Saved by Grace of Saved by Works?
Many people believe that religion is just about morality. In that vein, they will make statements like, “All religions are the same; one is no better than the other. They all teach the same morality, so what difference does it make which one I believe?” First, they do not all teach the same morality, but even if they did, they still would not be the same because of the differences in doctrine. Is there one God, or many? Is God a person, or impersonal? Can we have a relationship with Him, or is He unrelatable? Did Jesus die on the cross or does it not matter as long as we are moral? Are we saved by grace, or by works? These are doctrinal questions, yet they are impactful.
Are we saved by grace or by works? The answer to this question separates Christianity from all other world religions. Christianity alone teaches salvation by grace. All other world religions teach salvation by merit/works. Under the works-based scheme of salvation, all it takes is 51% good deeds. 49% of a person’s life may be evil, and he still be saved because all that matters is the number of good works verses the number of bad works. Islam, mainline Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and every other world religion teaches this. Christianity alone says contrary (Ephesians 2:8).
What happens when you get to 75% evil and 25% good? Do you work to balance out? Do you give up? You can’t start over. There are no second chances. Or what if you end life at 51% evil and 49% good? You were so close, but eh, too bad because you crossed the line one too many times. Oh, but someone says, “I’m at 10% evil and 90% good.” Is there a temptation to sin a little more because you have the “credit” so to speak? Such a system does not encourage morality, but immorality. Doctrine makes a difference!