Text: Ephesians 2:4-9
Memory Verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
The Scripture unequivocally makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith; it is not of works, lest any man should boast. Faith in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only guarantee of salvation. Any claim to salvation through any other means; whether good works, church activity, moral uprightness, or religious background is void, and of no eternal value.
In Isaiah 48:1-5, the people identified as being “called by the name of Israel” and from “the waters of Judah”, outwardly appeared religious, but inwardly they were far from saved. They still trusted in molten and graven images;
symbols of idolatry and spiritual deception. God was not pleased with them, just as He is not pleased with mere religious appearances and observances today.
It is important to know too that salvation is personal; “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). You are not saved because your parents are pastors or you come from a Christian home. You are
not saved because you serve in church or live by moral standards (Isaiah 64:6). You are only saved through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
You must personally confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. If you have not done this, even if you engage in daily devotions or serve faithfully in church, you may face an unpleasant surprise like those in Matthew 7:21–23. Choose Christ today.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, give me grace to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.
2. Lord, let me not miss heaven at the end of my life here on earth.