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April 16, 2012

SALVATION IS A GIFT

Most believers in the world today are somehow convinced that they are the captains of their eternal destiny and that God helps them to save themselves in a cooperative or partnership manner.  This quickly becomes a very scary way to live since we have absolutely nothing to contribute in our behalf (not even possessing the tiniest island of righteousness).  Most of us grew up learning that there is no free lunch. We must earn our daily bread if we are able-bodied. 

Consequently, we still feel uncomfortable about the notion of getting anything for free. Moreover, from our own experience, the idea of getting anything for nothing is usually too good to be true.  We rightfully take great pride in being providers for our immediate families.  After all, the Apostle Paul declared that "if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever [or an "infidel" in some translations]" (1 Tim. 5:8 ESV emphasis supplied).


In the truest soteriological sense, however, salvation is a gift to be received, not a goal to be achieved.  This truth finally led me out of a false gospel and into biblical Christianity.  Salvation, the free gift, is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, and for the glory of God alone. My wife and I will be forever grateful that our awesome, sovereign God didn't leave us where He found us.  He never goes on a rescue mission that fails. Salvation is a rescue operation from start to finish.  

Indeed, we should be "know-so" Christians instead of merely "hope-so" Christians (see 1 John 5:13). In his classic book, Chosen by God, Dr. R. C. Sproul adds that "The assurance of our salvation is vital to our spiritual lives.  Without it our growth is retarded and we are assailed with crippling doubts...No true believer ever loses his salvation.  To be sure, Christians fall at times seriously and radically, but never fully and finally.  We persevere, not because of our strength but because of God's grace that preserves us." Let us wholeheartedly exclaim with Jonah, the reluctant prophet: "For my salvation comes from the Lord alone" (Jonah 2:9 NLT). It's all about Him!  Soli Deo Gloria!


In awe of the guilt-removing, sin-atoning sacrifice of Jesus,


Dennis J. Fischer
E-mail: dfministries@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dfministries