Salvation is a Gift

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:3-4

Those that trust in their works to afford them heaven are gravely mistaken.  Even if they lived their life nobly like Mother Theresa, if their hope was in their good deeds, they would not find heaven as their home at life’s end. Salvation is a gift given not a goal achieved. Jesus died and rose again so that we could trust in what He did to bring us to heaven. This is why even those that have sinned greatly can receive God’s gift of mercy.

Receiving Christ’s gift of salvation affects our behavior here on earth, but good behavior does not earn us a place in heaven. His righteousness is given as a gift to those who receive it by faith, but those who trust in their own righteousness, will always fall short.

Trusting in one’s own works is a stumbling block for many. Don’t be tripped by this lie. Instead, receive God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through the finished work of Christ on the cross. He suffered greatly so that we could be saved. Will you put your trust in the finished work of the cross? His mercy extends to you no matter what you have done, but if you lean on your own merits, you will not experience God’s salvation.

God desires not only to save us but to have a relationship with each of us.   He calls us to follow him as a result of his grace not in order to achieve his approval.

If you would like to begin a relationship with God and to one day step into heaven, please pray the following prayer.

Dear Father God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place up upon the cross. I believe He rose from the dead. I ask you to forgive me for my sins.  I receive your gift of salvation, and I choose to follow you all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.