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

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Have you ever felt hesitant to ask God for help? Many believers struggle with this, thinking they need to "get their act together" first or that they shouldn't "bother God" with their problems. This mindset reveals a fundamental misunderstanding about how God's grace works in our lives.

The Difference Between Religion and Grace

Religion is spelled "D-O" - do this, do that, don't do this, don't do that. But salvation is spelled "D-O-N-E." You are not saved by anything you do; you are saved by trusting in what Jesus has already done.

The Bible makes this abundantly 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."

No one will be justified (made right with God) by works of law. We simply cannot manufacture our own salvation.

What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?

When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" they responded simply: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:30-31).

But what does it mean to truly believe? It's not just mental assent or adding Jesus to your collection of beliefs. Biblical belief involves:

  • A change of mind - recognizing you're a sinner in need of salvation
  • Conviction of sin - becoming aware you can't save yourself
  • Trust - placing your complete confidence in Christ's work on the cross
  • Surrender - entrusting your life to Jesus

 

It's like jumping from a burning building into a firefighter's safety net. You can say you believe the firefighters can save you, but until you jump, you haven't truly trusted them.

What Happens When You're Saved?

When you place your faith in Christ, remarkable changes occur:

  • You become a new creation
  • You're adopted into God's family
  • You're translated from darkness to light
  • You move from death to life
  • You're freed from sin's bondage
  • Your citizenship changes to heaven
  • Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life

 

Salvation is a moment in time that lasts for eternity. It's the instant when Christ's blood is applied to your account, and you're justified before God.

How Is Salvation Different from Sanctification?

This is where many believers get confused. Salvation is the moment you're saved - when you're born again and become a Christian. Sanctification begins at that moment and continues until Christ returns.

Sanctification is the process where God works in your life to make you more like Jesus. It includes blessings, correction, and spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit gradually reveals areas that need change, and God lovingly guides you through this transformation.

What About Good Works?

The Bible absolutely teaches the importance of works - but not for salvation. Ephesians 2:10 clarifies: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

You're not saved BY good works; you're saved FOR good works. The works you do before salvation don't give glory to God - they just point to you. But after salvation, your works flow from gratitude and bring glory to God.

Can Someone Be Saved Without Any Change?

James addresses this directly: "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). He continues, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26).

You're saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone. True saving faith produces evidence in your life. This doesn't mean perfection - Christians still struggle with sin - but there will be some visible change.

What About Suffering in the Christian Life?

Sometimes God allows difficulties specifically because you'll come out looking more like Jesus. You might not choose these trials, but later you'll look back and say, "That was the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and the best thing (other than being saved) that's ever happened to me."

God can use suffering to bring redemption. After all, that's the message of the cross - how one died to bring others to God.

When you're going through difficult times, don't let the enemy tell you God doesn't love you. Instead, humble yourself and trust Him. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

Life Application

This week, take time to reflect on the foundation of your faith. Are you trying to earn God's favor through your works, or are you resting in what Christ has already done for you?

Ask yourself:

  • Do I approach God with confidence, knowing I'm His child, or do I feel I need to "clean up my act" first?

 

  • When I do good works, what's my motivation? Am I trying to earn salvation, or am I serving out of gratitude for what Christ has done?

 

  • In what areas of my life am I still trying to rely on my own strength rather than God's grace?

 

  • How can I better express my gratitude to God for the free gift of salvation?

 

Remember, you didn't vote, work, buy, pray, or bargain your way into Christ. You simply cried out as a desperate soul and said, "Jesus, save me." And He did. Now everything you do flows from that relationship - not to earn His love, but because you already have it.