How can a sinner be right with a holy God? Not by working harder or trying to be good enough. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift we receive, not a wage we earn.
It begins when the Holy Spirit shows us our need. We repent, turn from sin and trust Jesus. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We are “justified freely by his grace” (Romans 3:24), and God welcomes us into His family as His children.
Salvation is also a new birth. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). God does not only forgive us; He gives us a new heart. The good works that follow are not the price of salvation but its fruit (Ephesians 2:10). And we do not have to live in doubt: John wrote “that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
Key Bible verses
- Ephesians 2:8-10By grace through faith, created unto good works.
- Romans 3:23-24Justified freely by his grace.
- John 3:3-8Ye must be born again.
- 1 John 1:9If we confess, He forgives and cleanses.
- Titus 3:5Not by works, but according to his mercy.
- Acts 4:12None other name under heaven.
- 1 John 5:11-13That ye may know that ye have eternal life.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- Why do you think many people find it hard to accept salvation as a free gift?
- What is the difference between being forgiven and being born again?
- 1 John 5:13 says we may know that we have eternal life. Do you have that assurance? Why or why not?
