Daily Manna: Salvation? No Strains Attached

Tuesday 13, August 2013

TEXT: GALATIANS 6:11-18

KEY VERSE: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:15,16).

In our text today, we see that some Galatians who just believed on Jesus Christ were either being cajoled or subtly threatened to undergo circumcision before they could be adjudged to be saved. This action came from some people, in the Galatian church, who have not totally extricated themselves from the blind and sentimental attachment to the ceremonial practice of physical circumcision and other outward rites. As this came to Apostle Paul’s notice, he quickly wrote to the Galatian church to debunk this erroneous demand which could affect the faith of the believers concerned.

Similarly, while some believers want to be identified with Christ and get to heaven; they still hold to hurtful traditions of men. There are qualifying processes for salvation like inclusion of name in church register, carrying a card of tithe and offering, service to priests, etc. in those assemblies contrary to God’s word. The truth, however, is that there are no strains attached to getting saved. Salvation is by grace: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourself: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). No one is required to be good, faithful, gentle, prayerful to be saved. Jesus neither demands any of these nor any material things such as money, clothing, animals, as conditions for our salvation. God’s conditions for salvation is simple: acknowledge your sins (Romans 3:23); confess and forsake your sins (Matthew 4:17; Acts 3:19; Proverbs 28:13); invite Jesus to dwell in your heart as Saviour and Lord.

Once we are saved, God gives us grace to live victoriously as we follow Him faithfully and prayerfully.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The steps to obtaining the gift of salvation are simple.

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