“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9
The Word of God plainly teaches that eternal life is the “FREE GIFT” (Romans
5:15) of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 are clear on the matter... Man has no part in
God's salvation. When Paul says, “work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling” (Philippians 2:12), he did not say to work out God's salvation.
Over and over in the Psalms, 26-times, references are made to
“Thy Salvation,”
that is, God's salvation. It is God that saves sinners, and not man. No
priest nor minister can forgive your sins. Only Jesus Who has the
nail-scared hands and feet can forgive men's sins. Salvation is not
something that is achieved; but rather simply received.
It's not what you're doing that gets you to Heaven, it's where you are looking. LOOK TO JESUS!
Salvation is based upon the PROMISES of God. Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, PROMISED before the world began.” Salvation is not a matter of man doing something for God; but of what God has done for man. God in His unconditional love sent His only begotten Son into the world to SAVE SINNERS!
Salvation is receiving, not giving. Eternal life is the free gift of God. In salvation, a person simply ceases from their own self-righteousness (dead works) and rests upon the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 6:1, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.” Repentance is turning toward God from one's dead works (self-righteousness) to be saved. Biblical repentance is turning toward God to be saved from one's sins; not turning from one's sins as a prerequisite to faith in God. God makes the necessary changes in one's life. Our part is to simply to BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (Acts 16:30-31). Salvation is as simple as getting on the ark.
Salvation is freely received; not meritously achieved. Eternal life is a gift; not a reward. Oh, listen my friend, all the sacraments of the Catholic Church won't save them. It is idolatry! God is not worshipped with idols, sacraments and manmade traditions. They are all a road to damnation in the Lake of Fire. Ye must be born-again (John 3:3-5). You need HIS righteousness, i.e., the righteousness of Jesus Christ which is imputed to every ungodly sinner the very moment you place your faith in Jesus, the Son of God, as your Savior. 2nd Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus is precious!
