April 20
Ephesians 2:8-9
Advertisement article continues below
Recently I was talking with a fellow about his spiritual life. When I asked, “Are you saved?” he answered, “No, but I’m working at it.” When I pressed him, he explained that he was making some changes in his life. He had given up smoking and drinking, among other things. I knew that I should help him understand a few important principles, as his only guarantee so far was better health.
What this gentleman needed to realize was that what we do or what we give up for Jesus doesn’t amount to much. The Lord isn’t looking for people who change a few habits by sheer force of will; He’s calling people to surrender themselves to Him. The only action God expects of a “seeker” is to believe in Jesus–that He is who He says, He will do what He says, He has the authority to forgive, and He will equip His people to live a godly life. Because of those convictions, a new Christian is empowered to turn away from his old life–in other words, to repent–and begin the process of becoming “a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).
We don’t evolve into a saved people by deleting old habits and instituting better religious ones; we are transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ when we believe in Him.
Since salvation isn’t something we earn, no one can boast before God. All of our moral living, good deeds, and strenuous efforts to change bad habits amount to a pile of trash compared to the holiness of Jesus Christ (Isa. 64:6). Only His righteousness can cover our sins and make us right before the Father.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Viewpoints expressed herein are of the article’s author(s), or of the person(s) or organization(s) quoted or linked therein, and do not necessarily represent those of True Conservative Pundit
Subscribe to my daily newsletter, and join hundreds of daily readers and receive news and relevant commentary
Don't forget to follow True Conservative Pundit on Facebook and Twitter. Please help spread the word about us, share our articles on your favorite social networks.
If you value what you see on True Conservative Pundit, please consider donating, any amount helps.
Since 2013, True Conservative Pundit has featured the insightful writing and reporting of Greg Holt. His writing has been featured on American Prophet, Conservative Firing Line, DC Clothesline, Godfather Politics, Capitol Hill Outsider, Sons of Liberty Media, Rev. Austin Miles, and others. Greg is also the Publisher and Editor of Inspirational Christian Blogs
Subscribe to my daily newsletter, and join hundreds of daily readers and receive news and relevant commentary
Follow TCP on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Social Cross and Gab
The sad truth is that most people think they can earn their salvation by what they do or don’t do instead of what Christ alone did for us.
True especially in the Catholic church. If people read Ephesians 2:8-9 I don’t see how they can think that. 🙂