Saved by Grace
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
Have you ever heard or read the verse from the Scriptures: “… by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”? (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). It is a famous verse about the process of salvation. There are several steps in the experience of salvation, and this whole process will not be possible without Jesus Christ.
In infinite love and mercy, God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord, Substitute, and Example. This saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ, we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. As much as God wants us to be saved, He will not force salvation on us. We have to ask Him. We have to want to be saved. God is respectful of our choice, even if it is a choice against Him.
One of the greatest ways to illustrate it is in the story of a prodigal son written in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15:11-32. The whole chapter 15 is about lost to be found. It is true that “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV), but what about the ones who run away from God? The story of a prodigal son portrays how God will deal with every sinner that repents. So, there is hope in Christ with God. God’s grace extends to every person. Grace, the unmerited favor of an almighty God, is a free gift given to anyone who asks. Grace saves us. We can be so thankful for this amazing gift! However, let us never forget the important element in this process – repentance. In fact, repentance is the first step in our salvation experience. While we may not recognize it, God is constantly at work in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, God appeals to our hearts. Even when we feel far away from Him, His love is working to call us to Himself. He will leave no means untried to bring us salvation.
Jesus meets us where we are, and delights in saving us from our lost condition. There is no path too dark for Him to travel to save us. There is no life too sinful that His grace and forgiveness cannot remake us. Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of the whole world. He redeemed us. His great invitation still remains: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29 KJV).
Dear reader, the Lord Jesus speaks through the Book of Revelation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). Will you open the door and let Jesus take control of your life today?
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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