Salvation Is the Gift of God
In these last days, what must a person do to receive God's salvation?
1. Salvation Is the Gift of God
Ephesians 2:8–9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
From this passage, we learn that salvation is the gift of God. The question then becomes: To whom does God give this gift of salvation?
2. Salvation Is Received by Those Who Are in Christ
Ephesians 2:7
"...so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
These passages reveal that a person receives God's salvation because he or she is in Christ. The next question is: How can a person remain in Christ?
3. How Can We Remain in Christ?
John 14:23
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
From this passage, we understand that only those who keep Jesus' words will experience His indwelling presence and remain in Christ. Only those who remain in Christ can receive God's gift of salvation.
4. What Is the Result of Remaining in Christ?
Matthew 7:21
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who continues to do the will of My Father who is in heaven."
This passage teaches that those who keep Jesus' word are the ones who do the will of the Father. Only those who continue to do the Father's will shall enter the kingdom of heaven.
Conclusion
God's salvation is entirely by grace. It is His free gift and cannot be earned by human effort or purchased through good works.
However, God's grace calls for a response. The Scriptures reveal that only those who love the Lord and continue to obey the words of Jesus remain in Christ. Only those who remain in Christ receive God's gift of salvation, continue to do the Father's will, and will ultimately enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, it is not enough merely to call Jesus "Lord" with our lips. We must demonstrate genuine faith by wholeheartedly obeying His words, abiding continually in Christ, and faithfully remaining in Him until He returns, so that we may inherit the eternal life God has promised. Amen.
