1 Cor 15:14 *And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless*?
*SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE*
This is another fundamental doctrine the protestant reformation established. The previous doctrines are in alignment with Roman Catholicism but this particular one is understood differently.
The Roman Catholicism believe in salvation but not by grace alone. They follow a "works-based" approach towards salvation where its followers must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and do exemplary works to be saved. This is the reason the Pope canonizes saints with exemplary good works.
Catholics don't fully hold to the understanding that the work of Christ alone is sufficient to save sinners. Instead, they prescribe that certain works (such as the seven Sacraments) are required along the way to attain / maintain salvation. So, theirs is Grace + Works but protestant is Grace Alone- 'Sola gratia'.
There is no where in the bible salvation is taught as something our human effort can attain. The fallen man cannot do anything of himself to be saved except he receives the grace of God and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, *"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it*"( NLT).
Your salvation and mine is not because we did any special thing. We only received mercy from the Lord. Our human effort cannot pay for this precious gift. This is one of the doctrines that differentiates us from other religion in the world where works is preached.
Titus 3:5 says, *"he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit*" (NLT).
The believe that God uses good works to shorten the stay of the departed in purgatory is not taught in the bible. People sponsor mass, church projects and do other charitable things with the hope of attaining salvation. All of that is insufficient to save a man. The blood of Jesus is superior to all that.
If good works does not save, is there a place for it in our theology? Yes. While good works is not what saves, yet, we believe good works is the fruit of salvation not the agent of salvation. That is, after we are saved, our lives must show/ reflect good works.
Apostle Paul says, *"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago*" ( Eph 2:10).
Look at the order. We are created anew IN CHRIST, thereafter, good works follows. Not the other way round. Good works should be the fruit of our salvation not a precursor to it.
In summary, this doctrine of salvation can be stated thus: We are saved by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ so that our lives can produce good works.
Father, I thank you for sending your son to die for me. Thank you for saving me. I receive the grace to proclaim this salvation to all of mankind in Jesus name.