SAVED BY GRACE I

It is clear from scripture that God does not forgive our sins because we have ‘been good’ and are being rewarded for good behavior. Paul, an apostle, wrote: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Lord has already forgiven people. The work of the Cross was the complete and final work. But the forgiveness remains a decision each person must make. It is a willful choice based on individual obedience. Grace comes to those who willingly choose Christ’s provision for sin… the cross.

Dallas Willard (1935-2013) philosopher and author wrote: “God is not pushy—for now, in any case. He is not going to overwhelm you if you don’t want Him. He gives you the power to put Him out of your mind. And even if you want Him, you have to seek Him. Now, I realize that there is a sense, in which He is already seeking you, and I am not trying to dispose of that, but we misunderstand what is our part and what is God’s part. God is ready to act. He is acting. We are not waiting on Him; and if it doesn’t hurt your theology too badly, He is waiting on us to respond.” (From ‘The Great Omission’)

“If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Jesus