Salvation By Faith Alone Part 2 of 2 -- By: George E. Meisinger

Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 05:3 (Jul 1999)
Article: Salvation By Faith Alone Part 2 of 2
Author: George E. Meisinger


Salvation By Faith Alone
Part 2 of 2

George E. Meisinger*

[*Editor's note: George Meisinger is dean of Chafer Theological Seminary, as well as teaching in the Old and New Testament departments. He earned a B.A. from Biola University, a Th.M. in Old Testament Literature and Exegesis from Dallas Theological Seminary, a D.Min. in Biblical Studies from Western Seminary, and is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. He also pastors Grace Church in Orange, California. His email address is: [email protected].]

Introduction

Part one of this article1 reviewed the first century controversy that raged over eternal salvation: Is it received by faith alone in Christ alone, or must good works follow to authenticate one’s salvation? The book of Galatians argues forcefully that no works (before, during, or after the moment of faith in Christ) contribute to one’s eternal destiny in heaven.

The debate rages on—evidenced by quotations from today’s cultic leaders and modern Reformed Theologians between whom there is not an eyelash of difference. They both insist on joining good works to faith: some along with and some after the moment of faith in Christ.

Then we turned our attention to essential passages that deal with the subject of how a person receives eternal salvation, starting in Romans 4. We continue now at Romans 11.

Faith, Works, and Election (Romans 11:6)

And if by grace, then it is no
longer of works; otherwise
grace is no longer grace.
But if it is of works, it is no
longer grace; otherwise
work is no longer work
.2

εἰ δὲ χάριτι, οὐκέτι ἐξ
ἔργων· ἐπεὶἡ χάρις
οὐκέτι γίνεται χάρις. εἰ
δὲ ἐξἔργων, οὐκέτι
ἐστὶχάρις· ἐπεὶ τὸ ἔγον
οὐκέτι ἐστὶν ἔργον.

If our eternal election is by means of grace, and it is, then what is grace? Grace is God’s favor that He grants to man—it is favorable action to which He is not bound.3 That is, He is not bound except where the dictate...

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