"Salvation by Works?"Paul calls salvation by works a stumblingstone. "Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone." (Rom 9:32) Jesus said “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it." (Matt 7:13)) Because of the sins committed by Adam and Eve there is a Separation of God and Man making it impossible for mankind to earn salvation by works (by doing enough good deeds, or by attempting to live a good and perfect life.) God said to Adam and Eve, "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Gen 2:17) Adam and Eve did not obey, and their sin caused all of mankind to be sentenced to both a spiritual and a physical death. But God, in His unsearchable love for man, provided a way to salvation, for all who would accept His plan, by sending His only Son Jesus to die in our place. Jesus, the Son of God, took all of mankind's sins upon Himself making it possible for anyone who would believe on Him to be pardoned from the death sentence. The only death the Christian will face is the physical death, and someday that to will be conquered. Unless the unsaved person accepts God's Plan of Salvation they will face both, a "physical death," and a "spiritual death" in Hell, eternally separated from God. Man cannot receive salvation by works. There is only one way to enter Heaven and that is salvation through faith in Jesus, and what He accomplished on the CROSS. Peter tells us that "... there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Your salvation is between you and God, and no one else can do it for you. Unless you have been born again you can receive nothing from God. Make sure of your salvation! The only way to be born again and receive eternal life is to follow God's plan. Paul makes this plan very clear: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Rom 10:9-10) You Must: Make sure of your salvation by accepting God's plan, then study His word to learn the things He wants you to do, as well as the things He forbids. Salvation by works is not God's plan. Good works are an expression of our faith, obedience, and the overflow of love we receive from God. Click on this Step by Step guide to receiving Christ. Follow its plan and become a part of God's Family.
Blessings, Samuel Mills More Christian Articles by Samuel Mills
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