Saved by Grace: A Response to “Salvation and Rejection”

Originally published August 25, 2013

I recently read the column “Salvation and Rejection” published in The Freeman, which discussed Luke 13:22–30 and challenged the belief commonly expressed as “once saved, always saved.”

The passage begins with a question directed to Jesus:

“Lord, are there few that be saved?”

Jesus answered by telling His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow gate, warning that many would seek to enter but would not be able to do so.

The column raised several arguments, including that Luke 13 contradicts the doctrine of eternal security, that “once saved, always saved” is specifically Calvinist, and that salvation may be possible in different ways.

I disagree.

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

Perhaps the clearest question concerning salvation appears in Acts 16:30, when the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas:

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Their answer was direct:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31

Romans 10:9 likewise teaches that if a person confesses the Lord Jesus and believes that God raised Him from the dead, he shall be saved.

Why is faith in Christ central to salvation?

Because Scripture presents Jesus Christ as the Savior.

Acts 4:12 declares that salvation is found in no other name under heaven, while Jesus Himself said in John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Salvation, therefore, is not based on membership in a particular church, nationality, social status, or simply being considered a good person. Christianity teaches that reconciliation with God comes through Jesus Christ.

Salvation Is a Gift

Another major issue is whether salvation must be earned.

Romans 6:23 says:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Notice the contrast: wages are earned, but a gift is given.

Romans 5:15–18 repeatedly describes salvation in terms of God's grace and a “free gift.” John 3:16 expresses the same idea: God gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Christ did not come because humanity had earned salvation.

Romans 5:8 says:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

And 1 Timothy 1:15 declares that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Saved by Grace Through Faith

Perhaps one of the clearest passages is Ephesians 2:8–9:

“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.”

Salvation is therefore not a reward for giving alms, doing community service, attending church, praying regularly, reading the Bible, or accumulating enough good works.

Good works have their proper place in the Christian life, but according to this passage, they are not the price of salvation.

Salvation is by grace through faith.

Colossians 1:13–14 likewise speaks of believers as having redemption and forgiveness through Christ, while the New Testament repeatedly connects eternal life with faith in Him.

What About “Once Saved, Always Saved”?

The exact phrase “once saved, always saved” does not appear in Scripture, just as many theological terms used by Christians are later summaries of biblical ideas.

The real question, therefore, is not whether the phrase itself appears in the Bible, but whether Scripture teaches that the eternal life God gives through Christ is truly eternal.

Jesus said:

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” — John 10:28

The debate over eternal security has continued among Christians for centuries, and different Christian traditions interpret some passages differently. But the foundation of my conviction remains this: salvation rests upon the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ rather than upon a person's ability to earn it.

Saved by Grace

So, who can be saved?

The biblical answer is not simply “good people,” members of one denomination, or people who have accumulated enough religious works.

The Gospel points instead to Christ.

We must recognize our need for salvation, turn to God, and place our faith in Jesus Christ.

Salvation is not something we can boast about earning.

It is a gift.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith.”

— JP Abecilla, August 2013

Smart Test Strategy: Elevate Your Exam Performance

In a world overflowing with advice on test preparation, finding the right strategy can be overwhelming. This guide provides actionable tips to help you develop a smarter test strategy and maximize your exam performance.

1. Nourish Your Brain

Belly to Brain

An empty stomach can hinder your brain's ability to function optimally. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better on tests than those who don't. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like peanuts and oily fish rich in omega-3, such as salmon, tilapia, and sardines, into your diet. Additionally, chocolates and bananas have been found to enhance cognitive function.

2. Enhance Cognitive Function with Exercise

Fitness to Greatness

Physical activity can significantly improve brain performance. According to an article in Time magazine, exercising before studying increases blood circulation, which in turn boosts brain function. A regular workout routine can enhance your ability to concentrate and retain information.

3. Optimize Memorization Techniques

Read to Memorize

Reading and rereading class notes, textbooks, and other materials can help alleviate the stress of trying to memorize large amounts of information. Use a dictionary to understand difficult terms, and jot down important points. Employ mnemonic devices to aid memorization, and try reading aloud to reinforce learning—similar to how singing a song can help you remember lyrics.

4. Leverage Group Study Sessions

Grouped to Learn

Collaborating with peers can be incredibly beneficial, especially before a major test. Form study groups with three to seven classmates to share notes, discuss ideas, and develop a collective strategy. Group study sessions can distribute the workload and provide diverse perspectives on the material.

5. Practice with Sample Questions

Tested to Test

Pre-testing yourself with sample questions can help reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need more focus. Predict possible exam questions and concentrate on challenging subjects, such as practicing spelling, grammar, and vocabulary for an English test, or solving problems for a math exam.

6. Prioritize Restful Sleep

Sleep to Rest

Staying up late, known in Filipino as "pagsusunog ng kilay" (burning the midnight oil), can be detrimental to your health and performance. Aim for six to eight hours of sleep to ensure your body and brain function optimally. Start your review early to avoid last-minute cramming and ensure you are well-rested and alert on exam day.

7. Maintain a Calm Mind

Pray to Pay

A peaceful mind is crucial during exams. Calm your heart and mind with a short prayer or meditation. This practice can help alleviate anxiety and remind you to approach the test with honesty and integrity. Do your best, and let a higher power take care of the rest.

By integrating these strategies into your study routine, you can enhance your test preparation and approach exams with confidence and clarity. Good luck!

Adapted from various sources, including SCHOOLASTIC'S A+ GUIDE TO GOOD GRADES by Louise and Doug Colligan.

Preparing for a Test: Strategies for Success

Preparing for a test can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can enhance your performance and reduce stress. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively for your next big test.

Identify the Test Material

The first step in test preparation is to know what will be covered. Avoid wasting time on irrelevant chapters or sections. Reach out to your instructor or review the syllabus to clarify the specific topics that will be on the test. This targeted approach ensures that your study sessions are focused and productive.

Develop a Study Schedule

Creating a structured study schedule is essential for thorough preparation. Here’s a step-by-step approach to optimize your study time.

Catch Up on Missed Assignments

At the beginning of your study schedule, prioritize catching up on any reading assignments or materials you may have missed. Skim through all your notes to ensure they are complete and legible. This initial phase is about building a solid foundation.

Intensive Review and Concentration Time

As the test date approaches, dedicate the last two nights to an intensive review. This period should be your peak concentration time. Carefully read through all your highlighted notes and study aids. Pay extra attention to materials that have been recently emphasized by your instructor. Use these nights to solidify your memory work, ensuring that key concepts and facts are at your fingertips.

Practice with Anticipated Questions

On the night before the exam, create a list of potential questions that might appear on the test. Try to answer these questions in your head. This exercise not only helps reinforce your knowledge but also gives you insight into the way your teacher might frame questions. Thinking like your instructor can give you a strategic advantage.

Ensure Rest and Readiness

A good night’s sleep is crucial for peak cognitive performance. On the day of the test, review your study aids calmly. Avoid cramming; instead, focus on maintaining a composed and confident mindset. Arrive at the test location a little early with all the necessary supplies, such as pens, pencils, erasers, and any allowed reference materials.

By following these steps, you can approach your test with confidence and poise. Remember, effective preparation is about quality, not just quantity. Good luck!

Source: SCHOOLASTIC'S A+ GUIDE TO GOOD GRADES by Louise and Doug Colligan.