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Christians are saved by faith and grace alone. However, Jesus taught that one must be born again to enter heaven. Does the ultimate answer come from faith in Christ, or is there a conflict?
Paul wrestled with the concept in the following passage:
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” – Romans 6:1–3
James wrote:
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” –James 2:14–16
The concept of salvation by faith and grace alone, without works, can be confusing. Jesus Himself taught that if one loved Him, they would keep His commandments (John 14:15). This was the very issue that troubled most of the Reformers, particularly Martin Luther.
However, once we understand the Scriptures and Christian life, we know there is no contradiction. Salvation is a free gift by the sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ. Luther came to grips with the concept and realized he was free from the bondage of sin by exercising his faith in Christ.
Those in Christ are made new, their sins forgiven, and the trajectory of their lives changed. C.S. Lewis often taught that one goes to Christ for deliverance from one sin, but soon realizes they are saved from all sin as their life changes.
Christians’ minds, priorities, and behavior are changed in Christ and His holiness. We can call this regeneration, being born again, or simply being a follower of Christ.
Jesus knew it was humanly impossible to keep His commandments. That’s why, in the same chapter of John 14, He promised the Helper—the Holy Spirit—who would sanctify believers. This is the ultimate test Paul often wrote about: the battle of the flesh versus the Spirit. It is a real struggle that believers face daily.
Christians sin, and will continue to until their time on earth is complete. However, they are also required to repent of their sin and faithfully follow Christ. Faith and repentance go hand in hand. Both are possible only through Christ.
Works do not save, but they confirm the presence of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
Peter taught that outsiders will be drawn to the peace within Christians and the hope that exists in them (1 Peter 3). This is the Spirit at work and the path of regeneration and sanctification.
It starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus. Through His sheep, Jesus changes the world.
