Discussion: July 21: Bakit Walang Taong Neutral: Kaaway O Kakampi? - Pelagius - Ephesians 2:1-5

365 Daily Devotions: Seminary Edition


💁🏻 Concept: Pelagius
Pelagius was a fifth-century British monk who taught that human beings are born morally neutral and capable of obeying God’s commands without divine grace. His teachings—later known as Pelagianism—denied original sin and claimed that people can take the first and most important steps toward salvation by their own willpower. Biblically, this is a serious error that undermines the gospel. Scripture clearly teaches that we are spiritually dead apart from God’s grace and that salvation is entirely a work of God from beginning to end. Pelagianism exalts man, while the true gospel exalts Christ.


📖 Bible Readings: Ephesians 2:1-5
(John 6:44; Romans 3:10-12; Titus 3:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 51:5; Philippians 1:6)


👨🏻‍💻 Teachings:
1. Pelagianism denies the reality of original sin and human depravity.
2. The Bible teaches that we are not morally neutral but already dead, deserving of wrath.
3. Salvation is not initiated by man’s will, but by God’s will and sovereign mercy.


💪🏼 Applications:
1. Reject any mindset that trusts in your own strength or “goodness” for salvation.
2. Rely completely on God’s grace—from start to finish— for salvation.
3. Proclaim a gospel that glorifies God’s grace, not human effort.


🎙Discussion:
Why is it dangerous to believe that we can earn God’s favor or salvation by our own will or goodness?

Alternative questions:
1. What have you learned from this devotion?
2. How can you practically apply our devotion?


🙏🏼 Prayer:
Holy God, I confess that apart from You, I am dead in sin and without hope. Thank You that salvation is not about my effort, but Your grace. You made me alive with Christ, not because I earned it, but because You are rich in mercy. Help me never to trust in myself, but only in the finished work of Jesus. Keep me from pride, self-righteousness, and performance-driven faith. Let my life point to Your saving power and not my own ability. I rest fully in Your grace today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Partner: Julie