SALVATION
A BETTER WAY S A LVAT I O N P R AY E R "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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV)
H
ow many times have we started the New Year swearing off sweet or salty foods or whatever foods that seem to be our weakness? In tandem with the modified diet, we implement an exercise routine made for an Olympic athlete, only to find ourselves in a closet or locked room refusing to workout ever again and binging on that special food we swore off just a few weeks earlier. This is what happens when we put strict, unrealistic expectations on ourselves, especially without a clear understanding of how things work. Very similar to the New Year’s resolution that is destined to fail is a spiritual rut we can get into known as works. We can start out with the best of intentions, wanting to serve our Lord and be the best Christian, only to find ourselves working like a hamster on a wheel trying to receive blessings and acceptance from God. This can also be known as legalism – our attempt to gain favor and right standing with God through works. Legalism is destined to fail. Jesus was the only One who could perform perfectly to the
Law, and He did that for us so we could gain right standing with God through Him. Thank Jesus that receiving eternal life along with all His blessings has nothing to do with our physical works and everything to do with His perfect completed work at the cross. It is a gift of God. It doesn’t matter if you volunteer for every charity event in your community, help every old lady across the street, or even give 50 percent of your paycheck to the needy. God loves each and every one of us as much as He loves His Son, Jesus (John 17:23). Once we make Jesus our Savior, God sees us perfectly through Him. It is by His grace and not by our works; Jesus has done all the work. Now, all you have to do is have faith in the grace of Jesus. If you don’t know Jesus and would like 2013 to be the beginning of a life that is filled with joy, peace, and blessings, then I would encourage you to invite Him into your heart today and begin learning what He did for us at the cross. ■
Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says that “whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, NKJV) and “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV). Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. It is because of Your love that You don't want me to be condemned and punished for my sins. Thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus, to die for me on the cross. Jesus took my sins, penalties, and all my curses and in return gave me His blessing, righteousness, and favor. He got what I deserved so I can receive what He deserves – all good things! Jesus' blood washes me clean from every sin (past, present, and future). On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death. Father, I thank You that when You look at me, You choose to no longer remember my sins and that You see me in all the beauty and righteousness of Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing and lead me through this life – thank You, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
14 OverflowMag.com January 2013