Expert: Bruce Gourley - 9/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: So how does salvation through being saved differ from salvation through grace as long as the person believes in the latter situation?

ANSWER: Jill, I am not certain what you are asking. What do you mean by "salvation through being saved"? As to grace in salvation, theologians since the early church have sought to explain how grace works in the salvation process. Some believe that grace is extended (and put into effect) whether the recipient wants it or not (via the sovereign will of God). Others believe grace is offered freely to all, but only those who accept it are saved (see John 3:16 and the epistles of Ephesians and 1 John). But again, I would need clarification concerning "salvation through being saved" to adequately address your question.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com
www.brucegourley.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response. I guess I am asking about the belief that only those that are saved experience salvation. I suspect that is what you are talking about in reference to John 3:16, etc.but I am not sure.

Jill

Answer
I think it fair to say that most Christians would say that "only those that are saved experience salvation" (the two words really refer to the same concept, theologically - broadly - speaking).

Of course, different religions define "salvation" and "being saved" in different ways.

Within Christendom, some think of salvation primarily as one's eternal destiny, while others emphasize that salvation is something that is lived out in this life, in the sense that it (salvation) is evidenced in how we relate to others, etc., etc. as we live our lives.  Other Christians point to speaking to tongues (for example) as the experience of salvation.

I make this distinction to say that you will find differences of opinion as to what "experiencing" salvation means.

I hope this helps.

Bruce Gourley