I’ve been thinking about salvation, repentance and grace lately.
When I drive home I’ll often listen to Pastor Brian Brodersen who is currently teaching through the book of Romans. He said something that really struck me the other day. The only difference between the person who is saved and unsaved is the grace of God.
How true! As a Christian, the only thing I have to boast in is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I have been saved by God's grace through faith, its God’s work alone that saved me. Because of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross as payment in full for my sin, I have been forgiven by God the Father.
What an outrageous plan…beyond human comprehension. The Righteous for the unrighteous, the Just for the unjust, the Holy One for the sinful.
I received and email from a gentleman I know via my blog, Pastor and Evangelist Jim Allis. He has blessed me by sending some of his audio posts and we’ve exchanged emails. He said something in his most recent email captured the importance of preaching the gospel message accurately.
“Yes repentance is essential for a genuine conversion experience. I fear there are many half Christians around if there could be such a description given where repentance is forgotten. It is so clear in scripture. What must I do to be saved?" Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Some are preaching sometimes a soft gospel which is no gospel again.”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-12
Good golly…my Five Minute post is on time! Head on over to Lisa Jo Baker’sTales from a Gypsy Mama and join in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge. Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.
3 comments:
Repentance is the first step towards salvation. We often say "Half a gospel is no gospel at all." I think the "half Christians that Pastor Ellis is referring to are the ones to whom Jesus might be saying, "Depart from Me, I NEVER KNEW YOU." Those folks believe they are Christ followers. They do all sorts of things in His name...who else do we know that would presume to use His name except for those who think they are believers?
Law and grace...they go hand in hand. The Law being the tutor that leads men to Christ to begin with. (via conviction by the Holy Spirit)
Excellent post, Susan!
You are right! We serve a radical God who loves us so radically that His plan is absolutely beyond our comprehension. Good post!
Grace beyond comprehesion. Yes. So thankful that our Father looks beyond all of our shortcomings and sees us. Really sees us. And offers sweet grace. Grace undeserved and unearned. Grace from a loving Father. Thank you so much for sharing your heart!
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