Salvation by faith...

At the very beginning of my spiritual journey my sister bought a Bible for me. I actually didn't even own one before then. The Bible she bought for me is totally awesome! It is a New International Version Life Application Study Bible. Basically, within the Bible there is commentary that explains certain things, gives historical background information, and biographies and insight. I love reading all the extra information along with my daily scripture reading.

A few weeks ago as I was reading through Colossians, I came across a very interesting chart that explains the differences between trying to obtain religion through self-effort instead of gaining salvation through faith. I think this is something many people struggle with - thinking, "If I can only change this about myself then I will be good enough." But that is exactly the wrong type of thinking. It is not US who changes ourselves, it is the Holy Spirit through our acceptance of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Here's a little of what the chart says:

Salvation by faith in Christ sounds to easy for many people. They would rather think that they have done something to save themselves. Their religion becomes one of self-effort that leads either to disappointment or pride, but finally to eternal death. Christ's simple way is the only way, and it alone leads to eternal life.

Basically, through religion by self-effort, this is the process:

1. Goal--> We try to please God through our own good deeds.
2. Means --> We practice diligent service, discipline, and obedience in hope of reward.
3. Power --> We put up a good, honest effort through self-determination.
4. Control --> This is done through self-motivation and self-control.
5. Results --> From all of this, we often feel chronic guilt, apathy, depression, failure, and a constant desire for approval.

However, through salvation by faith:

1. Goal --> We trust in Christ and then live to please God.
2. Means --> We confess, submit, and commit ourselves to Christ's control.
3. Power --> The Holy Spirit in us helps us to do good work for Christ's kingdom.
4. Control --> Christ is in us; we are in Christ.
5. Results --> From all of this, we will feel joy, thankfulness, love, guidance, service, and forgiveness.

I fully admit that I am guilty of thinking that I need to do something to change. I need to stop judging others, I need to stop having one to many drinks, I need to be more responsible at work, I, I, I, I... But it's not I. I am not in charge. When I accepted Christ, I accepted the Holy Spirit into my body. It's not by what I do that will change me but by the Holy Spirit.

Paul says in Galatians:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ~ Galatians 5:22-26

So, in essence, we can do nothing, change nothing without the grace of our Lord. He is the one who is in control. The fact that I am even writing this post about salvation by faith is a testament to how much God is in control. I mean, who would have ever thought that I would be writing a very spiritually based blog?! I NEVER would have even considered this a few years ago. But God has been working in me, changing me, tweaking me, sanctifying me. And oh wow do I have a LONG way to go... but I thank the Lord every day for his unending love and grace.

And finally, our salvation through Christ Jesus is summed up again by Paul in Romans:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ~ Romans 5:1-2