Bible Reading: Titus 3
Key Verse: Verse 5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Key Words: Not by works
The Word of God is clear that we are to be laborers for God, and while we are to be God’s workmanship and perform good works, salvation is free and requires no work at all. The work of salvation was done by and through Jesus Christ.
I read about an instant cake mix that was a big flop. The instructions said all you had to do was add water and bake. The company couldn’t understand why it didn’t sell – until their research discovered that the buying public felt uneasy about a mix that required only water. Apparently people thought it was too easy. So the company altered the formula and changed the directions to call for adding an egg to the mix in addition to the water. The idea worked and sales jumped dramatically.
That story reminds me of how some people react to the plan of salvation. To them it sounds too easy and simple to be true, even though the Bible says, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” [Ephesians 2:8-9]. They feel that there is something more they must do, something they must add to God’s “recipe” for salvation. They think they must perform good works to gain God’s favor and earn eternal life. But the Bible is clear – we are saved, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy” [Titus 3:5]. Unlike the cake mix manufacturer, God has not changed “His formula” to make salvation more marketable. The gospel we proclaim must be free of works, even though it may sound too easy.
Have you accepted God’s Word for salvation through Jesus Christ? If not, why not today?
Dr. Mike Rouse
What to do:
✞ Call us and we’ll be overjoyed to tell you how you can be born again.
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