Salvation is an act of God’s Grace. We cannot obtain it by merit of our own ability. Neither can we live the Christian life through our own strength. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Justified by faith means that not only are our sins forgiven; but, that we are declared righteous because of the finished work of Christ on the Cross. He paid in full our penalty: past, present and future. When anyone accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, the Holy Spirit seals their salvation.
That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His Glory. Ephesians 1:12-14.
Therefore, we no longer live under the law with it’s death penalty. Does that mean I live a life of sin; because, I know the penalty has been removed? Absolutely not. Having been justified by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ, I am brought to life to a new life. The power to live that life comes because the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, placing them in Christ.
ROMANS 8:1-3, 8-9
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death…So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you”
JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
Does that mean that I will always denounce sin and live a perfect life? Unfortunately, no; however, it does mean that I am freed from the penalty of sin and death. Indeed, as Paul points out, we need to recognize our identity in Christ Jesus; always seeking and looking to Him to guide us. This new life we are given in Christ Jesus by grace alone, draws us ever more in love with Him. That love and devotion, causes our Spirit to grieve when we fail to follow Him. It reveals how imperfect our love for Him is, bidding us to draw closer to Him. If your spirit is never grieved by your sin; then, you might wonder if you have ever truly known Him.
The newness of life given by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ does guide our hearts to want to bring honor to His name. Therefore, we grieve when we recognize our actions or words have brought dishonor to Him. Furthermore, God takes upon Himself the responsibility of finishing the work He began in us. As such, He is far more concerned with perfecting our hearts than He is with our temporary comfort here and now. He has promised to “circumcise our hearts” (Deuteronomy 30:6), cutting away the sin and with “writing His laws upon our heart” (Hebrews 10:6).
We cannot ever be justified (declared righteous) before God by works of our own hands. Our justification can only come by grace alone. If we declare our Salvation is by Grace; however, our Christian life after that is by the law, then we nullify the work of Christ. If I could life a perfect, sinless life by my own accord, why would Jesus have needed to die?
THEN HOW?
My only hope to live this Christian life is through faith in Jesus Christ who indwells me. In Christ Jesus, I can do all things. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). How can I do that if I never open His Word or pray to Him? Or, how can I say I love Him, if I never want to be alone in His presence?
Not only is my Salvation accomplished by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ; but, also, I am justified (declared righteous) by that same Grace through faith. I can never say that my Salvation comes because of Grace, then to be justified is by my ability to live under the law. The law awakens and incites sin. The harder I try to make myself righteous, the deeper I fall. When I trust and rely on Jesus, by turning to Him to be justified; the less I will sin. Oh, there is still much God must do to perfect this heart of mine; but, I can be assured He will accomplish it, no matter what it takes or how many fires I must go through to be purified.
GALATIANS 2: 16-21
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Jesus Christ is our only hope of Salvation and our only hope to live this justified life that we are given.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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JUST RELEASED
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Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and CREDITS
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