By: T. J. Gentry, Ph.D., D.Min. | March 5, 2023
When former slave ship captain turned Christian clergyman John Newton wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace” in 1779, it didn’t make much of an initial impact in his native England. The familiar music associated with Newton’s words was not even added until about 60 years later. Who would have thought “Amazing Grace” would become so well-known, performed approximately 10,000,000 times per year and appearing on over 11,000 albums? Yet, here we are, and I suspect just the first few words, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,” will have you singing Newton’s following line and leave the tune in your head all day.
The idea of grace captivates us. Why is that? For several reasons, some as unique as each person who hears and sings Newton’s words. Yet, when we set aside the personal meaning attached to “Amazing Grace,” there are questions we should all ask about grace. Here are two whose answers reveal what makes grace so amazing.
Amazing Grace: Do We Really Believe that Salvation is All of Grace?
Paul reminds Christians that “by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:8, NKJV). Notice the connection between grace and salvation in Paul’s words. Grace, which may be defined as the undeserved kindness of God toward every person, is God’s motivation and the expression of His loving nature. Grace is “His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7). In philosophical terms, grace is the sole efficient cause of salvation. Without God’s grace, no one can be saved.
It’s not our goodness, best efforts, or determination that saves us. Grace alone is the basis for our salvation, and there’s grace for all. You and I have never met someone not offered God’s grace, and we never will. Even better, God’s grace is so amazing that it prevenes – which is to say that grace goes ahead of all of us to make us able to respond to God’s amazing offer of salvation in Jesus. Even those who reject the offer still receive God’s prevenient grace. Everyone can have a new life in Christ. That’s amazing!
Amazing Grace: Are We Confusing Effort with Earning?
One of the most confusing aspects of grace is effort versus earning. After all, it takes human effort to respond to God’s grace, right? Faith takes effort. No one believes for us. Does this mean we earn salvation by doing the things associated with it? Paul pronounces God’s judgment “on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thes 1:8), and obedience to the gospel takes effort.
Does this mean we earn salvation through human effort? If that’s the case, then Paul contradicts himself when he declares that salvation is “not according to our works, but according to [God’s] own purpose and grace” (2 Tim 1:9). It seems like we’re stuck, right? There is a holy tension here, for sure; a pulling in different directions between what God does and what we do in salvation. How do we resolve the tension?
Some conclude that the best resolution is to make salvation a matter of earning by effort. Though few would say, “I saved myself,” many see their efforts in responding to grace as a matter of earning something. This very issue prompted the Protestant Reformation, provoking Martin Luther to ask, “Why was it necessary for [Jesus] to die if we can obtain a good conscience by our works and afflictions? Accordingly, you will find peace only in Him when you despair of yourself and your own works.” Paul is not confused, and Luther is right. We don’t earn salvation through our efforts.
Conclusion: Enabling Grace is Amazing Grace
This brings us back to grace. It is grace that enables the effort of faith, and grace freely gives salvation. Effort and earning are not the same in the economy of salvation, and they never will be. The effort we expend in receiving salvation and growing in Christlikeness is all of grace. We are saved by grace. We are sanctified by grace. One day, we will be eternally glorified by grace.
Dallas Willard describes the necessary balance between effort and earning in coming to Christ and growing in salvation this way, “The path of spiritual growth in the riches of Christ is not a passive one. Grace is not opposed to effort. It is opposed to earning. Effort is action. Earning is attitude. You have never seen people more active than those who have been set on fire by the grace of God.” Amen, Dr. Willard. Amen.
What about you? Do you really believe that salvation is all of grace? I hope so. Are you confusing effort with earning? Please don’t do it. Remember the words of Newton’s hymn, “’ Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!”
Amazing grace? Yes, amazing grace.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas J. Gentry (aka., TJ Gentry) serves as the pastor of First Christian Church of West Frankfort, Illinois, the Assistant Vice President of Publishing and Communications, and the Assistant Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries. He formerly served as the Executive Editor of MoralApologetics.com. Dr. Gentry is a world-class scholar holding 5 doctorate degrees and 6 masters degrees.
Additionally, he is a prolific writer as he has published 7 books including Pulpit Apologist, Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord, and You Shall Be My Witnesses: Reflections on Sharing the Gospel. Be on the lookout for two additional books that he will soon publish. In addition to his impressive resume, Dr. Gentry proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Army and serves as a martial arts instructor.
Copyright, 2023. Bellator Christi.
