When we are brought to the point of belief – the point where we see our sin, desire to change, and acknowledge God’s Son as our only way to eternal life – we ask, in faith, for Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Savior. At that very moment, the grace of God abounds, His Spirit transforms our heart and He picks us up as His child: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The moment of true Salvation is without question the most significant event in our Christian life. In that moment, we are “born again” (John 3:7) and become a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) through the power of the Holy Spirit; “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). In fact, the moment of Salvation is so significant that even if we seem to stumble through every step past that point, we still have reason to rejoice with every breath – we are children of the King and will spend all eternity in His glorious Kingdom.
Our journey with God can indeed be rocky. As we continue down His path we are to strive for holiness and purposeful worship in our life. We are to diligently seek Him and “learn the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). We must learn to “trust in the Lord with all our heart” (Proverbs 3:5), but we must also remember that “apart from Me {Jesus}, you can do NOTHING” (John 15:5). The reality of this journey is that if we strive for anything in our own strength, we are certainly destined to stumble and fall.
2 Timothy 2:1
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
This verse means we must continue to trust in His grace and in His grace alone. We did nothing to earn our Salvation, and we can do nothing to maintain our right standing before God – nothing besides belief in His Son; “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Galatians 3:3). Our goal of a life which is honoring to God cannot be accomplished through our own effort!
We are saved by the grace of God and we must continue to live by this same grace: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught” (Colossians 2:6). Our Heavenly Father will determine our path to holiness, purpose, contentment, and trust – and His grace will equip us with all we need for the journey.
Let’s completely trust in the saving grace of Jesus! Let’s apply the strength of His grace today in every trial and temptation. Let’s live a life of pure and holy devotion by always remaining strong in His grace.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Sep 15 Isaiah 19:1-21:17; Galatians 2:1-16; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 23:13-14
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