Question: Dear
Greg,
Please
help me be clarified on these questions: In one of your answers to a questioner,
you had this for an answer:
“The
Bible is clear. No good works on
the part of humans are salvific. We
cannot earn our salvation. Salvation
is by God’s grace, imparted to us because of the perfect work of Christ on the
cross, and because of God’s love for us.
We cannot attain eternal life by our works; neither can we maintain it.
Eternal life is by grace. That
is the clear message of the Bible (see Ephesians 2 for starters).”
My
questions:
1.
If salvation is by God’s grace, are we all entitled to it?
Or, is it only given to whom he bestows it upon?
2.
Can I quote some of your answers (or the idea of it) to be included in my
other correspondence that deal with biblical discussions?
I
hope to hear from you soon.
Thank
you very much,
Jesse
Answer: Dear
Jesse,
Your
question – is everyone “entitled” to salvation?
No, we are not – in the sense that salvation is God’s to give, and is
given only by his grace. His grace is his grace – it is according to his provident,
sovereign will – a will that we as humans cannot ever fully comprehend.
We don’t fully understand how and why and when God dispenses grace –
but we know he does. He does not wish that anyone perish, the Bible makes that
clear, so it must be in some way that he, in his wisdom and will, makes
provision for all.