effort, no good works, no religious activity can ever satisfy the perfect righteousness of God. Works do not save—they never have, and they never will. The only work that matters is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, where He bore the penalty for sin in full (Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18). He gets all the praise and glory.
Can Christians Turn Away from God?
Can Christians turn away from God after being saved? Yes, they can. Do they lose their salvation if this happens? No, they do not. Eternal life, once received, cannot be lost or forfeited. While there are consequences for turning away from God—such as divine discipline and the loss of rewards—losing eternal salvation is not one of them.
Unlimited Atonement
Unlimited atonement is the biblical teaching that Jesus died for everyone. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God by taking upon Himself the sins of all humanity and bearing the punishment that was due for our sins. His death on the cross paid the price for the sins of everyone. Jesus’ death for sins is the foundation for reconciliation with God because God judged our sins in the person of Christ, who died on the cross in our place.
Salvation is Free and Simple
Eternal salvation is both free and simple. It’s free because Jesus Christ paid the full price for our sins through His death on the cross, offering us forgiveness of sins and eternal life as a gift. God requires no works or effort from us to receive this gift—faith alone in Christ alone is the sole condition for salvation. God the Son died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4), conquering sin and death, and He grants eternal life to us who simply believe in Him as our Savior (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). Salvation is by grace, through faith, and is entirely the work of God, making it both a free and simple process, accessible to all who believe.
Balancing Support and Self-Support in Ministry
Paul worked a job to provide for himself financially while engaging in regular ministry. He did this so he could freely “offer the gospel without charge” to others (1 Cor 9:18; cf. 2 Cor 11:17). When preaching in Ephesus, he said, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me” (Acts 20:33-34).
When Jesus was Forsaken by the Father
Jesus, in His humanity, experienced a judicial separation from God the Father for three hours while bearing the punishment for our sins on the cross. Jesus’ judicial separation from the Father was necessary for Him to atone for humanity’s sins.
God the Son Came Down
Sometime in eternity past, God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God’s Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). This was the great mission: to bring salvation to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
The Great Lie
There is a great lie that we have the ability within ourselves to save ourselves, or at least to help God in the salvation process, whether to a small or large degree. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace alone (we don’t deserve it), through faith alone (not by works), in Christ alone. Eternal salvation is a gift from God, freely given and freely received.
The Free Gift of God is Eternal Life
Salvation is a free gift from God, obtained through faith in Christ and not by any good works we produce. Understanding the cross reveals God's righteousness and love for sinners, bringing peace to those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior.
Why Volition Matters: Belief in Jesus and Eternal Life
Salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, irrespective of background or prior belief. It is a universal invitation to eternal life, based on grace and faith, not works. Human volition plays a crucial role, with negative volition leading to rejection of God, and positive volition involving seeking and accepting salvation.
What Must I Believe to Be Saved?
Salvation has always been by grace alone through faith alone, although the content of faith has changed over time. From Adam and Eve to the apostles, the focus of faith shifted based on God’s revelations. Today, saving faith centers on the gospel message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Believing in Jesus as one's Savior brings eternal salvation.
Salvation from Sin and its Consequences
This content discusses the concept of sin and its implications in the context of Christian theology. It explains the origin of sin from the fall of Lucifer to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, leading to the fallen state of humanity. It emphasizes the need for salvation, which is provided through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and is received by grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone.
The Biblical Meaning of Repentance
Repentance, at its core, means a change of mind. Repentance is necessary concerning salvation if one understands it to mean having a change of mind that salvation is obtained solely in Christ. Unbelievers cannot stop sinning, which means they cannot save themselves, and their good works have no saving merit. The lost need to understand that salvation is 100% in Christ alone.
Redeemed by the Blood of Christ
Redemption, as described in the New Testament, signifies the liberation of believers from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood. This act of redemption secures forgiveness and new life for those who have faith in Christ. The effectiveness of redemption is contingent upon belief in Christ as Savior.
Reconciliation with God
Atonement through Christ’s death reconciles humanity to God, satisfying His righteous demands for sin. Reconciliation is God's initiative, removing the barrier of sin and enabling salvation by faith. Provisional reconciliation makes humanity savable, while experimental reconciliation brings lost sinners into a relationship with God. Believers are ambassadors of this reconciliation, urging others to trust in Christ for full reconciliation with God.
Propitiation for Sins
Jesus' death on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demands for our sins, serving as a propitiation - a complete payment for our debt to Him. Through this, we can be reconciled to God and saved from His wrath. This doctrine of propitiation highlights the removal of God's wrath and the satisfaction of His righteousness through Christ's sacrifice.
Penal Substitution for Sins
The concept of penal substitution teaches that Jesus took on the punishment for our sins, as stated in Isaiah 53:5-6, resulting in the imputation of humanity's sins to Him. This sacrificial act was voluntary, with Jesus serving as both High Priest and sacrifice. His death allows believers to receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
God’s Love that Saves
God’s love is seen in His voluntary act of offering salvation to lost sinners through His Son. His love is universal, gracious, giving, and salvific. It is based on His unchanging nature and commitment to our wellbeing. As believers, we are called to manifest this love to others and share the gospel.
Challenging Calvinism’s Perspective on Salvation
The content discusses strict Calvinism, critiquing its doctrines and presenting a contrasting biblical view. It emphasizes disagreement with Calvinist teachings on total depravity and unconditional election and promotes the view of unlimited atonement. It asserts that individuals have the choice to accept or reject God's offer of salvation and presents a different perspective on God's sovereignty and fairness in salvation.
Divine Election
God’s election is a sovereign act from eternity past and is predicated on love and grace (Eph 1:3-6), and not on any foresight of good works (Deut 7:7-8; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Rom 9:9-16). God elects based on His foreknowledge, as Peter states, we are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet 1:1-2), and the elect are saved through the preaching of a gospel message (Rom 10:14-17), and believing in Christ as their Savior (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:31). The basis for condemnation is always a person’s unbelief (John 3:18; 5:39-40; Eph 2:3), as it is negative human volition that keeps people from coming to Christ (1 Tim 2:4; 4:10; John 5:40; Acts 7:51). Election is not merely to salvation, but to a holy and righteous life that honors the Lord (Col 3:12; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pet 2:9).
What is Free Grace Theology?
Free Grace Theology is a theological perspective within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9), 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; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5). It affirms that eternal salvation is “the gift of God” (Eph 2:8), and is exclusively in Christ, as we are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24), for “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.
Guilty Before God
The Bible reveals God is “the Judge of all the earth” (Gen 18:25), and He “is a righteous judge” (Psa 7:11), and He “judges righteously” (Jer 11:20), and “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Ex 34:7). Yet, the Bible also reveals God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15), and One “Who pardons all your iniquities” (Psa 103:3), when we come to Him in honesty and humility.
The Cross & Crucifixion of Jesus
The cross overshadowed the life of Jesus, and He knew dying for lost sinners was the ultimate purpose of the Father. When facing the cross, Jesus said, “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour ‘? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27). For lost sinners, the cross of Christ is both personal and purposeful. It is personal, because “Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8), “for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3), and “not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). And His death was purposeful, "so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18), and that we might “reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom 5:10). The cross is God’s righteous solution to the problem of sin, as well as His greatest display of love toward sinners. At the cross, God judged our sin as His righteousness required, and pardons the sinner as His love desires. To understand the cross of Christ is to understand the heart of God toward a fallen world He wants to save.