Daily Devotional
What Must You Do to be Saved?
“This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?”
Galatians 3:2-4
August 3, 2024
Ponder This
Grace is the free gift of God. You’re not saved by joining a church, getting baptized, singing in the choir, preaching a sermon, or coming to church. You’re saved by the grace of God. There’s no way to earn it. Works don’t save and works don’t help save. Romans 11:6 says, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” You can’t mix grace and works. If it’s by grace, forget your good works. Baptism, whether a spoonful or a tankful, can’t take away your sin. Your prayers, your pilgrimages, anything you do, cannot take away your sin.
The grace of God is not only a saving grace it is also a securing grace. Do you know why you have eternal security? Because you’re saved by grace. Now, if you were saved by works and your works failed, you’d lose your salvation. But grace can never fail. This was Paul’s point in Galatians 3:3. The Spirit that saved you is the Spirit that’s going to perfect you and carry you all the way through.
- Have you been tempted to try to earn God’s favor? Why won’t that work?
- How can you remind yourself salvation is only possible through grace?
Practice This
Praise God for His gift of grace.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
