Salvation: Grace or Choice?
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This passage is a reminder that salvation is entirely a gift from God—something none of us can earn. Grace, sometimes described as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense,” is the foundation for our redemption.Jesus’ sacrifice paid the complete price for our sins, making it clear that salvation cannot be achieved by human effort. Paul writes with certainty, “… it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” No amount of service, sacrifice, or giving can secure what only Christ could accomplish.
How Does Salvation Occur?
This leads to a profound question: What is the process of salvation? Is it our decision alone that saves us? Does God require anything from us? Or is it solely the result of God’s grace poured out for us?
Recently, I attended a meeting where leaders expressed concern that a series of revival meetings had not included altar calls. Though I wanted to suggest that altar calls are not always necessary, the meeting concluded before I could share my thoughts. Unlike the current practice of encouraging “decisions for Christ,” earlier generations of churchgoers depended on the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Pastors then believed signs of true conviction were necessary before leading someone to Christ, emphasizing the importance of election in salvation. The modern practice of inviting people to respond publicly only became prominent in the 18th century with figures like John Wesley and George Whitfield.
Two Perspectives on Salvation
The understanding of salvation has split into two primary views. One insists salvation begins with God, who convicts and draws the soul. The other highlights the individual’s responsibility to respond to God’s invitation. The doctrines of free will and election often seem to stand in opposition, resulting in an either/or debate: is salvation about our choice, or God’s choice?
The doctrine of free will, commonly called Arminianism, stresses that salvation is available to all people and depends on their response. As Joshua said to Israel, “Choose this day who you will serve… we will choose the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). From this perspective, God has done His part by sending Jesus, and now the choice is ours to accept or reject His offer.
Election, most often linked to Calvinism, emphasizes God’s initiative. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” This view teaches that salvation begins with God’s work in the heart—a necessary grace (prevenient grace) that enables the willing heart to respond positively to the gospel. Without God’s choosing, a person cannot or will not choose Him.
Reconciling Free Will and Election
Both views find support in Scripture. The real conflict arises from seeing the issue as either/or, instead of both/and. Salvation is not merely God’s sovereign act or only our decision—it’s a mysterious combination of both. Understanding this balance is key to comprehending eternal salvation.
Billy Graham once estimated that 80 to 85 percent of churchgoers still needed to be born again—a claim that challenges us to look for the evidence of salvation in people’s lives. Jesus said the fruit of a transformed life reveals the reality of faith, not mere profession.
Being Born Again
In John 3, Nicodemus meets Jesus, recognizing Him as a teacher from God. Jesus responds, “You must be born again to see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus is confused, and Jesus explains further: “Unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” The new birth, Jesus says, is like the wind—unpredictable and outside human control. God sends the Spirit as He wills, and our responsibility is to respond when conviction comes.
Experience in Ministry
During seminary, my spouse and I served as follow-up counselors for altar call respondents. We witnessed many individuals repeatedly coming forward to “get saved,” suggesting something vital was missing. We provided Bibles and resources, and offered foundational classes, but most did not pursue further growth, instead returning to the altar again and again.
I have met many who professed faith but whose lives did not reflect transformation. Some believed they were saved simply because they responded to an altar call, not because their hearts had genuinely changed. Once, I met a homeless couple who, though they had gone through the motions years prior, declined a renewed call to repentance and faith—because there was no conviction of sin.
These experiences have shown me the danger of pressuring people into professing faith before they are ready. Genuine repentance and conviction by the Holy Spirit are essential for true salvation.
The Importance of Prayer
This realization highlighted the necessity of prayer for the lost. Lee Thomas, in his book How to Effectively Pray for the Lost, points out that no one comes to faith without someone praying for them. E.M. Bounds discovered that prayer moves the hand of God, and John Wesley observed that God does nothing but in answer to prayer. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), underscoring prayer’s vital role.
Our prayers invite God’s prevenient grace into the hearts of the unsaved, breaking spiritual blindness and stirring a hunger for truth. Through the prayers of others, the Holy Spirit brings conviction and leads people to new birth—this was true in my own life. Family members’ faithful prayers shielded me and ultimately led me to salvation.
Conclusion
Today, I describe myself as both “Calvinistic Arminian” or an “Arminian Calvinist,” affirming both doctrines as essential for understanding salvation. Though Christ died for everyone, the Spirit must bring each individual to faith. Evangelism and prayer are equally vital—we must share the gospel, but only the convicting work of God’s Spirit brings about repentance and true faith. In saving souls, both our actions and God’s initiative are indispensable.
