GRACE ALONE and FAITH ALONE. If you have "Faith Alone" and "Grace Alone," then technically, neither is truly alone because there are two of them. Then why alone?
"FOR IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH AND THIS IS NOT FROM YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST" - Ephesians 2:8-9
You are pointing out a linguistic paradox: if something is truly "alone" (sola), it shouldn't need a partner. If you have "Faith Alone" and "Grace Alone," then technically, neither is truly alone because there are two of them.
However, in theology, these terms are used to describe different parts of the same process. They are "alone" in relation to Human Works, not in relation to each other.
Here is the reason why they are used together:
1. The Source vs. The Instrument
To clarify this, we have to look at how they function. They are not competing for the same spot; they have different roles:
Grace Alone (The Source): This is God’s part. It is the "supply." It means that the cause of salvation is 100% God's kindness, with 0% contribution from human merit.
Faith Alone (The Instrument): This is the "hand" that receives the gift. It means we don't receive Grace through rituals, sacrifices, or keeping the 10 Commandments; we receive it only by trusting God.
Analogy: Think of a person dying of thirst.
The Water is "Water Alone": it is the only thing that can save them (Grace).
The Drinking is "Drinking Alone": it is the only way the water gets into the body (Faith). You wouldn't say, "If it's Water Alone, why do I need to drink?" They work together, but both reject "Eating a Sandwich" (Works) as a solution for thirst.
Grace and Faith are "alone" in the sense that human effort is completely rejected from the equation of how a person is made right with God.
The Apostle Paul argues that it must be Faith so that it can remain Grace. If you had to work for your salvation, it wouldn't be Grace anymore. Faith is the only "instrument" that doesn't take credit away from Grace.
It is right to say both because they refer to different dimensions:
- Grace Alone rejects human merit.
- Faith Alone rejects human effort/works.
They are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other: Grace is the gift, and Faith is the open hand.
GOD BLESS US!🙏
Former Adventists Philippines
“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”
For more inquiries, contact us:
Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph
Former Adventists Philippines Association, Inc
SEC Registration No: 2025090219381-03
No comments:
Post a Comment