How are we saved by grace only?

Based on these “grace passages”^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, we are definitely saved by God’s grace. Specifically, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. God “graced” mankind with the manifestation of deity in the flesh^1,2,8. God has given the “right”² or the “gift”³ of salvation…but notice too that none of these “grace passages”^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} teach that we are saved by grace only. Just examine these numbered points that correspond to the scripture-blocks below:

• ¹ God’s grace is a sign that can invoke a negative response. It can be “opposed” or rejected but it will also reveal the secrets of the heart (implying that revelation may not be satisfactory to God).
• ² God’s grace is only received by those that believe and are born again.
• ³ God’s “gift” may not be immediately recognized.
• ⁴ God’s grace in or upon someone is only manifested by their belief and good works.
• ⁵ God’s grace is received through our death (to sin) and burial and resurrection in Christ (through baptism).
• ⁶ Those that have accepted God’s grace can become “severed from Christ” by disobedience. They have “fallen away from grace”.
• ⁷ God’s grace can be received “in vain”.
• ^8,9 God’s grace “appeared” with “salvation for all people”, but one must “renounce ungodliness” and live “godly lives” being “zealous for good works”.

These “grace passages”^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} – including even the signature “grace only proof-text” passage⁴ – all teach a grace that is indeed free for all^1,2,3,4,7,8. But each person must “receive” it² in belief^2,3 (e.g. “faith”⁴) and respond by being born again^2,5 (dying to sin⁸) and living a life of obedience^4,5,6,7,8. None of this means man “earns his salvation”. A born again believer still struggles with sin. Indeed, it’s only through God’s grace⁴ that we can say “now is the day of salvation”⁷!