The Way, The Truth, And The Life: A 12-Day Reading PlanSample

Two Common Mistakes We Make About Salvation

Think about the last time you heard of a deal that was too good to be true. One of two thoughts probably popped in your mind: 

1. There's no way this is real. Surely, I owe you something. 
2. How many times can I take you up on this offer? 'Cause I want to take full advantage of this! 

It's one thing to have those attitudes to a BOGO or coupon at the local grocery store. But those same attitudes can cause us to miss the full, free life Jesus offers. 

Just like the people Paul wrote to in Rome, we often make one of two mistakes about salvation. The first is believing salvation is something we can earn. This is the lie that leads someone to say, “Let me get my act together, and then we can talk about Jesus.” It’s also the lie that leads someone to pray, “Please God, I deserve this.” Romans 5:20 says God gave His people rules so they could see how much they need Him. Not so they could earn their way to Him. 

The second common mistake is not understanding the true cost of salvation. Like a small child handling a priceless antique, we run around living life without realizing what a precious gift we’re holding. It’s the lie that causes someone to ask the question in Romans 6:1, “If God has unlimited forgiveness, why not keep on sinning?”

The first assumes sin is something we can stop doing at any time. The second assumes sin is something we can’t stop doing, so why try? 

The truth about sin and salvation is this: Sin isn’t something we do. It’s something we’re born into (Romans 5:12). But when Jesus died on the cross, sin’s power was broken. When we ask Jesus to save us, we’re acknowledging that we don’t want to live like we always have and we can’t change on our own. In our vulnerability and humility, Jesus does what we can never do. He gives us a new nature, one that is no longer under sin’s control. Where before we were slaves to our sinful nature, now we can choose to live like Jesus. 

…our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6 NLT).  

God didn’t have to save us. He didn’t have to send His Son, but John 3:16 says He loved us so much that He did. And Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, knowing the joy that we would have in being His, was willing to endure death on a cross. For us. 

God's grace, the unmerited kindness, and favor He shows us, often seems too good to be true. But it's the truth that changes everything. Jesus' offer of salvation is genuine and sincere, and when we respond in kind, it changes us from the inside out. 

Reflect:  

• How much do you believe your relationship with God is based on the good you do or the bad you don’t do? Why?
• What is one thing you need to ask Jesus to free you from?
• If you have never started a relationship with Jesus, what is stopping you from accepting God’s free gift of salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus?