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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

When we truly understand God's grace, our lives should be filled with praise, hallelujahs, and amens. Grace is scandalous, surprising, and life-changing. Unfortunately, many of us have been taught a version of Christianity that's heavy on religiosity, works, performance, and human effort. But when the dust settles, it's all about Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Be "Dead in Sin"?

In Ephesians 2, Paul writes to believers who had been saved out of a dark, pagan culture. He reminds them that they were once "dead in trespasses and sins" - not physically dead, but spiritually separated from God.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, the Spirit of God left them. The light of God's glory departed, and they became aware of their nakedness, shame, and separation from God. This spiritual death has been passed down to all humanity. Romans 3:23 confirms that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

How Are We Saved from Sin?

Paul makes it crystal clear in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Let's break this down:

  • "By grace" - Grace is the source, the means by which salvation comes. It's God's unmerited favor and divine enablement.
  • "Through faith" - Faith is the channel, the door through which we receive what Christ has done.
  • "Not of yourselves" - Our salvation has nothing to do with our own merit or effort.
  • "Not of works" - No human achievement can earn salvation.
  • "It is the gift of God" - Salvation is freely given, not earned.

 

Why Can't We Earn Our Salvation?

Think of it this way: We're all "cattle thieves" before God. We've all sinned against the One who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills." No matter how we try to justify ourselves ("I only stole one cow" or "That person stole more than me"), we're still guilty.

Religious thinking tries to balance the scales - doing enough good things to outweigh the bad. But that's works-based salvation, which Paul explicitly rejects.

Some believe you must trust Jesus to be saved, but then you must keep yourself saved through good behavior. This contradicts the gospel. If Jesus saves you, then it's Jesus who keeps you saved - not your own efforts.

What Are We Saved From?

 

  • The Penalty of Sin - "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), but Jesus paid that penalty on the cross.

 

  • The Power of Sin - Grace is more than pardon; it's empowerment. When you're saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you, giving you power to overcome darkness.

 

  • The Presence of Sin - Ultimately, when Jesus returns and creates a new heaven and earth, we'll be delivered from sin's very presence.

 

 

What's the Difference Between Salvation and Sanctification?

Salvation happens at a point in time - the moment you trust Christ as Savior. Like a birth certificate marks your physical birth, there's a moment when you're spiritually born again.

Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. Just as a newborn baby can't immediately walk, talk, or drive a car, new believers need time to grow and develop spiritually.

This is where many get confused. Your salvation doesn't depend on your level of sanctification. You're declared righteous the moment you believe, but becoming completely like Christ is a process that continues throughout your life.

What About Christians Who Sin?

If someone truly belongs to Christ but falls into sin, two things happen:

  • They may forfeit rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
  • They will experience the Lord's discipline (Hebrews 12)

 

God disciplines those He loves, just as good parents correct their children. This discipline is evidence of your relationship with Him, not a threat to it.

Why Is Understanding Grace So Important?

When you understand grace, you stop trying to be "good enough" for God. You recognize that Jesus has already made you righteous through His finished work on the cross. You can approach God's throne with confidence, not because of your performance, but because of Christ's.

This frees you from the exhausting cycle of "I'm saved, I'm not saved" based on your behavior. Instead, you can rest in the assurance that you're saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to stop trying to earn God's favor through your performance.

Instead:

  • Thank Jesus daily for His finished work on the cross
  • When you sin, run to God rather than away from Him
  • Rest in the assurance of your salvation based on Christ's work, not yours
  • Live from a place of gratitude rather than obligation

 

Ask yourself:

  • Am I trying to earn God's love through my good behavior?
  • Do I believe Jesus' work on the cross is truly sufficient for my salvation?
  • When I sin, do I question my salvation or run to God for grace and mercy?
  • Am I living from a place of rest or religious striving?

 

Remember: You are not saved by works, but you are saved for good works. The difference is motivation - not working to be loved, but working because you are loved.