The New Testament teaches there are two kinds of people who are saved: Those who are saved know it, and appreciate it; and those who are saved, but do not yet know it.
The first group of people know that they are saved. In 1st Timothy 4:10 we read that “God is the savior of all, especially those who believe.” Whatever else this verse means, it means at least this: Those who know that they belong to God possess a special blessing. They invariably confess that they have been somehow pursued, surprised, and apprehended by God’s amazing and far-reaching grace. Thus, in Ephesians 2: 8-9 the apostle writes:
“By grace you are saved, through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not because of works lest anyone should boast.”
Herein the apostle plainly states that we are saved “by grace, through faith,” and “not because of works.” He then adds that we cannot boast of our “work of faith” because even our faith is “the gift of God.” Continue reading