Studying Key Doctrines: Unpacking Salvation and Grace with the KJV

Welcome back to our series Your Questions About Studying Scripture Answered! In our first post, we explored how to start your journey in Scripture with the King James Version (KJV), focusing on Paul’s epistles and the dispensation of the age of grace. Now, let’s dive deeper into studying key doctrines—starting with salvation and grace, the foundation of our faith today. These truths, revealed through Paul’s writings, show us how God operates in this dispensation (Eph 3:2). Using a topical study method, we’ll unpack these doctrines with the KJV to build your understanding and confidence in God’s Word—because truth matters (2 Tim 2:15).

Why Focus on Salvation and Grace?

Salvation and grace are central to the Gospel of Grace in this dispensation (the current time we are living in—today). Ephesians 3:2-3 (KJV) states, “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.” Paul’s epistles reveal the mystery of God’s grace—salvation through faith alone, not works. Romans 3:23-24 (KJV) declares, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Understanding these doctrines helps you grasp God’s will for today and live by faith (Rom 5:1).

Practical Tip: Start with salvation and grace because they anchor your faith in Christ’s finished work, not human effort (Eph 2:8-9).

How to Study Topically: The SOAP Method

In our first post, we introduced the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) for topical study. Let’s apply it to salvation and grace:

• Scripture: Gather verses on salvation and grace. Start with Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Add Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Observation: What do these verses teach? Salvation is a free gift given by God’s grace, received through faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Cor 15:3-4). Through observing these verses (and others that speak on this topic) you see works play no role in this—God’s grace is sufficient.
• Application: Trust in Christ’s finished work, not your own efforts. When doubts arise, remind yourself of Romans 5:1—your peace comes from faith, not performance.
• Prayer: Pray for faith to rest in God’s grace: “Lord, thank You for saving me by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work. Thank you for sealing me with the Holy Spirit of Promise (Ephesians 1:13) and letting me live in Your peace.”
  

Why This Works: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) urges, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Topical study helps you rightly divide the Word by focusing on God’s plan for this dispensation.

Key Verses to Understand Salvation

Salvation in this dispensation is by faith alone in Christ’s finished work. Here are some key verses to study:

• Romans 3:23-24 (KJV): “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” All sin, but we’re justified freely by grace through Christ’s finished work—He did it all—believe it!
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV): “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” This is the Gospel of Grace—believe it, and you are saved—yes, God made it that easy. All are without excuse.
• Titus 3:5 (KJV): “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Salvation is God’s mercy, not our merit.

Practical Tip: Write these verses in a notebook. Reflect on how they emphasize faith over works, reinforcing the truth of God’s grace.

Key Verses to Understand Grace

Grace is God’s unmerited favor, the foundation of our salvation and daily walk. Study these verses:

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” God’s grace saves us through faith—it’s a gift, not earned.
• Romans 5:20 (KJV): “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” God’s grace exceeds our sin, offering hope no matter our failures.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV): “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace and what he has done for us already is greater than any trial or tribulation.

Practical Tip: Memorize Ephesians 2:8-9 to remind yourself daily that your salvation and strength come from God’s grace, not your works.

Living Out These Truths

Understanding salvation and grace transforms how you live. Romans 6:14 (KJV) says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” You’re free from the law’s burden—live by faith in Christ’s finished work. If you believe, don’t ever doubt your salvation—it’s secure in God’s grace (Rom 8:38-39). Share this truth with others, as Paul urges in 2 Timothy 2:2: “The things that thou hast heard of me… the same commit thou to faithful men.”

Practical Tip: Each day, thank God for His grace. Share the Gospel of Grace with one person this week, pointing them to Christ’s finished work.

Your Next Steps

Studying salvation and grace builds a firm foundation for your faith—the right foundation. In a future post, we’ll explore how to identify teachers who rightly divide the Word, ensuring you’re learning from sources aligned with the Bible and God’s Truth. For now, start your topical study on salvation and grace using the SOAP method discussed above. You may also find our topical verse by verse ebooks to be extremely helpful in your learning, found here. Open your KJV Bible to Romans 3:23-24, reflect on God’s gift, and pray for understanding.

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