The moment that we turn to Jesus for salvation is when our faith begins. No longer are we boastful in our own good works, but boast in the Lord for what He is doing in our lives. We know that we would not be where we are today unless God was with us. This is why Paul said that “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 can only come through Christ, who paid the price for our sins on the cross, and nothing we can do on our own. This gift of grace came when His blood covered us, through forgiving us our sins. If anybody thinks they can work their way to heaven, they are greatly mistaken. For only through Jesus, our Lord, and Savior, can anyone die and go to heaven. This is why people who are saved boast in the Lord and not of themselves any longer. This makes us less prideful and more humble. Some people misunderstand how excited I am for God and when I mention all that He is doing in my life, as some sort of pride. Paul continued and said, “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) The moment we put our trust in Jesus, our faith becomes alive. This is when the fruits of our faith begin to be seen. These are God’s works coming forth from us, which we were always meant to do in this life.
The fruits of our faith are good works. Not the kind of good works that many people do in their lives, but things for God. These are works that are commissioned by God, not ourselves. People that judge us wrongfully because of the good things we are doing for God have no clue what it really means to be a Christian and walk out their faith. It is true that so many people are stuck on believing in a form of grace that does not save them. The type of belief that would lead a person to think that all they need to do is have faith in God and that’s it. They then have the right to live the life they want without any need for confession or repentance for our sins. This is so sad to see, for Paul taught, “wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” (Ephesians 2:11-14) We once lived as the world did, but now Jesus is near unto us. This causes us to live for Him. Our hope and promises are moved from other things and unto God. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I lift my hands up to praise You. I don’t deserve the life I have now. You could have taken it away a long time ago. You know how deep I was into sexual sin that it almost ruined me and my marriage. In this time, I had run to things that only led to temporary happiness. I was never fulfilled. Each time I needed a bigger high than the previous times. You probably saw all this and were so sickened by what I was doing. I am sure that You thought about giving up on me then, but You didn’t. For this reason, I have to ask why? Was it because You knew I would overcome the enemy and find victory with You? I believe this to be true. You do know everything, and although I was causing grief in my family’s lives and especially Yours, Your patience for me endured. And so I remember the day that I found You. It was at the time that I was desperate for help, and especially for a Savior. Then, You came Jesus. You heard my cries and I was no longer alone. I didn’t need the things I was seeking after any longer for You became all I need. Forgiveness and mercy are all I wanted. I wanted a clean slate and You gave it to me. Thank You for calling me out of the darkness and into Your light You covered me by Your blood and I am made clean. Therefore, I need more of Your presence in my life and less of me. I am desperate to know You more and to do Your will above all else. I worship You, Jesus. I love You. Amen.
