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Question 2
Chrysostom is quoted answering the objection, “How are we to be saved without contributing anything at all?” by saying we “offer no small contribution…our faith”; in what ways does calling faith a “contribution” challenge common evangelical ways of talking about “no contribution” or “faith as merely receiving”?
Another way to ask: Chrysostom says we do make a contribution—our faith. How does calling faith a “contribution” challenge the way evangelicals often say we bring “nothing” and faith is only receiving?

Direct Answer Calling faith a “contribution” challenges the idea that humans do literally nothing at conversion; the transcript insists salvation is apart from Mosaic law and works, yet still “conditioned” on an active, real response—faith (and repentance). It reframes faith not as earning, but as the required human participation in receiving God’s gift.

Support from Transcript:

  • Chrysostom is brought in precisely to answer, “How are we to be saved without contributing anything at all to our salvation?”
  • The response: “Paul provides the answer…we too offer no small contribution…our faith.”
  • Paul “immediately adds, ‘By faith in Jesus Christ, to all and upon all who believe,’” emphasizing believing as a real act.
  • The speaker repeatedly denies merit-earning: salvation is “apart from the law of Moses,” and “apart from our own godly works.”
  • Still, the transcript says initial salvation is “conditioned only on our faith in Jesus Christ and on our genuine repentance,” which makes faith more than passive.
Discussion Follow-ups Does your usual language about “no contribution” leave room for faith as a meaningful response without turning it into a work? How might this affect how you preach or explain conversion to someone who feels spiritually powerless?

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