SALVATION FIRST REQUIRES GOD'S MERCY!
Definition: Mercy - The act of pardoning and forgiving. In other words, it is not getting what one deserves.
Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, He has quickened us (made us alive again) together with Christ....
Titus 3:3-5 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us....
SALVATION ALSO REQUIRES GOD'S GRACE!
Definition: Grace - Undeserved, unmerited favor. It is a gift. God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
Romans 4:2-5 - For if Abraham was justified (declared to be acceptable by God) by his works, he would have reason to glory; but not before God. For what do the Scriptures say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him who works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
GENUINE SALVATION RESULTS IN GOOD WORKS!
Definition: Good works - Daily living with the desire to please God. It is not being religious, but is doing works that please God out of gratitude for the gift of salvation.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God did before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 - Charge those who are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who gives us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (share)….
Titus 2:13-14 - Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
IN SUMMARY!
Titus 3:5-8 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Whom He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
No comments:
Post a Comment