Is the Sacrifice of Christ Sufficient to Save?

Is the sacrifice of Christ sufficient to save? Or, is there something more we must do? This was an issue that Paul repeatedly battled throughout his ministry. The books of Romans and Galatians almost exclusively give their attention to this question. This question first arises in Acts 15 as the newly established church struggles with what to do with Gentiles who were coming to Christ.

The first followers of Christ were Jews. They viewed Christianity as the next logical step in their pursuit of God. However, as Gentiles began to follow Christ a question arose as to whether or not they first had to convert to Judaism. So serious was this question that they eventually had to call a conference to deal with the issue. The conclusion of the counsel, “we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (Acts 15:11). They further concluded, “we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). Simply put, Christ is enough, now walk in holiness.

Why is this an important question for us today? While we do not struggle so much with issues of the law, we do wrestle with the idea of a works based righteousness. We must recognize that we are saved by faith in Christ alone. No works, no hoops, no additional requirements to meet. Certainly, as was the case for the Gentiles in question, our faith ought to lead to us walking in holiness, but our righteous works would never be enough to save us.

Why was this such an important teaching in scripture that entire books are committed to it? What is at stake? Your freedom! Not your political freedom. Something much more important, your spiritual freedom. We are not to live our lives in daily fear as to whether or not we are pleasing God. We should not question whether or not our salvation is intact. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone. Nothing more, nothing less. We should rejoice in the sacrifice of Christ, embrace the sacrifice of Christ, and live as recipients of His grace. Do not allow fear and doubt to steal the joy of your salvation.