Salvation Pure and Simple

A new year is a very good time to assess our spiritual life. This is offered for those needing a spiritual transformation.

Hopefully all who are reading this have experienced what it means to be saved.

Scripture tells us salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8), and the only path is through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We receive salvation through faith, first by hearing the gospel. The next step is when we decide to believe and trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16).

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14: 6)

Some say this is being narrow-minded, bigoted, and opinionated. Marvel not there is only one way. Rejoice there is a way.

This is not a trait peculiar to Christians. Every faith professes their proposed way is the way. 

If you were going to make a counterfeit $20.00 bill what would you make it look like? Logically it would be the real thing, an actual $20.00. If you were going to make a fake of Christianity what would you make it look like? In order to deceive persons it logically would be made to look like the real thing.

In the final analysis there are only two ways proposed for salvation. Christianity proposes it is by grace through faith. We are saved “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us….” (Titus 3:5) This is based on what Jesus has done.

All others propose another way with different versions and it is “works.” That is, what we must do to be saved. Scripture notes:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8, 9)

It is impossible to work, earn, or merit God’s favor.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved….” Acts 16: 31

Believe is a little word full of much meaning. As often used in the Bible it calls for action.

Faith is belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s life. Belief is to place one’s trust in God’s truth. A person who believes is one who takes God at His word and trusts in Him for salvation. 

After the initial act of faith comes new life resulting in a lifestyle of obedience to His will and way of life. We are not saved by works, but to work.

If you have trusted Jesus for salvation, pause now and thank Him for it.

If you haven’t, pause now and ask Him for forgiveness of sin and the gift of salvation.