Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace (Romans 6:23). It cannot be earned by human merit, effort, or righteousness. And yet, Jesus also declares that following Him requires denial of self, taking up the cross, and forsaking all (Luke 14:26–27). How can this gift be both freely given and yet demand everything from the recipient? This paradox touches on the relationship between grace, discipleship, and the cost of allegiance to Christ.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Salvation is Free
- Romans 6:23 – “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Ephesians 2:8–9 – “By grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.”
- Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
2.2 Salvation Costs Everything
- Luke 14:26–27, 33 – “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
- Matthew 10:38–39 – “He that taketh not his cross… is not worthy of me.”
- Philippians 3:7–8 – Paul “counted all things loss” for the sake of knowing Christ.
3. Theological Meaning
The freeness of salvation refers to its unmerited nature—no human action can earn or deserve it. However, the reception of this gift results in a radical reorientation of life. True faith responds to grace with full-hearted surrender, a cost not in monetary or moral payment, but in yielding all allegiance to Christ.
4. Paradox Explained
| Dimension | Nature of Cost/Freedom | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|
| Salvation is Free | Not earned, not purchased | Ephesians 2:8 |
| Salvation Costs Everything | Requires surrender of self and possessions | Luke 14:33 |
| Grace is Undeserved | Yet transforms the whole life | Titus 3:5 |
5. Christ as the Fulfilment of Both Aspects
- Jesus paid the full price for salvation on the cross (1 Peter 1:18–19),
- He offers it freely to all who believe (John 3:16),
- Yet He calls those who receive it to die to self and follow Him (Mark 8:34).
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Tertullian: “Christ purchased us at great price; shall we not offer our whole lives in return?”
- Origen: True faith includes costly obedience, even unto death.
6.2 Reformation
- Martin Luther: Salvation is sola gratia, yet a believer “is perfectly free, and perfectly bound.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (20th century): Warned against “cheap grace”—grace that offers forgiveness without discipleship.
6.3 Evangelical and Modern
- John Stott: “The gift of salvation is free, but not cheap. It calls for total surrender.”
- A.W. Tozer: Grace that costs nothing often produces nothing.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Legalism is excluded: salvation is not by works,
- Antinomianism is rebuked: true grace leads to a life of costly devotion,
- Salvation must be understood as a gift that transforms and claims ownership of the whole self.
8. Devotional Applications
- Rejoice in the freedom of grace, not earned but freely bestowed,
- Reflect on what you must lay down in order to fully follow Christ,
- Cultivate a heart that says, “I am bought with a price; I belong to Christ.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
9. Summary Table
| Salvation Truth | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Free Gift of Grace | Cannot be bought or earned |
| Demands Total Surrender | Requires self-denial and lifelong obedience |
| Grace Leads to Discipleship | Not cheap permission to remain unchanged |
10. Conclusion
The paradox of free salvation that costs everything confronts every believer with the nature of true grace. It is neither a transaction nor a licence—it is a gift that claims the heart, reorders desires, and demands loyalty. The cross of Christ is offered freely, but to take it up is to walk a costly road. In doing so, believers find that what they lose cannot compare to the joy of gaining Christ.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Tertullian. On the Prescription of Heretics
- Bonhoeffer, D. The Cost of Discipleship
- Stott, J. The Cross of Christ
- Luther, M. The Freedom of a Christian
- Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God