Ephesians 2:8
(NCV)
You have been saved by
grace through believing
The nickname for followers
of Christ is “Believers.” We believe what Christ accomplished thru His death,
burial and resurrection.
It’s not enough to just
believe. I believe the sun will come up in a few hours, that’s faith. “Faith is
the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” I hope the
sun comes up; and my hope is all the evidence that I would actually and legally
need in a law of court; even though I haven’t as yet seen it come up today!
“Your Honor,” a lawyer
might say, “I believe the sun is going to come up!” “Based on what evidence?”
the judge might say. “Based on the fact that for thousands of years it has come
up every morning, your Honor.” “Well, I believe that is a very good point young
man. I declare that in the Case of The Sun coming up vs. The Sun not coming up;
that the defendant has proved his case, I rule in favor of the Sun coming up!”
OK, so I proved my point of
what belief is but is it enough to save us? I believe the Sun will come up,
will that save me from my sins? Duh! No, I have to believe in Jesus.
But . . . is that enough?
Have you ever gotten a
birthday gift? All that Grace means is salvation is a gift from God. It’s not
earned or else we would expect a payment – wages in other words. No, Grace is a
gift, it’s unmerited. I didn't do any thing to deserve it!
But . . . just like that
birthday gift sitting there in your hands you have to unwrap it and open up the
box. That’s where Faith comes in. Faith is our response to God’s unmerited
favor – Grace! Just because I have a birthday; and just because I have a gift
wrapped up in a pretty bow doesn't mean I have what’s inside that present.
If I don’t open that box
and find out that there’s a check in there for a million dollars I won’t be
able to spend a single penny of that million dollars. That’s how God’s gift is
– His amazing grace. We have to accept His gift and open it up, we have to
believe!
So . . . I have to believe in Jesus and call on Him to save me personally. I have to believe in Christ’s finished work at Calvary - His unmerited favor - that He took my place, took my punishment upon Himself and satisfied God's anger towards sin.
So . . . I have to believe in Jesus and call on Him to save me personally. I have to believe in Christ’s finished work at Calvary - His unmerited favor - that He took my place, took my punishment upon Himself and satisfied God's anger towards sin.
References:
Translation
retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/ BibleGateway.com © Copyright 1995-2010 Gospel
Communications International
New Century
Version (NCV)—Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Holy Bible, New
Century Version
