One of the "Solas" of the Reformation, - "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, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9, ESV)
Grace is the beginning of faith, it's the means of salvation
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:6)
Works avail nothing - grace brings about works, not the other way around. Grace cannot be earned.
My pastor put it:
Jesus got what we deserved...so that we could get what HE deserved.
If we are doing it, it's not grace.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (1 Peter 3:18)
