“11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13, KJV).
Loved ones, utilizing cross-references in Bible study can help avoid misapplication. For example, perhaps you have heard stated that we are saved by grace, but not by the Gospel.
As proof of this opinion Ephesians 2:5 is quoted: "Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”
But also notice we are saved by the Gospel: “1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).
Contradiction? Only if you hold the mistaken view that we are saved by grace independent of the Gospel. The contradiction, however, would be with one's interpretation, not the Scriptures.
The same is true with grace, faith, and obedience. People have been erroneously taught that there is nothing one can do for salvation, except believe. They maintain that there is no act at all that any man in the Old or New Testament ever had to perform in order to be saved. Consider that for a moment — "no act at all."
How does this compare with the audience that was so pierced with sorrow for crucifying their Messiah? Please notice their interruption of Peter’s sermon: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
Did Peter tell the people there was nothing to do, "no act at all"? He did not. Notice what Peter told them to do: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
Peter listed, not one, but two, acts that they had to complete — repentance and immersion for the forgiveness of their sins (cf. Acts 9:6, 17-18; 22:16; 16:29-34).
Is faith important? Absolutely (Hebrews 11:1, 6). However, we must possess more than faith. James wrote, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).
By examining these and other texts, we can see that more is involved in man's salvation than some are teaching. God did His part in developing the plan for man's salvation. Jesus did His part by executing that plan, and the Holy Spirit did His part by revealing this plan to man through the Bible.
Now, we must do our part by following that plan which includes obedient works: “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). Why not accept God's grace through faith by obeying the Gospel? (James 1:21-22).
The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have Bible questions or wish to comment on this post, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.
The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).
We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35). Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA - 24 February 2026.
