FRIDAY: Salvation by Grace, Not Works

BIG IDEA: You could be in the right place with the right people doing all the right things and still be WRONG with God.

Reading:

Ephesians 2:1-10

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Titus 3:4-7

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Devotional:

The sailors on Jonah's ship demonstrated salvation beautifully: they feared the Lord, offered sacrifice, and made vows—confession, belief, and commitment. Jonah, the religious professional, had to learn this same lesson from the belly of a fish.

Salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him from the dead. It's not about doing enough good things or maintaining perfect religious disciplines.

John Wesley discovered he'd been trusting his works rather than Christ's finished work. He had religion but he lacked relationship. Good things don't make you saved; however, being saved makes you want to do good things.

If you're uncertain about your salvation, today is your day. God brought Jonah up from the pit while he was still in the fish—by faith, before rescue came. Trust Him today.

Reflection:

Can you articulate your salvation testimony? If not, will you settle this today by faith?

Song of the Day:

 Jesus Paid It All // Kristian Stanfill // Take 2