WEDNESDAY October 30, 2024

Can You Save Yourself?

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

Paul the Apostle taught healthy doctrine to the Ephesians and the Colossians. Yet the Colossians were continuing to fight Gnosticism. Gnostics believed in an organization of evil spirits that controlled the world, but they did not believe that Jesus was God.

Jesus is the Redeemer of the world––the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He came to deliver us from the darkness, from the authority of Satan. Still people do not believe Jesus is God. Many believe they can save themselves and go to heaven because of their good works. I see Mormons, young men riding their bicycles, witnessing to people about their faith––but what of Christ?

Jehovah's Witnesses walk from house to house or on the streets with their magazines, trying to convince people about a hope of salvation through works––not by faith in Jesus Christ. When you talk to Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons, you will find that they are not talking about the same Jesus of the Bible. Salvation is a work of God, not of men. The Word of God tells us we are sinners, at enmity with God. Judgment is hanging over our heads: For the wages of sin is death... (Romans 6:23).

Out of eternity, Jesus Christ stepped down. He came to earth. He was born as a baby and placed in a manger. It was a miracle––a virgin birth. Then He grew to manhood, and at the age of 30, he began His ministry. Jesus chose 12 men––His Disciples. He preached, taught and healed people. For three and a half years, He served mankind.

Then Jesus was arrested and killed. On the third day, He resurrected from the dead. You see, even though the wages of sin is death, the second part of this verse gives us good news: ...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Christians can answer this question, “Can you save yourself?” The answer is, “No.” Only Jesus can.

We can receive Jesus Christ when we believe in His message and trust in Him alone to save us.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!