Salvation

Salvation by Grace Alone
(The Doctrines of Grace) 

Salvation is God's work from start to finish—monergistic, sovereign, and secured 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, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

📜 "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." — Romans 9:16 (ESV)

What We Believe

At Teaching Bridge Fellowship, we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God—from election before the foundation of the world to glorification in eternity. We contribute nothing but the sin that made it necessary. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—and it is sovereignly accomplished by God from beginning to end.

This is the heart of what has historically been called the Doctrines of Grace (often summarized by the acronym TULIP). These doctrines are not a man-made system—they are the biblical teaching on how God saves sinners. They flow from Scripture's testimony that salvation belongs to the Lord (Jonah 2:9).

The Five Points of Grace

Total Depravity

"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." — 1 Corinthians 2:14

Humanity is not just sick—we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Every part of our being—mind, will, heart, affections—has been corrupted by sin. We do not seek God (Romans 3:11). We cannot come to Christ unless the Father draws us (John 6:44). We are enslaved to sin (John 8:34), hostile to God (Romans 8:7), and incapable of saving ourselves.

This doesn't mean we're as bad as we could possibly be. It means that nothing we do, apart from grace, pleases God or contributes to our salvation. We need not improvement—we need resurrection.

Unconditional Election

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." — Ephesians 1:3-4

Before the world began, God chose a people for Himself in Christ. This choice was not based on anything foreseen in us—not our faith, not our works, not our decision. It was based solely on God's sovereign will and mercy (Romans 9:11-16).

Election is unconditional because God didn't look down the corridor of time and see who would believe. He set His love on a people, gave them to the Son, and determined to save them by grace. This is why Paul says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).

Election is not unfair—it is merciful. God was not obligated to save anyone. If He chose to save some and pass over others, that is His sovereign right as Creator. The question is not, "Why didn't God save everyone?" The question is, "Why did God save anyone?"

Limited (Definite) Atonement

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... I lay down my life for the sheep." — John 10:11, 15

Jesus did not die to make salvation possible—He died to actually save His people. His death was not a vague, indefinite offer to the world; it was a definite, effective, substitutionary sacrifice for the elect.

Christ died for His sheep (John 10:11, 15), for His church (Ephesians 5:25), for His people (Matthew 1:21). He bore the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28), not all without exception. His atonement was particular—He died specifically to save those the Father had given Him.

If Christ died for every single person without exception, and yet many perish in hell, then either:

1. Christ's death failed to save some for whom He died, or

2. Christ's death only made salvation possible, not actual.

But Scripture says Christ's death accomplished redemption (Hebrews 9:12). He didn't merely open a door—He secured salvation for His people. This doesn't mean the gospel offer is limited—whoever believes will be saved. But it does mean that Christ's death actually saved those for whom He died.

Irresistible (Effectual) Grace

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." — John 6:44

When God calls His elect to Himself, His call is effectual—it accomplishes what He intends. The Spirit doesn't merely invite or assist; He regenerates (John 3:3-8), giving spiritual life to those who were dead in sin.

This doesn't mean people are dragged kicking and screaming into the kingdom. It means that God changes the heart so that what we once hated (Christ, holiness, truth), we now love. God makes us willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He gives us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). He opens our hearts to receive His Word (Acts 16:14).

The gospel call goes out to all, but only the elect respond in saving faith—not because they're smarter or more spiritual, but because God makes them alive (Ephesians 2:5). This is grace—sovereign, irresistible, effectual grace.

Perseverance of the Saints

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6

Those whom God saves, He keeps. Not one of Christ's sheep will be lost (John 10:27-29). Not one of the elect will fall away (Romans 8:29-30). Salvation is not a cooperative effort that can be undone—it is the sovereign work of God that will be brought to completion.

This doesn't mean Christians never struggle with sin or doubt. It means that true believers will persevere because God preserves them. If someone professes faith and then permanently abandons Christ, they were never truly regenerated (1 John 2:19). But those who are genuinely born again will endure to the end, not by their own strength, but by the keeping power of God (1 Peter 1:5).

This is the ultimate assurance: your salvation does not rest on your grip on God, but on God's grip on you. And His grip never fails.

Why It Matters

The Doctrines of Grace are not just theological abstractions—they are pastorally essential for the life of the church and the Christian.

First, they humble us. We cannot boast in our decision, our faith, or our perseverance. Salvation is all of grace, from start to finish. This crushes human pride and exalts God's glory.

Second, they give us assurance. If salvation depended on us—on our faithfulness, our strength, our decision—we could never be certain. But because it depends on God's unchanging decree and Christ's finished work, we can rest secure.

Third, they fuel evangelism. We don't preach the gospel wondering if it will work. We preach knowing that God will save His people (Acts 18:10). The Holy Spirit will effectually call the elect, and they will come to Christ. This doesn't make us lazy—it makes us bold.

Fourth, they shape worship. When you understand that God chose you, that Christ died for you, that the Spirit regenerated you, and that God will keep you—you can't help but worship. Salvation is the Triune God's work from eternity past to eternity future. Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory.

What Scripture Says

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Salvation is not our doing—it is God's gift. Even faith is a gift (Philippians 1:29). This eliminates all human boasting and directs all glory to God.

Romans 8:29-30

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

This is the golden chain of salvation. Every link is secure. If God foreknew you (set His electing love on you), then you will be glorified. Not one person in this chain falls away. Salvation is as certain as God Himself.

John 6:37

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out."

The Father gives a people to the Son. Those people will come. And when they come, Christ will never cast them out. This is the certainty of election, effectual calling, and perseverance all in one verse.

Acts 13:48

"And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed."

Notice the order: appointed to eternal life → believed. Faith is the result of God's appointment (election), not the cause of it.

Romans 9:15-16

"For he says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."

Salvation is not determined by human will or effort. It depends entirely on God's sovereign mercy. This is the heart of the Doctrines of Grace.

Historical & Confessional Grounding

The Doctrines of Grace were powerfully articulated during the Reformation and defended at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) in response to Arminian theology. These truths have been held by Augustinians, Reformers, Puritans, and confessional Reformed Baptists throughout history.

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith clearly affirms these doctrines in Chapter 3 and Chapter 10:

"By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice." (1689 LBCF 3.3)

"Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed, and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ... This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power or agency in the creature... being altogether passive therein, being dead in sins and trespasses, until being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit." (1689 LBCF 10.1)

This is our confession. Salvation is of the Lord.

Common Misunderstandings

"Doesn't election mean God is unfair?"

No. Election is mercy, not injustice. God was not obligated to save anyone. If He chose to save some and pass over others, that is His sovereign right. The real question is not, "Why didn't God save everyone?" but "Why did God save anyone?" The answer: grace.

"If God has already chosen who will be saved, why evangelize?"

Because God commands it (Matthew 28:19-20), and because God uses means. God has ordained not only the end (the salvation of the elect) but also the means (the preaching of the gospel). We preach boldly, knowing that God will save His people through the proclamation of His Word.

"Doesn't this make people robots with no real choice?"

No. Humans make real, meaningful choices. But those choices are always according to their nature. Before regeneration, our nature is enslaved to sin, so we freely choose sin. After regeneration, our nature is freed in Christ, so we freely choose righteousness. God doesn't coerce—He changes the heart so that we freely desire what He desires.

"Can I lose my salvation?"

No. If you are truly regenerated, you are kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5). Christ will not lose any that the Father has given Him (John 6:39). If someone falls away permanently, they were never truly saved (1 John 2:19). True believers persevere because God preserves.

A Word of Application

If you understand the Doctrines of Grace, your life should be marked by humility, assurance, gratitude, and worship.

Humility, because you know you contributed nothing to your salvation. You were dead, and God made you alive.

Assurance, because your salvation rests on God's eternal decree and Christ's finished work, not on your fluctuating feelings or imperfect obedience.

Gratitude, because you know you were chosen by grace, redeemed by blood, called by the Spirit, and kept by power.

Worship, because salvation is the Triune God's masterpiece—planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, applied by the Spirit. Soli Deo Gloria.

Prayer

Father, thank You for choosing me in Christ before the foundation of the world. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place and secure my salvation. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to regenerate my heart and give me faith. Thank You that my salvation does not depend on me, but on You—and Your purposes cannot fail. Help me to live in humble gratitude, confident assurance, and joyful worship. To You alone be all the glory. In Jesus' name, amen. 🙏

Related Resources:

📖 1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 3 – "Of God's Decree"
📖 1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 10 – "Of Effectual Calling"
📘 Jesus Christ: The Only Savior (TBF Page 4)
🎙️ Recommended Lecture Series: R.C. Sproul – "Chosen By God"
📚 Recommended Book: Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
📚 Recommended Book: The Doctrines of Grace by James Boice & Philip Ryken

Next: Our Confessional Commitment (The 1689 London Baptist Confession) →

In Sum:

TBF believes salvation is entirely God's work—by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Learn what we believe about the Doctrines of Grace and why they matter.