Acceptence is not a "work" really. Yes the gift of salvation is free and no you don't have to do anything to obtain it. Paul even says that if you have to work for it then it is no longer a gift (grace is no longer grace).

Clearly, no. Paul was clear that it's a gift . . . "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" -- Ephesians 2:8 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." -- Romans 6:23 "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." -- Romans 5:18 "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." -- 2 Corinthians 9:15 . . . and if you have to do anything, or pay anything to get it it's clearly no longer a gift.

This can be a very controversial subject. It isn't as simple as some people try to make it. Just think about what I have ask. Can Salvation be free, if you have to do something to obtain it? Our home basketball Team once had a promotion. They gave away free a new Basketball to the first 10,000 fans who attended their game. Now was this Basketball actually a free gift? Only those who purchased a ticket and attended the game, and was one of 10,000 who attended, received a ball. What of those who attended but were not part of the first 10,000 fans? They did not get a ball! You say Salvation is a free Gift from God. But what about those who do not believe in Jesus Christ? Are they still saved? What about those who believe in Jesus Christ, but have not accepted him into their heart? Are they still saved? I have talked with many Orthodox Christians and have ask these questions of them and every one of them answered no to both questions. So apparently a person must do something special in order to obtain this so called free gift. Which means it is not a free gift at all. But the Bible clearly states that Salvation is a free Gift of God! So what is the answer? Actually, there are two different kinds of Salvation mentioned in the Bible and both of them are brought about by Jesus Christ. One is a free Gift of God. The other must be earned, by doing something specific as set forth by Jesus Christ. The fact is, Jesus came to earth to fulfill two missions. Which we read about in I Cor.15;21,22.."For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Notice it doesn't say all who believe in Christ will be made alive, but ALL will be made alive. Also we read in Eph.2;8,9.."For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." This scripture is widely misunderstood by the Orthodox Christians. They use these scriptures quite often to show Salvation is a free gift of God. But if they were to stop and really read these scriptures they would find that the scriptures do not even mention salvation at all, it is talking about Grace. It is Grace that is a gift from God, not Salvation from our sins. But Grace only comes into play, after all we can do...I shall continue in another box, as this is getting too long...Later

No, it can't. That's like saying you earned a gift.

Continued from last post.. It seems incredible to me that a Billion people could actually believe Jesus left His home in heaven and came to earth specifically to suffer, bleed and die for all mankind and not require anything of us in return! What happens when parents give their children everything they want and do not require anything of them in return? have you ever heard it turning out just fine in every case? Jesus told the Apostles what was required on our part in order for us to partake of his Atonement. This is recorded in Acts 2;38..."Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." These 4 steps are essential for having our sins removed by Christs Atonement. 1.Have Faith in Jesus Christ. 2.Repent of all our sins. 3.Be Baptized by immersion by one having the priesthood from God. 4.Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, by one who has the Priesthood from God. No other requirements are given in the scriptures, to supersede these 4 steps. After we have complied with these requirements we will be saved by the Grace of Christ...Later

If everyone can do that thing necessary to obtain it, then yes I think it is free.

If the Atonement of Christ did not exist then no matter what we do, we will always fall short of Salvation. The "Gift" part of it is what makes up the difference. It doesn't mean the whole process is free. If God wants us to better ourselves then why would he say "Here is Salvation. Don't bother doing anything though. It's free." The "free" part is the what we lack.