But According to the Word - Part 825

"Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." (I John 3:7)

There are some who want you to believe that you have to work for salvation. That if you perform good works, or live your life according to "right living" principles, either of these would be sufficient for you to make it into heaven. Some even suggest that we can be saved by confessing or sins to a priest, or giving tithes according to a tithing regiment to the church. 

But according to the Word, salvation is a gift of God. Therefore, there is nothing we can do to earn our place in heaven. There is no number system or a bonus for every time we do something nice. In fact, none of the above will work. 

The only response that is sufficient is to accept God's gift without question by faith,  asking Him -- Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords -- into our heart, seeking His righteousness in our life. 

Indeed, In Ephesians, we read:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ..." (II Timothy 1:9)

I John chapter three shares the good news gospel message this way:

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.

(Whosoever committeth sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law).

And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. "Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. 

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest!

And the children of the devil? Whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (I John 3:1-24)

Take hold of Jesus' promises for your life today. Stand in the offering plate.