GRACE AND FAITH FOR SALVATION

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins…Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12). From these verses of the scriptures, it is clear and certain that salvation from sins come through the vicarious death of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who believe in Him. Salvation in essence, is an act of forgiveness from sin, deliverance from sin, and reconciliation with God through genuine repentance form sin and faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Salvation is different from healing, joining a church, renouncing from idol worship, changing name. Salvation includes freedom from the power and guilt of sin, and all its consequence. It aimed to not to make us turn a new leaf but to make us live a new life. The grace of God teaches us to deny all ungodly acts or behavior and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11).

Salvation makes it possible to live a godly life in the face of temptation, corruption and evil. God’s offer of salvation is by grace. Grace means the favor of God which we receive without the any merit or work, while faith is the spiritual mechanism through which man receives salvation. Being healed, having dreams that are continually being fulfilled and reading the Bible and to memorize its verses without the experience of salvation, amount to self-delusion and destruction. Salvation is the object of grace; it is not obtained by keeping the law of Moses. Salvation is not like traits we inherit from our parents; it cannot be passed from husband to wife, from wife to husband, from parents to children or from children to their parents. To be saved; one, acknowledge and repent of your sin or sins; two, renounce Satan and all his activities; three, receive Christ as your Savior, and put your faith in the atoning work; not in your good morals or good works; four, rely on God to live a victorious life. Only Christ can make one a new creature in righteousness. Yes, Jesus have the power if you can come to Him today. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Any one that lacks the assurance of salvation cannot overcome sin, Satan, the world and temptations. Assurance of salvation means a firm and confident understanding that one’s sin is forgiven. Those who lack the assurance of salvation place their confidence on feeling rather than a faith. They think to be sure, must have a certain kind of feeling. Others feel they must be happy always. Salvation is not by feelings but by faith in the atoning work of Christ. This faith is dynamic, which produces not only assurance of salvation in our hearts but also fruits of righteousness in our lives.

WALKING DAILY WITH CHRIST

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” - John 8:30-36 (KJV).

The new birth experience is the beginning of life-long adventure of walking with Christ. But, what does it mean to walk with Christ? You took the first step toward walking with Christ when you decided to repent of your sins and commit your life to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This step, although vital, is not the only step you are supposed to take.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must walk with him consistently. One of the essentials things of walking with Christ is reading God’s word, the Bible. The path of life is littered with temptations. The safest way of walking and not stumbling at any of the temptations is to read and keep the word of God. The holy word of God as a guiding light is imperative to those walking with Christ daily. It dictates the conduct and life-style of the believer and it has the final say on all matter that concerns the believer.

Another essential in walking with Christ is prayer. Communication is essentials for a growing relationship. When you pray you are communicating with God. The Christian life is a new experience to everyone that is newly converted. As a Christian, it’s essential to maintain a life of open communication with God as a habit. Not only does the person walking with Christ has the privilege of telling God about whatever bothers him, he also has the added advantage of having his need met. Prayer, the act of communicating with God, is also the greatest weapon through which the devil and his cohorts are defeated. Prayer is simple. It is casting your care upon God (1 Peter 5:7), asking God, the father, whatever you need (John 15:16) in the name of Jesus (John 14:13).

The most essential in walking with Christ that many overlook today is obedience: This what God demand from us and He places a high premium on it. A number of people who profess faith in Christ faltered when it comes to obedience. This is because they see Jesus as Savior but fail to know and accept Him as Lord. The Bible says “Jesus is Lord”. It is important to know that the true wisdom consists in building our spiritual house on the Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord. This singular act will make our Christian faith to become strong and firm in the fundamental principles of victorious Christian living. Our Christian life should always obey the Lord when things are convenient or when things go contrary to the way of our expectations. Jesus is Lord forever! He demands absolute obedience for all believers who are walking with Him. Our motives, tempers and lives should always conform to His Word, leaning on nothing but His grace and enabling power. Hence, walking with Christ is the most glorious experience in life that can ever happen to a Christian.

There are new discoveries for us each day in our daily walk with Christ. It ushers us into deeper knowledge, greater experiences and enjoyment of God’s blessings. With Christ as Captain of our salvation in our journey, He’s ever faithful to grant us victory, success, happiness and fulfillment here on earth and a blissful eternity hereafter.  “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14).

<hr> UNLOCKING DIVINE POTENTIAL: ALLOWING CREATIVE ENERGY TO MANIFEST<hr/>

''Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth..And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of ...