“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
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, inspired by God, he said that they were no longer “children of wrath.” Well, what does that mean? It means that God no longer sees them as deserving His divine anger. Why? Because they have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. So, when God looks at them, all He sees is the precious and perfect sacrifice that Jesus made for them. Their sins are gone in the site of God. Which brings me to the subject of this devotional blog – Grace Through Faith.
Christians Should Know This, But Others May Not
For those of you reading this that are Christians, you know what I’m talking about. But, for those that are not Christians, let me explain. Bible-based Christianity is based on Christ Jesus doing everything necessary for our salvation. All we have to do is accept that free gift of God’s Grace and we are saved. God provides His grace through our faith. So, what is included in this faith? What do we have to believe – from the depths of our heart and soul? What do we viscerally – from our guts need to believe?
According to the Bible, We Know
First, Jesus was born of a virgin. The product of a genuine miracle. God created Jesus and placed him in Mary’s whom. According to 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul describes Jesus as the Last Adam. In other words, the last person created directly by God.
Second, you must believe that Jesus lived a completely sinless life. We are so sinful by nature that many people have a problem believing this simple truth, but it must be true. If it wasn’t true Jesus would not be a perfect sacrifice and He could not atone for us or redeem us. He was sinless.
Third, Jesus willingly allowed himself to be falsely accused, beaten unrecognizable and then nailed to a cross. He allowed this so that he could sacrifice Himself for all of us.
Fourth, on the third day Jesus rose from the dead and was alive and well for an additional 40 days on earth. This was witnessed by well over 500 eyewitnesses.
Fifth, Jesus was transfigured, changed into his eternal body and ascended into Heaven as witnessed by the apostles.
The Bible is Trustworthy
You might say – “What? I need to believe all that?” Well, yes, but it’s actually much simpler than that. You simply need to believe that the Jesus of the Bible was and is the Son of the only God and what is said about Him in the Bible is true. It’s just that simple. Then you accept that truth and His grace through a simple prayer of confession and acceptance.
A simple prayer like:
“Lord, I’m a sinner and I know it. Please forgive me. I believe what the Bible says about Jesus and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior, Amen.”
Conclusion
I’ve said all that to say this. Many today feel like you need to earn your way into Heaven. Don’t believe that junk. After you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior you will be compelled by the Holy Spirit to do good works. The good works come after you’re saved, not before. To be saved you just have to accept the free gift of God’s grace. Because it is His grace through your faith that saves. Not your works.
Biblical Christianity is the only religion on the planet that clearly states – We cannot save ourselves. We will never be worthy of Heaven of our own volition. Jesus’ willing sacrifice is the only way to Heaven. It is said that Christianity is a “Done” religion not a “Do” religion because Jesus Christ did it all for us on the cross. It’s all done. His sacrifice provided the means for all to be saved. They just have to believe and ask. It’s just that simple.