It's That Simple
“...and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works,
so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8,9).
Do you believe in and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?
Are you sorry for, and have asked forgiveness for, past wrong behaviour?
And do you no longer wish to continue sinning rebelliously?
If your answer is, "Yes," having told God so, you're saved — immediately!
And have become a part of the Body of Christ — the Christian family.
Am I meaning once saved always saved? No, such can't possibly be true,
For God has given us freedom of choice — folk can change their mind, and do.
God would never lock us into something that we no longer desire,
Thus, once saved always saved is Satan’s doing, for he is just a liar.
Any Christian who turned away from Christ, or continued to rebel,
God would no longer treat as saved — their past repentance would count for nil.
Why? Because they were hardly genuine, or somewhere they went astray,
So why should they be saved when Christ they chose to spurn, or to disobey.
So where do works fit in then, regarding being saved? Absolutely nowhere,
For we’re either saved or we’re not, as our behaviour plays no part here.
You see, we cannot buy God’s mercy, nor can we somehow earn His grace,
For such is something that's freely given, and which instantly takes place.
Our changed behaviour simply proves that we are genuine and grateful,
And it brings glory to God, who’s loving, merciful, and all-powerful.
It also witnesses to the Spirit's amazing transforming power,
And shows that we accept God's will, (as our Christian growth begins to flower).
Such also displays our recognition that the Lord who offers grace
Knows exactly what's in our best interest, (for He made the human race).
Besides, such is the natural fruitage of the Christian walk and growth,
That's displayed in every sincere Christian — whose commitment's like an oath.
Yes, it really is that simple. We’re saved by Christ’s blood, and not by works,
However, any genuine Christian, right behaviour never shirks.
Otherwise, they will greatly dishonour their Saviour who sin abhors,
And who has duly appointed Christians as Heaven’s ambassadors.
By Lance Landall
“You
were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt
and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your
minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to
the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness [God accepts
people where they are, but He gives them no excuse for staying there]”
(Eph 4:22-24).
You might like to read my poems: "God's Gift Of Grace", "Balancing Grace", "Once Saved, Always Saved?", "Excuse Me?".