GOD’S SALVATION PLAN IS NOT COMPLICATED

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace
and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to
those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of
Abraham. He is the father of us all.
(Romans 4:16)

MEDITATION:
There are almost six billion people on the face of this earth.
If you extracted from each one the very best character traits
and put those things into one man, that one man would still
have to bow before God and cry out for mercy to be saved.

We’ve got to quit trying to be saved by doing good things or
being a moral and ethical person, and realize that salvation
is through faith. Satan has convinced too many that faith is
a result of our works, but what do the scriptures say?
    For it is by grace you have been saved, through
    faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the
    gift of God— not by works, so that no one can
    boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

It makes sense, doesn’t it? If salvation is based on what we do,
then we have omitted Jesus from the plan of salvation. Instead
of being grateful for His loving sacrifice for our sins, we live by
a “look what I did” faith.

We exchange our gratefulness for selfish pride, which is not
only the wrong decision, but it includes something that God
hates – pride (what God hates should not be a part of our lives).
    There are six things the Lord hates, seven
    that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,
    a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent
    blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
    feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false
    witness who pours out lies and a person who
    stirs up conflict in the community.
    (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Look at the first one in the list of what is detestable to the Lord
“haughty eyes”. “Haughty” means:
    “disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant; supercilious”.
    “Supercilious” means:
        “behaving or looking as though one thinks he or she is superior to others”.

This is the direct opposite
of the attitude God’s Word says we should have.
    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
    conceit. Rather, in humility value others
    above yourselves, not looking to your own
    interests but each of you to the interests of
    the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Before I retired, I had a co-worker who lived superciliously and
instead of concentrating on doing the best job he could do with
his own responsibilities, he spent an inordinate amount of time
pointing out flaws in his co-workers to upper management.

Not only was it the antithesis of scriptural instructions, but it
created problems within the workforce. And, it hurt him as
well (his reputation prevented him from being promoted to the
next level which he so desired). We never lift ourselves higher
by trying to lower the value of those around us.

The law says “if”; the gospel says “therefore”.
The law says you must earn salvation; the gospel says salvation is a gift.
The law demands holiness; the gospel provides holiness.
The law says run, but it doesn’t give us legs;
the gospel says fly, and it gives us wings of grace.

ACTION:
Has Satan distorted God’s plan of salvation in your own mind?
The scriptures make God’s plan clear, and it doesn’t include “works”.
    If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”
    and believe in your heart that God raised him
    from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with
    your heart that you believe and are justified, and
    it is with your mouth that you profess your faith
    and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

“Works” are what we do to prove our salvation, but not to earn it.
    What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
    if someone claims to have faith but has
    no deeds? Can such faith save them?
    (James 2:14)
    But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
    Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you
    my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)

Rebuke Satan’s efforts to change God’s salvation plan. At the
same time think about how the Lord wants you to serve Him.
What spiritual gift (or gifts) has He given you for showing your
faith? Actions speak more about our faith than words do.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the simplicity
of Your salvation plan. Forgive me if I have
allowed Satan to convince me that I should be
earning my salvation instead of accepting Your
gift as You intended it to be. Teach me how to
use the spiritual gift You have given me for
showing others that my faith is genuine and
sincere. Help me to point others to Your Son, Jesus.”

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