Why Free Grace Theology?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

Sadly the majority of Christian churches do not teach this foundational gospel truth. The three most common theological systems in Australia are Calvinism, Arminianism and Lordship Salvation. Arminianism teaches that salvation can be lost and that an individual must be in a constant state of good works and repentance of sin to maintain their salvation. Calvinism teaches that God arbitrarily chooses who will be saved and that God will preserve a chosen individual in a state of good works and repentance of sin until the end. Lordship Salvation teaches that an individual who has ‘truly’ believed in Jesus Christ will necessarily evidence good works and repentance of sin until the end.

“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness”  (Romans 4:5)

All three of these theological systems insist good works are a necessary component of salvation. If there is no salvation without good works then logically salvation is (in part) by works. The bible however is crystal clear that grace and works are immicable. 

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”  (Romans 11:6)

These theological systems give no basis for one's assurance of salvation, which is of the essence of saving faith. Jesus promised the free gift of everlasting life to those who believe, to have faith in Jesus is to be convinced that He has in fact saved you. Free Grace affirms the biblical imperative to look to Jesus Christ as the object of one's faith as opposed to looking inwardly at man’s imperfection. Simply put, either your behaviour is your saviour or Jesus Christ is.

“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”  (John 11:26)

Jesus Christ was the first to preach the free gift of God's grace received through faith and His gospel can be faithfully traced throughout Church history. However, the remnant principle is shown to be true in that other gospels currently hold the majority of believers in bondage to fear and death. Therefore Free Grace theology exists to contend for the faith, keep the Gospel pure and simple and give Christians back the rest Jesus always intended for. 

What is Free Grace theology?

Free Grace theology is principally concerned with the Gospel, eternal security and assurance of salvation. While there is diversity within the Free Grace camp the following is held by all Free Grace proponents at a minimum: “ 1) everlasting life is a free gift (which the Lord Jesus fully paid for by His death on the cross for our sins) which is received through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works of any kind (e.g. turning from sin, baptism, contrition or penance) 2) that everlasting life is received in a single moment of faith and can never be lost or forfeited and 3) that assurance of one’s eternal destiny is based solely on believing Jesus’ promise to the believer and not at all on our works, feelings or experience.