Ephesians 2:8-9 For by Grace you have been Saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.

 

In the 15th Chapter of the Book of Acts, we read that some men traveled all the way from Jerusalem to Antioch to preach false doctrine to the new converts. And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. (Acts 15:1)

 

They were adding circumcision to faith in Christ for Salvation and in doing so, they were actually saying that what Jesus accomplished on the Cross of Calvary was not enough. Unfortunately, this is still the case today.

 

The Price Jesus paid on the Cross satisfied the demands of God Almighty. We do not need to add anything to it. Some believe you must be water baptized to be Saved. Others believe you have to belong to a certain church or denomination to be Saved. It is believed by some that you must attend their church twice a week and complete their classes to be Saved. One large denomination believes that a person can donate a large sum of money and be Saved. None of these things are true. The only thing required for Salvation is faith in Christ Crucified. Paul wrote to the Ephesians on this subject and said, For by Grace you have been Saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

 

On a personal level, people put restrictions on themselves for Salvation. Many believe they must change their ways before they can be Saved. Others believe they have to read a certain number of Chapters in the Bible each day to maintain their Salvation. Some require themselves to memorize so much Scripture each day or pray for a certain amount of time every day. All of this is good and we should go to Church, be baptized, donate money, pray, read the Bible, and memorize Scripture but it is NOT required by God to gain or retain Salvation.

 

Salvation is the FREE GIFT OF GOD for anyone who will believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross for their sins, rose on the Third Day, and is alive today sitting at the Right Hand of the Father in Heaven.

 

Faith in Christ Crucified is the ONLY requirement and qualifier for Salvation. Everything else is man-made law set in place and is no different than the Jews who came from Jerusalem to Antioch and told the Christians they had to be circumcised to be Saved.

 

The Word of God makes it very clear that we are Saved by Grace through faith in Christ Crucified. That’s it! Nothing more is required. God made it easy so everyone can receive His Free Gift of Salvation.

 

Faith in Christ will……….turn the tide………..in your life.

 

By Grace through faith in Christ,         Doreen

 

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