Free grace is the biblical teaching that salvation is completely a work of God’s free and unmerited favor. By grace we are saved, not by our own works but by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This doctrine emphasizes that we contribute absolutely nothing to our salvation – it is entirely the work of God’s grace in Christ.
The term “free grace” contrasts with erroneous ideas that salvation is earned through good works or human merit. Scripture clearly teaches that no one can earn salvation or merit God’s favor through their own righteousness (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10, 23). We are all sinners deserving condemnation, and so our only hope is God’s freely given, unearned grace.
Some key aspects of the free grace doctrine include:
Salvation by grace alone – We cannot earn salvation through good works or spiritual striving. Salvation is entirely an unmerited gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:6; Titus 3:5-7).
Justification by faith alone – We are declared righteous in God’s sight not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16). Faith itself is even a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8).
Christ’s finished work – Jesus fully paid the penalty for our sins through His finished sacrifice on the cross. Nothing needs to be or can be added to His completed work (Hebrews 9:11-14, 10:10-14; Romans 6:10).
Eternal security – Those who are truly saved can never lose their salvation. We are kept by God’s power, not our own effort (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Unconditional election – God chose and predestined believers entirely according to His sovereign grace, not human works or merit (Romans 9:11-16; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2 Timothy 1:9).
In summary, the free grace view recognizes that we contribute absolutely nothing to our salvation. God saves sinners solely by His mercy and grace through the redemptive life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who receive this free gift of salvation by faith alone can rest securely in Christ, fully assured of God’s unconditional love.
Here are some key Scripture passages that reveal important facets of the free grace doctrine:
Salvation by Grace Alone
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6)
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
Justification by Faith Alone
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)
Christ’s Finished Work
“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12, 14)
“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.” (Romans 6:9-10)
Eternal Security
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out… And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” (John 6:37, 39)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?…For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 38-39)
Unconditional Election
“Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'” (Romans 9:11-13)
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)
“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” (2 Timothy 1:9)
In examining the biblical evidence, the free grace view most accurately represents the teaching of Scripture. Salvation originates in the mercy and grace of God, not human effort. The Father chose and predestined believers out of His sovereign grace. The Son accomplished redemption fully through His finished sacrifice. The Spirit convicts, draws and regenerates sinners to repentance and faith. From beginning to end, salvation is completely the work of God’s free grace.
This understanding brings great assurance and confidence. Believers can wholeheartedly rely on God’s grace, not their own faulty efforts. There is no room for pride or boasting since we contribute nothing. Our right standing before God depends solely on Christ’s righteousness, not our faltering works. This liberating truth allows Christians to serve God out of love and gratitude, not an anxious striving to earn favor.
Free grace also motivates evangelism and missions. Since salvation does not depend on human effort, we can boldly proclaim the gospel knowing that God is fully able to save sinners and draw them to Himself. We preach Christ alone, relying on the Spirit’s work in convicting and regenerating hearts.
At the same time, the free grace view does not lead to carelessness or sinful living. While works play no role in gaining salvation, good works naturally flow from those saved by grace as an expression of love and thankfulness (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14). The security we have in Christ motivates holiness, not unrighteousness.
In conclusion, the biblical doctrine of free grace recognizes that God saves us by His sovereign mercy alone. The Father planned redemption, the Son accomplished redemption, the Spirit applies redemption – the entire Trinity is involved in this glorious work of grace. To God alone be the glory!