"If righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21) Many today believe that one is saved by good works, or by living a good life. Unfortunately, this is not what the scriptures state. Indeed, salvation is not achieved by works of righteousness which we have done -- but according to His mercy and grace. (Titus 3:5)
Therefore, believing in Jesus by faith -- believing in our Lord God and Saviour who loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross so that we might have salvation is the only way to inherit life everlasting. The book of Romans elaborates on this point. Specifically, Romans chapter ten states:
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
Therefore, do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:16-21)
"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God ... for Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes." (Romans 10:3-4)
Our only contribution then is to acknowledge our sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
Peter further elaborates on this point in Acts chapter ten. Therein, Peter preached that the Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ -- (He is Lord of all) -- "that Word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.
And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after he rose from the dead.
"And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins."
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Then answered Peter, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:36-48)
Other scriptures confirm the same salvation message. In John chapter six, they said unto Jesus, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent."
Peter, standing with the other apostles in Acts chapter two was asked the same question. "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
Therefore, cast thy bread upon the waters today. Believe that the Lord God who created us in the beginning loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for us. This is the work of God that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. (John 6:29) Jesus -- our Lord God and Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment