Foundations of Truth
with Dr. Timothy Mann
Are You Trying to Earn What God Only Gives by Grace
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
You can spend a lifetime trying to be “good enough” and still miss the one thing the gospel actually offers: mercy for people who can’t earn it. We open Ephesians 2:1–10 and let it speak with full force, starting with the diagnosis we don’t like to hear: we were spiritually dead. Not needy for a tune-up. Not waiting on better habits. Dead, and unable to fix ourselves. From there, we trace God’s mercy and motive. Salvation isn’t triggered by our potential or our performance. God loves because he is love, and Scripture says Christ dies for us while we are still sinners. That leads to one of the most freeing truths in Christian theology: salvation is a resurrection. God makes us alive with Christ, joins us to Christ, and seats us with Christ. If that sounds too strong, notice the tense in Paul’s words. What God accomplishes is not temporary or probationary. It is finished work that produces real assurance of salvation. Then we slow down over the famous summary: by grace alone through faith alone. Grace is undeserved favor, faith is trust, and even that faith is not a trophy we show off. Salvation is the gift of God, which means pride has nowhere to stand. Finally, we put good works in their rightful place: we are not saved by good works, but saved for good works, as God’s workmanship with a life shaped by purpose. Listen, share this with someone who feels stuck in striving, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, what’s harder for you to believe: that grace is truly free, or that it really changes you?How can we pray for you? Text us and tell us how the episode helped you, as well. Support the showEnjoying this episode? Subscribe to the show!Dig deeper into biblical truth with articles from Pastor Tim! — Click HereGet Pastor Tim’s book Saved: Understanding God’s Work In Us — available now at Xulon Press Amazon Barnes and Noble
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How Can You Know the Bible is the Authoritative Word of God?
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