No If's in Salvation

 

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (Acts 13:38-41 ESV).

 

Trying to achieve justification through obedience to the law is impossible for us. We have all sinned and broken the law, and when we try to keep the law, we keep breaking it because we have a sinful human nature. Our human efforts to keep the law in order to gain God's favor are futile. Forgiveness and the power to overcome sin are not within human capacity. Only God can forgive and can give us the power to live in obedience to his will. We can be saved only by the grace of God enabling us to trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ as Savior. This means the good news is that forgiveness and salvation are provided to us by the gift and mercy of God. We do nothing to gain God’s notice or approval. Jesus has done all that needs to be done on our behalf.

 

I have often heard well-meaning people attach “ifs” to the message of grace. If you will do this or that; if you will believe this or that… if you will perform this act as proof of your faith… all are incorrect. Jesus has paid the debt we could never pay; and, died the death we deserved.

 

Now, I am not saying that salvation is free or without cost. That thought has caused much of the deviation from the truth. Often our worldly view of reality tricks us into thinking, however, that something free is cheap and of poor quality. We are wary of free things. Salvation is not free. It cost God the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus. It is the most extravagant gift that could ever be given.

 

Our problem is often found in the fact that we like the feeling of ownership and control that we get when we buy things. But salvation is one thing we can never buy. The message of the gospel goes against our thirst for control. The Savior who saves for free also claims free reign over our lives. If you are suffering under the yoke of legalism, trying to do enough good things to please God by your own efforts, please quit. Quit trying to help God. Not only does He not need our help, it is but an incidental to the power of the Holy Spirit at work through us. This looks like rest instead of labor. Go ahead, take a little rest… Jesus earned it for us!