The Freedom of Salvation

October 14, 2017

The Freedom of Salvation

Galatians 3:10-13, Galatians 3:21-24

Most of us are accustomed to working for a reward. We get paid for a completed job, and there’s a bonus when our effort exceeds expectation. It’s understandable, then, why so many people assume salvation depends upon our actions. But thankfully, that is simply not the case.

God gave commandments to reveal His standard for holiness, but—with the exception of Jesus—no one has ever obeyed them perfectly. In fact, James 2:10 points out that “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” Just one single jealous thought, unkind comment, or dishonoring action is all it takes to be a lawbreaker, according to God’s specifications. In other words, if salvation depended on our inadequate self-righteousness, nobody could be saved. God’s laws weren’t intended to save us; rather, they were intended to show our helplessness and point us to Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:24).

Our heavenly Father knew that our own strength was insufficient for keeping His law. Yet out of grace, He sent His sinless Son Jesus to take the penalty we deserved for our wrongdoing—death (Rom. 6:23). The Savior bore our iniquities, died, and rose from the grave. In doing so, He conquered sin so we can be free.

Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the bonds of sin. Are you living in the freedom His blood made possible? We can do nothing to reconcile ourselves to God; our only hope is to accept the free gift of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. In surrendering our life to Him, we find genuine liberation.

Bible in One Year: Mark 3-5