Is salvation a gift or a reward?

Salvation is a gift, not a reward. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is given freely by God through His grace, not something we can earn or deserve. William Barclay encapsulates this well by stating, "Grace is a gift." When we delve into the theological concept of salvation, this idea becomes even clearer. The apostle Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This means that salvation is not a reward for good behavior or human effort, but an unmerited favor from God.

The Greek word charis (χάρις), which is often translated as "grace," conveys this idea of an undeserved gift. In some contexts, it is even translated as "charity," highlighting its nature as something given without any expectation of repayment. While the word charis can have different nuances depending on its use in the text, its core meaning remains the same—it always points to something freely given by God. This is a crucial distinction because, in theological terms, a reward implies something earned or deserved, whereas a gift is freely given, independent of the recipient's merit.

In the broader biblical narrative, we never find any support for the idea that salvation is a reward for human achievement. Romans 3:23-24 makes it clear that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." This shows that we cannot work our way to heaven or be "good enough" to earn God's favor. Instead, salvation is rooted in God's character as a loving and merciful Father, who offers us grace despite our shortcomings.

Theologically, this understanding of salvation is crucial because it directs our faith toward God’s action in Jesus Christ, rather than our own efforts. If salvation were a reward, we might be tempted to rely on our works or personal righteousness. But as Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." This mercy-driven salvation calls us to respond in faith and gratitude, not with a sense of entitlement or accomplishment.

In deeper studies of grace and salvation, John Barclay’s Paul and the Gift explores the multifaceted nature of charis in Paul's writings, particularly emphasizing how grace as a gift reflects God’s unconditional generosity. Additionally, the Handbook of SDA Theology provides a detailed analysis of salvation by grace, reaffirming that in Adventist understanding, salvation is entirely God’s work from beginning to end. Our role is to accept this gift in faith, trusting in God’s grace and the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

Thus, salvation is purely a gift of grace from God. It cannot be earned or merited; it is given freely to those who believe. While charis may have different applications in various contexts, in relation to salvation, it always points to God’s unearned favor. Understanding this frees us from the pressure of trying to earn God's approval and helps us rest in the assurance of His love and grace.