“In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says that we are ‘freely’ justified (3:24), and later he describes salvation as a ‘free gift’ (6:23). Why do some claim that one must ‘do’ something, such as being baptized, in order to be saved?”

There are several factors to be considered in responding to this excellent question. Reflect upon the following:

1. Salvation is wonderfully described in the New Testament as a “free” gift. This terminology is employed in order to emphasize that God is under no compulsion to offer it. Man, by his choice, has rebelled against the Lord; he thus has earned the penalty of death (cf. “wages” in Rom. 6:28).

   On the other hand, the Creator was not morally obligated to offer salvation; redemption has been extended as a matter of pure love and grace (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9). From this perspective, forgiveness is depicted as a gift.

2. The term “gift” (even “free gift”), however, does not necessarily exclude the idea of a condition being imposed.

   Note the following.

   1. God promised the city of Jericho to the Hebrews as a gift (Josh. 6:2, 16), yet the Israelites were required to submit to several conditions in order to receive the gift (Josh. 6:3ff; Heb. 11:30).

   2. During Paul’s voyage to Rome, the ship upon which he sailed encountered a life-threatening storm. It was feared that all would be lost. Yet God, on account of Paul’s fidelity, “granted” [charizomai - to give freely] to him the lives of all that sailed with him (Acts 27:24). In spite of that promise, the apostle later informed the centurion in charge of the vessel: “Except [a condition] these abide in the ship, you [plural] cannot be saved” (27:31).

   3. Jesus himself had clearly taught this principle. To the disciples he admonished: “Work not for the food which is perishing, but [work - the verb is understood] for the food which is abiding unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you . . .” (Jn. 6:27).

   A “gift,” then, does not exclude the necessity to lovingly accept or “receive” that gift (cf. Jn. 1:11-12). And this is accomplished in obeying the Lord, and at the point of one’s immersion in water (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

3. Even within the book of Romans this truth is apparent. While salvation is therein represented as that which is “freely given,” the apostle nonetheless forcefully argues that these saints were “delivered” and “made free from sin” by virtue of their having “obeyed from the heart that form of teaching” which had been proclaimed to them (6:17).

   Earlier, in this same chapter, the apostle, with greater specificity, affirms that the Roman Christians began to walk “in newness of life” (i.e., salvation) at the point of their having been united with Christ in the likeness of his burial and resurrection. This occurred when they were buried in baptism and raised therefrom (6:3-10).

It is thus quite clear that salvation, as a “free gift,” and the need to “obey” the Lord, are not mutually exclusive propositions. Let men then “receive” his “free gift” by submitting to his will.

Perhaps no subject in the Bible is more misunderstood than that of “grace.”

And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1).

Many entertain the notion that grace is some sort of divine blanket that is unconditionally thrown over the sinner to cancel the effect of his sin. This is a serious misconception.

Grace has to do with the undeserved extension of God’s favor upon the sinner. No one can earn it; but it must be accepted by creatures upon whom the Maker has bestowed freedom of choice.

And so Paul, in the passage under consideration, entreats that men “receive not the grace of God in vain.”

First it is clear that the grace was received. Grace is offered to all (Titus 2:11), but not all will receive it. Noah found grace in the eyes of God (Genesis 6:8), but his deliverance from the flood came as a result of his obedience as well (6:22; Hebrews 11:7).

Second, the grace received had to be retained; hence the admonition, “receive not the grace of God in vain” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:2). The implication of this phrase stands in bold relief to the sectarian doctrine that a child of God can never lose his salvation.

Mark two things. Underline “receive,” and note: Grace conditional. Then mark “in vain,” and record this comment: Possibility of apostasy. See 1 Peter - The True Grace of God.

Prayer for Others
By Bernie Smith 
Meditations on Prayer

I cannot make the sparrow fly, 
Nor can I understand 
What makes the clouds hang in the sky,
But I know One who can. 

I cannot make the ocean waves 
Dash forth against the land; 
I cannot help the soul that craves, 
But I know One who can. 

I cannot hear the humble prayers 
Of those of foreign clans; 
I cannot ease their wants and cares, 
But I know One who can. 

I cannot lead the erring ones 
With mine own trembling hand; 
Nor yet restore the hope that's gone, 
But I know One who can. 

I cannot see the broken hearts 
That long for joy again; 
Nor can I mend the broken parts, 
But I know One who can. 

I cannot heal the many ills 
That come so oft to man; 
I cannot give the joy that fills, 
But I know One who can. 

I cannot know why trials fall 
Within our life's short span; 
But my God understands it all, 
And He's the One who can!

Prayer of Healing 
(From: Praying God's Promises)

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise. 


I praise you, mighty Father.  


You forgive all my iniquities, and you heal all my diseases.  


Thank you, Lord. When I am sick, you send your Word, and it heals me and delivers me from all destructions. 


Your Word is life to me, and it brings healing to my flesh. 


Thank you for the healing power of your Word, Father. 


I will never let it depart from my eyes.  


I will keep your Word deeply implanted within my heart.  


Praise your name, holy Father.  


I love you, and I thank you for healing me and keeping me in good health.