By Bishop Robert W. McMurray
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Introduction:
In our society today, we often hear the phrase "save yourself." It's a call to self-reliance and independence. But as Christians, we know that we cannot save ourselves. Our salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. So what does it mean to truly save yourself?
Points to Consider:
* Recognizing Our Need for Salvation:
- Understand that as humans, we are all fallen and sinful.
- Our sins have separated us from God and made us unable to save ourselves.
- The concept of self-salvation leads to pride and self-righteousness.
* Faith and Grace:
- Salvation is a gift from God and can only be received through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is "not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
- Salvation is not earned through good works or self-effort but is given by God's grace.
* Humility and Dependence on God:
- Accepting God's salvation requires humility and recognizing our need for God's mercy.
- True self-preservation lies in surrendering to God's sovereignty and relying on His promises.
* Repentance and Transformation:
- Salvation is not just about getting "saved" but embracing a renewed life in Christ.
- It involves repentance from sin, turning away from our old ways, and aligning our lives with God's purposes.
- The Holy Spirit works within us to transform our hearts and minds.
* Trusting in God's Provision:
- We must trust in God's provision and guidance as we walk the path of salvation.
- He sees the bigger picture and knows what's best for us, even when we cannot understand.
- His grace gives us strength and hope, and through him, we can truly "save" ourselves.
Conclusion:
"Save yourself" doesn't mean relying solely on human efforts or self-sufficiency. In the context of Christianity, genuine self-preservation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging our need for salvation and receiving it as a gift of God. When we surrender to God's love and guidance, we experience true transformation and salvation, leading us to walk in his presence according to his purposes.