Yes—grace is essential to salvation because God saves lost, condemned sinners solely through His unmerited favor when they believe the gospel plus nothing.
Les Feldick teaches that grace is the attribute of God that reaches down to a person who realizes he is a fallen creature under sin and condemnation, and saves him on the basis of believing the gospel plus nothing (Clip 1). Scripture confirms that the grace of God brings salvation to all men (Titus 2:11) and that believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14). Grace is therefore not optional; it is the very foundation of salvation.
Titus 2:11 — This verse directly answers the question by saying the grace of God brings salvation to all people.
Romans 6:14 — It shows that believers are no longer under law but under grace, making grace the ruling principle of redemption.
Ephesians 1:7 — It ties redemption and the forgiveness of sins to the riches of God's grace.
The Bible reveals that salvation is entirely an act of God's grace. Titus 2:11 says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Romans 6:14 explains that those who are saved are "not under the law, but under grace." Ephesians 1:7 adds that redemption comes "through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." The preaching of the cross is described in 1 Corinthians 1:18 as "the power of God" to those who are saved. Grace is therefore not a reward for human effort but a provision that originates entirely in God. The same grace that brings salvation also instructs believers to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12).
Les Feldick defines grace as more than unmerited favor. He describes it as the attribute of God that reaches down to a fallen, condemned creature who can do nothing, and saves him on the basis of believing the gospel plus nothing (Clip 1). He stresses that the grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared to all men, so no one can claim they never heard (Clips 2, 4). He also emphasizes that it takes the very power of God to save a sinner—more power than creating the universe—and that power is released by believing the gospel (Clip 3). With the Apostle Paul, grace takes the preeminence, appearing around two hundred times from Paul onward. Les shares the test that if a teacher is not accused of preaching a gospel that gives people the idea they can do as they please, he is probably not preaching the gospel of the grace of God (Clip 5). Redemption is through Christ's blood, according to the riches of His grace, so nothing can be added to what God has already done (Clip 6). Les also clarifies that the age of grace does not mean grace was unknown before Paul. Grace was evident in the Garden, when Israel went after the golden calf, and when God withheld judgment after the crucifixion of the Messiah (Clip 7). He further notes that God revealed the doctrines of grace to Paul at Sinai, the same mountain where He gave the law to Moses (Clip 0).
Grace saves the sinner who realizes he is a fallen creature under sin and condemnation, and who knows there is nothing he can do. God's grace reaches down and saves him on the basis of believing the gospel plus nothing (Clip 1). Les emphasizes that this takes the very power of God—more power than creating the universe—and that power is released when we believe the Gospel (Clip 3). Scripture agrees that redemption is through Christ's blood according to the riches of God's grace, so nothing can be added to what God has already done (Ephesians 1:7; Clip 6).
Yes. Titus 2:11-12 says the very grace that brings salvation also teaches believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Les points out that grace-energized believers are also looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of Christ (Clip 4). He also notes that a teacher of the gospel of grace can expect to be accused of telling people they can do as they please—but that is a misunderstanding, because grace itself instructs us in godly living (Clip 5).
Les Feldick clarifies that the age of grace does not mean grace was unknown until Paul. Grace was evident in the Garden, and it has repeatedly kept God from destroying humanity—as when Israel went after the golden calf and when they rejected and crucified the Messiah (Clip 7). Yet with Paul, grace becomes the great attribute of God and takes preeminence (Clips 5, 7). Les also notes that God revealed the doctrines of grace at the same mountain where He gave the law to Moses (Clip 0).
Grace Revealed at Sinai
Les teaches that God revealed the doctrines of grace to Paul at Sinai, the same mountain where the law was given, showing grace is God's own revelation, not man's invention.
The Definition of Grace
Les explains that grace is not just unmerited favor; it is God's attribute that reaches down and saves a person who realizes he is a fallen, condemned creature who can do nothing. That salvation is based on believing the gospel plus nothing.
Grace Appeared to All Men
Les teaches that the grace that brings salvation has appeared to every human being, so no one can say 'Lord, I never heard.' Even nature testifies to a Creator.
The Power of God in Salvation
Les stresses that it takes God's power to save a sinner, and that power is released by believing the Gospel. This is why salvation cannot be worked for or merited.
Grace Teaches Godly Living
Les applies Titus 2:11-13: grace has appeared to all men, and it also trains believers to deny ungodliness, live soberly and righteously in this present world, and look for the blessed hope of Christ's appearing.
Grace Takes Preeminence
Les notes that from Paul onward the word grace appears about two hundred times, showing that grace takes preeminence. He also shares the test that if you aren't accused of preaching a 'do as you please' gospel, you probably aren't preaching the gospel of grace.
Redemption by Grace
Les emphasizes that believers have redemption through Christ's blood, with forgiveness according to the riches of God's grace. People want to merit it, but God has done everything required, and our part is to rest in that grace.
Grace in the Old Testament
Les clarifies that the age of grace doesn't mean grace was unknown before Paul. Grace was evident in the Garden, after the golden calf, when Israel rejected the Messiah, and in God's forbearance of the human race.
Titus 2:11: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
This is the key verse showing that grace is the direct source of salvation for all people.
Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
This contrasts the law with grace, showing that grace, not the law, governs the believer.
Ephesians 1:7: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
It ties redemption and forgiveness directly to the riches of God's grace.
1 Corinthians 1:18: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
The gospel message is the power of God for those being saved, underscoring grace as God's work.
Titus 2:12: Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
The same grace that saves also instructs believers in godly living.
Titus 2:13: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Grace empowers believers to live in expectation of Christ's appearing.
Grace is God's unmerited favor, but Les Feldick explains it also as the attribute of God that reaches down to a fallen, condemned sinner who can do nothing and saves him when he believes the gospel plus nothing (Clip 1).
No. Scripture says 'the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men' (Titus 2:11) and redemption is 'according to the riches of his grace' (Ephesians 1:7). Without grace there is no salvation.
Grace teaches believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12). Les Feldick notes that someone preaching the gospel of grace often gets accused of telling people they can do as they please, but grace itself instructs us in godly living (Clips 4, 5).
Watch the Teaching: Why Carnal Believers Are Still Blameless — 1 Corinthians 1:8-9