Salvation: A Quick Overview
We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our actions. Through faith, we are declared saved, and God begins a lifelong process of shaping us to reflect His ways. Believers are called to repent, turn away from sin, and obey His commandments—when we fall short, God’s grace forgives us and helps us get back on track. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves [let go of sinful desires], take up our cross [choose God’s ways], and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23). Good works flow from salvation. These good works are the result of being saved, and are not the cause of salvation. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are made spiritually new [born again], and God will guide us in our daily walk with Him, shaping us to grow closer to Him and reflect His character.
Now, let's take a closer look at common misunderstandings and complications surrounding salvation, especially in the context of faith, grace, works, and the law.
Salvation Is Not Complicated
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV)
Many people tend to overcomplicate salvation, tying it to a checklist of actions or qualifications. However, salvation is rooted simply in faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9-10 makes it clear: confess and believe. It’s not about perfection but about a genuine heart of faith. God’s gift of salvation is freely offered, and it’s our choice to receive it by trusting in Him. We can't blame or fault others for trying to add to the simplicity of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3), because it's our human nature to overcomplicate and not accept things as they. Salvation is rooted in faith.
We Are Born Again First
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'" John 3:5-8 (NKJV)
When we put our faith in Jesus, we are born again spiritually, taking on a new identity in Christ. This new identity is not earned by actions but is a transformative gift from God. Being born again means our old selves are left behind, and we are given a fresh start—a new heart, a new purpose, and a new relationship with God. Just as the wind moves invisibly but powerfully, the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life brings about change that may seem mysterious but is undeniably real.
Our Actions Match Our Identity Over Time
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
"And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." Romans 11:6 (NKJV)
After being born again, our actions begin to align with our new identity. God works in us through His Holy Spirit, convicting us of sin and leading us toward righteousness. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but over time, our lives reflect the faith we profess. Good works flow naturally as a response to God’s love and grace. Only God's grace through our faith in Christ allow for salvation (Ephesians 2:8). As Romans 11:6 emphasizes that grace combined with the belief in our works for salvation negates the power of grace. Grace is God's compassion that He shows to us simply because we believe.
Salvation Is a Process; We Should Not Condemn Others
"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10 (NKJV)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Romans 6:1-6 (NKJV)
We often fall into the trap of judging others’ salvation based on their actions, forgetting that we all fall short. Scripture reminds us that breaking even one law is equivalent to breaking them all (James 2:10 NKJV). Instead of focusing on others’ perceived shortcomings, we should remember that salvation is rooted in faith and guided by God’s grace, which allows us to grow and change over time. No one is more holy than another; and when we accuse someone of their sinful actions, we forget that Christ teaches that the lust or anger in our hearts is equivalent to the sinful action itself (Matthew 5:27-28). Salvation is not earned by outward behavior but by faith in Christ. However, does God's grace give someone a license to sin abundantly? Absolutely not. As Romans 6:1-6 shows, we are to turn away from sin knowing that our old selves are crucified. However, we are human and this is a process that the Holy Spirit manages with all believers in their heart, and God's grace provides us with the patience and compassion needed for us to navigate this process gently.
We are not to put conditions on God's grace for others, but then turnaround and seek unmerited grace for our ourselves — this leads us to judge others carelessly while asking for God to look the other way when we fall short. Unfortunately, we are human so we don't understand the true nature of grace. As a result, we fear abusing it, and put conditions on God's grace towards us instead of accepting grace as it is. We then go a step further to find a way to quantify and qualify our "true" faith with actions, instead of realizing that believing is the true faith in of itself.
Overall, God’s work in a believer’s heart is often invisible, and we should leave judgment to Him, trusting that His grace and guidance are continually shaping each of us as part of the ongoing process of our walk with Him.
Be Patient with Believers and Unbelievers Alike
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
Patience is crucial in our interactions with both believers and unbelievers. This patience reflects God’s own longsuffering and transformative nature, encouraging us to approach others with the same love and understanding that Christ demonstrates toward us. While we are called to judge righteously in certain matters, we must extend grace and patience as God’s work unfolds in others’ lives. Salvation is a deeply personal journey between an individual and God. Trust in Christ’s perfect sacrifice and let love guide your actions.
We Cannot Be Saved by Works or the Law
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)
Good works and adherence to the law cannot save us. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Our works are a response to salvation, not a prerequisite. We obey God out of love and gratitude, not to earn His favor. Rest in the assurance that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient.
Conclusion
Salvation is a profound and beautiful gift, rooted in faith and guided by grace, reflecting God’s unending compassion and transformative power. Always remember that Jesus said, "Your faith has saved you..." (Luke 7:50). We hope this overview provides a foundation for understanding salvation and encourages you to seek a deeper relationship with God.
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