Understanding Sola Gratia: The Gift of Salvation

 

Summary

Sola gratia, or "grace alone," is a foundational doctrine that emphasizes salvation as a gift from God, not earned by human effort. This concept was championed by Augustine of Hippo during his debates with Pelagius, who denied the Fall and original sin. Pelagianism, deemed heretical, has resurfaced throughout history, notably in the Socinian movement and in the teachings of Charles Finney, who rejected the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Semi-Pelagianism, a middle-ground position introduced by John Cassian, acknowledges the necessity of grace for salvation but posits that human will plays a cooperative role in accepting this grace.

Cassian argued that Augustine's views on predestination and grace were novel and diverged from earlier church teachings. He believed that while grace is essential, it assists rather than initiates faith, making salvation a synergistic effort between divine grace and human will. This perspective suggests that although humanity is weakened by the Fall, individuals retain the ability to choose to accept or reject God's grace.

In contrast, Augustine, Calvin, and Luther maintained that the Fall left humanity in a state of moral inability, incapable of choosing God without divine intervention. They argued that the will is bound by sin, and true freedom comes only when the Holy Spirit regenerates the heart, enabling a genuine desire for Christ. This regeneration precedes faith, making salvation a monergistic act of God's grace.

The doctrine of sola gratia asserts that salvation is entirely the work of God, from the initial regeneration to the ongoing process of sanctification. While believers cooperate with grace in their Christian walk, the beginning of salvation is solely by God's initiative. This understanding underscores the Reformation's emphasis on grace as the sole means of salvation, distinguishing it from views that attribute any part of salvation to human effort.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Reemergence of Pelagianism: Throughout history, Pelagianism has resurfaced, challenging the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of grace. This heresy denies the Fall's impact on human nature, suggesting that individuals can choose God without divine intervention. Understanding this helps us recognize the importance of grace in overcoming our inherent sinfulness. [00:40]

2. Semi-Pelagianism's Middle Ground: Semi-Pelagianism acknowledges the Fall's impact but maintains that human will cooperates with grace in salvation. This view suggests that while grace is necessary, it is not sufficient without human assent. Recognizing this distinction helps us appreciate the depth of our dependence on God's grace for salvation. [02:44]

3. The Role of Human Will: Augustine and the Reformers argued that the will is bound by sin, incapable of choosing God without divine intervention. This perspective emphasizes the need for regeneration by the Holy Spirit, which precedes faith and enables a genuine desire for Christ. Understanding this highlights the transformative power of God's grace. [11:02]

4. Monergistic Salvation: Sola gratia asserts that salvation is entirely the work of God, from regeneration to sanctification. This doctrine emphasizes that while believers cooperate with grace in their Christian walk, the beginning of salvation is solely by God's initiative. This understanding underscores the Reformation's emphasis on grace as the sole means of salvation. [23:33]

5. The Danger of Trusting in Human Effort: Trusting in our ability to choose God can lead to a reliance on human effort rather than divine grace. This perspective risks aligning with views that attribute salvation to human merit, contrary to the doctrine of sola gratia. Recognizing this danger helps us remain grounded in the truth that salvation is a gift from God. [23:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Pelagianism and Its Heretical Roots
- [01:19] - Charles Finney and Modern Pelagianism
- [01:58] - The Historical Battle: Augustine vs. Pelagius
- [02:44] - Introduction to Semi-Pelagianism
- [03:34] - Cassian's Critique of Augustine
- [04:15] - Semi-Pelagianism in Modern Theology
- [05:01] - The Necessity of Grace in Semi-Pelagianism
- [05:43] - The Role of Human Will in Salvation
- [06:41] - Synergistic Salvation: Grace and Will
- [08:34] - The Human Decision in Evangelism
- [11:02] - The Reformers on Human Will and Sin
- [12:42] - The Will's Bondage to Sin
- [14:22] - Spiritual Death vs. Spiritual Sickness
- [16:46] - The Doctrine of Election and Grace
- [18:55] - The Divine Prerogative of Mercy
- [21:11] - The Gift of Faith and Effectual Grace
- [23:33] - The Danger of Trusting in Human Effort
- [24:16] - Conclusion: Sola Gratia and the Reformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sola Gratia

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
2. John 6:44 - "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."
3. Romans 9:15-16 - "For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 2:8-9 say about the role of grace in salvation? How does this align with the doctrine of sola gratia? [21:11]

2. According to John 6:44, what is necessary for someone to come to Jesus? How does this verse support the idea of divine intervention in salvation? [16:00]

3. In Romans 9:15-16, what is emphasized about God's role in showing mercy? How does this passage challenge the idea of salvation being based on human effort? [19:40]

4. How does the sermon describe the historical reemergence of Pelagianism and its impact on the understanding of grace? [00:40]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of sola gratia challenge the belief that human effort plays a role in salvation? What implications does this have for understanding grace as a gift? [23:33]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that semi-Pelagianism differs from the doctrine of sola gratia? How does this distinction affect one's view of human will and divine grace? [02:44]

3. How does the sermon explain the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit before faith can occur? What does this suggest about the nature of human will in relation to sin? [11:02]

4. What are the potential dangers of trusting in human effort for salvation, as highlighted in the sermon? How does this relate to the doctrine of sola gratia? [23:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than God's grace. How did that impact your spiritual journey, and what can you learn from it? [23:33]

2. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace in your daily life? What specific practices or habits could help you focus on grace rather than works? [21:11]

3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit's work in regenerating your heart and guiding your faith journey? [16:46]

4. In what ways might you be tempted to trust in your own righteousness or decisions for salvation? How can you shift your focus to rely more fully on God's grace? [23:00]

5. How can you help others in your community understand the importance of grace in salvation? What conversations or actions could you take to share this message with those around you? [18:55]

6. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to accept God's grace. What steps can you take to surrender that area to God and trust in His mercy? [19:40]

7. How does understanding sola gratia change the way you view evangelism and sharing your faith with others? What practical steps can you take to incorporate this understanding into your outreach efforts? [05:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Reemergence of Pelagianism and Its Challenge to Grace
The doctrine of Pelagianism, which denies the impact of the Fall and original sin, has resurfaced throughout history, challenging the necessity of divine grace for salvation. This heretical view suggests that individuals can choose God without divine intervention, undermining the foundational Christian belief in the transformative power of grace. Understanding the reemergence of Pelagianism helps believers recognize the importance of grace in overcoming inherent sinfulness and the need for divine intervention in the process of salvation. By acknowledging the limitations of human effort, Christians can fully appreciate the gift of grace that enables them to live a life aligned with God's will. [00:40]

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV): "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts rather than God's grace in your spiritual journey? How can you shift your focus to depend more on divine grace today?


Day 2: Semi-Pelagianism's Middle Ground and Human Cooperation
Semi-Pelagianism presents a middle-ground position that acknowledges the impact of the Fall but maintains that human will cooperates with grace in the process of salvation. This view suggests that while grace is necessary, it is not sufficient without human assent, implying a synergistic effort between divine grace and human will. Recognizing this distinction helps believers appreciate the depth of their dependence on God's grace for salvation, while also understanding the role of human cooperation in the Christian walk. By exploring this perspective, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. [02:44]

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: How do you perceive the balance between God's grace and your own efforts in your spiritual life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are cooperating with God's grace rather than relying solely on your own strength?


Day 3: The Role of Human Will and the Need for Regeneration
Augustine and the Reformers argued that the human will is bound by sin and incapable of choosing God without divine intervention. This perspective emphasizes the need for regeneration by the Holy Spirit, which precedes faith and enables a genuine desire for Christ. Understanding this highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which liberates individuals from the bondage of sin and empowers them to live a life that reflects God's love and righteousness. By recognizing the limitations of the human will, believers can fully appreciate the necessity of divine regeneration in their spiritual journey. [11:02]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel bound by sin and unable to change on your own? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to regenerate your heart and empower you to live in alignment with God's will?


Day 4: Monergistic Salvation and God's Initiative
The doctrine of sola gratia asserts that salvation is entirely the work of God, from the initial regeneration to the ongoing process of sanctification. This understanding emphasizes that while believers cooperate with grace in their Christian walk, the beginning of salvation is solely by God's initiative. By recognizing that salvation is a monergistic act of God's grace, Christians can rest in the assurance that their salvation is secure in God's hands and not dependent on their own efforts. This perspective underscores the Reformation's emphasis on grace as the sole means of salvation, distinguishing it from views that attribute any part of salvation to human effort. [23:33]

John 6:44 (ESV): "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."

Reflection: How does understanding that salvation is entirely the work of God change your perspective on your spiritual journey? In what ways can you express gratitude for God's initiative in your life today?


Day 5: The Danger of Trusting in Human Effort
Trusting in one's ability to choose God can lead to a reliance on human effort rather than divine grace. This perspective risks aligning with views that attribute salvation to human merit, contrary to the doctrine of sola gratia. Recognizing this danger helps believers remain grounded in the truth that salvation is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through human effort. By acknowledging the limitations of human ability, Christians can fully embrace the transformative power of grace and live a life that reflects God's love and mercy. [23:33]

Galatians 3:3 (ESV): "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than God's grace in your spiritual journey? How can you shift your focus to depend more on divine grace and less on your own abilities today?

Quotes



Pelagianism tends to rear its head in every age in one form or another. And so historically we have this battle between Augustinian views on theology and Pelagian views on theology, but there emerged after this initial dispute, a so-called middle ground position by a man by the name of John Cassianus whose anglicized name is John Cassian. [00:02:04]

Cassian was disturbed about some elements of Augustine’s teaching, and though he rejected pure Pelagianism, gave a modified view which since that time has come to be described as quote, “semi-Pelagianism.” And that means partial Pelagianism. I like to say that there was Pelagianism attributed to Pelagius, and then semi-Pelagianism was introduced by his cousin Semi. [00:02:36]

Cassianus believed that God’s grace is necessary for salvation. It’s not just something that helps, but it’s absolutely essential for salvation, and semi-Pelagianism then and now believes that there really was a Fall in Adam, there really was a change in the constituent nature of human beings after the sin of Adam and Eve. [00:05:23]

Though God’s grace is necessary for salvation and assists the human will in doing good, it is man, not God who must, in the final analysis, will that which is good. Grace is given quote, “In order that he who has begun to will may be assisted – not to give the power to have faith itself.” [00:06:31]

The initial conversion of man and the coming to Christ is a synergistic work. It is a cooperative venture between God’s grace and man’s will. If God gives us no grace, we could hear the preaching of the gospel every day and never come to faith because we could not exercise faith without God’s help. [00:07:10]

The Reformers, Calvin and Luther taught, following Augustine was that in the Fall the power of making choices freely was not lost; that human beings are created with certain faculties by God. We are given a mind with which to think. We are given a heart with which to have affections, and we are given a will by which to make choices. [00:11:24]

Calvin, Luther, Augustine, Edwards all believed that in the Fall, the will of man was not destroyed; that man is still a volitional creature; that he still makes choices. The problem is that will is imprisoned by sin, and so that the choices we make are made according to our sinful impulses, our sinful desires. [00:12:06]

The language that the Bible uses to describe what we’re like in the flesh is that we are dead in sin -- biologically alive, spiritually dead. Now the semi-Pelagian position says man is sick. He’s very, very sick, desperately sick, can’t possibly survive without the help of God, but he’s not spiritually dead. [00:14:49]

What Augustine was saying, what Calvin was saying, what Luther was saying, what Edwards was saying, what Classical Reformed Theology says is the Fall is to great that it leaves us in a state of moral inability – we still make choices, but will never choose the things of God because they are contrary to the flesh. [00:15:41]

Jesus says to His audience in John 6, “No man can come to Me unless it is given to him by the Father.” And Jesus doesn’t say no man can come to Him unless God helps him. He says no man can come to Him unless God in fact gives it to him, and that no man can is what we would call a universal negative. [00:16:14]

The Divine prerogative for mercy and grace is, ‘I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.’” That’s His prerogative. God does not owe saving grace to anybody, and even if He gives it to one, He is still not obligated to give it to anybody else. He never treats anybody unjustly, but only the elect receive the grace of regeneration. [00:20:03]

Sola gratia says: Salvation is monergistic at the beginning. Regeneration is solely the work of God’s grace in your soul. Now, after He makes that change in your heart, after He changes the disposition of your soul, you come, you believe, you work for and for your entire Christian life in cooperation with sanctifying grace. [00:23:41]

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Transcript
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