Salvation by faith in Jesus
Christ sounds too easy for many people. They would rather think that
they must do something to save themselves. Through this kind of
thinking, their religion becomes one of self-effort that leads either
to disappointment or pride, but finally to eternal death.
RELIGION
BY SELF-EFFORT
1. Goal: Please
God by our own good deeds.
2. How:
Practice, diligent service, discipline, and obedience, in hope of
rewards.
3. Power:
Good, honest effort through self-determination.
4. Control:
Self-motivated, self-control.
5. Results:
Chronic guilt, apathy, depression, failure, constant desire for
approval.
SALVATION
BY FAITH
1.
Goal: Trust
in Christ and then live to please God.
2. How: Confess,
submit, and commit yourself to Christ’s control.
3. Power: The
Holy Spirit in us helps us do good work for Christ’s kingdom.
4. Control: Christ
in me; I in Christ.
5. Results: Joy,
thankfulness, love, guidance, service, forgiveness.
CONCLUSION
The simple plan of Salvation
by faith in Jesus Christ is the only way, and it alone leads to
eternal life.
WHAT
MUST YOU DO TO BE SAVED?
Romans
10:8-13 (NIV) says “But
what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in
your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we
proclaim: If you declare
with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your
heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth
that you profess your faith and are saved.
As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in Him will never be put
to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the
same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for,
‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
End
Of Post