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)
Seems to me there are three crucial questions we must answer. Each has a two-word answer:
Question Answer
- Is there any hope for lost sinners? Yes, Christ.
- Isn’t there any work for sinners to do? No, believe.
- Is there any way for the saved to lose the gift? No, never!
First question: Is there any hope for lost sinners? Yes, Christ.
Not Christ and the church. Not Christ and good works. Not Christ and sincerity.
He died for our sins and was placed in the grave as proof of His death. He rose from the dead bodily, miraculously, in proof of His life beyond. If you believe that He died and rose for you, you have eternal life. It’s a gift.
Second question: Isn’t there any work for a seeker to do? Don’t I have to add to it? Answer: No (period). Believe!
One of my favourite illustrations of the importance of believing and not working is to consider a nice meal you and I enjoy together. You invite me over. I come to your home. You have prepared my favourite meal. We dine and dialogue together. What a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Then, as I get up to leave, I reach into my pocket and say, “Now, what do I owe you?” You’re shocked! That’s an insult. You knew what I needed, and out of love for me you fixed it and served it. Part of being a good host is that you pick up the tab. For me to suggest that I’ll pay for it is like a slap in the face.
Third question: Is there any way to lose the gift? No, never! Now stop and think before you disagree. Stay with biblical logic, not human reasoning. If you work for it, then you can certainly lose it. And that would mean it is not a gift; it’s what you’ve earned. We really confuse things when we try to turn a gift into a wage. Furthermore, just as no one can say how much work is enough to earn it, no one can ever say how little work is enough to lose it.
Salvation is simply a gift. It’s simple, but it wasn’t easy. It’s free, but it wasn’t cheap. It’s yours, but it isn’t automatic. You must receive it. When you do, it’s yours forever.
