Beyond Religion: Finding Salvation in Jesus
The Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians in Chapter 2, emphasizes that grace, an unearned favor from God, is the basis of salvation, and that faith is the means by which this gift is received. It also highlights that salvation is not a result of human effort, ensuring that no one can boast about achieving it.
"For by grace you have been saved...":
This part of the verse emphasizes that salvation is a free gift, undeserved and unearned, bestowed by God's grace.
"...through faith...":
This indicates that while salvation is a gift, it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
"...and that not of yourselves...":
This clarifies that salvation is not something that humans can achieve on their own through their actions or merits.
"...it is the gift of God...":
This confirms that salvation is a divine gift, not a human accomplishment.
"...not of works, lest anyone should boast.":
This explains that salvation is not based on any good works or deeds that one might perform, preventing human boasting about achieving salvation.
Jesus said our "works" are as filthy rags. In other words, he knows that we could never live up to God's perfect standard, in order to be saved. We are not sinless, like Jesus. Let us look at some of our "good deeds" truthfully...from Galatians:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Examples of salvation by works not taught by Jesus:
Obeying the 10 commandments
Giving to charity
Tithing
Being a good citizen
Raising a family
Reading the Bible and praying
Attending church
Being baptized
Receiving communion
Performing rituals like confession, confirmation, and beads.
Why people believe in salvation by works:
It appeals to people's desire to be in control of their own destiny.
It appeals to people's sense of justice.
It seems right to people.
Jesus taught that salvation is by grace, through faith alone, not by works.
No good work can qualify a person for heaven, because God it's not looking for perfection. He's just wanting to love you and save your soul.
"For by grace you have been saved...":
This part of the verse emphasizes that salvation is a free gift, undeserved and unearned, bestowed by God's grace.
"...through faith...":
This indicates that while salvation is a gift, it is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
"...and that not of yourselves...":
This clarifies that salvation is not something that humans can achieve on their own through their actions or merits.
"...it is the gift of God...":
This confirms that salvation is a divine gift, not a human accomplishment.
"...not of works, lest anyone should boast.":
This explains that salvation is not based on any good works or deeds that one might perform, preventing human boasting about achieving salvation.
Jesus said our "works" are as filthy rags. In other words, he knows that we could never live up to God's perfect standard, in order to be saved. We are not sinless, like Jesus. Let us look at some of our "good deeds" truthfully...from Galatians:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Examples of salvation by works not taught by Jesus:
Obeying the 10 commandments
Giving to charity
Tithing
Being a good citizen
Raising a family
Reading the Bible and praying
Attending church
Being baptized
Receiving communion
Performing rituals like confession, confirmation, and beads.
Why people believe in salvation by works:
It appeals to people's desire to be in control of their own destiny.
It appeals to people's sense of justice.
It seems right to people.
Jesus taught that salvation is by grace, through faith alone, not by works.
No good work can qualify a person for heaven, because God it's not looking for perfection. He's just wanting to love you and save your soul.
