Being a Christian, it has become increasingly apparent that so many people, particularly others who claim to be Christian themselves, struggle with the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

People seem to have been under the impression that we HAVE to do some sort of work (prayer, baptism, going door to door, tithing, etc.) to guarantee a place in Heaven. Even though Jesus had already completed His work of shedding all His blood on the cross, paying for our sins in full, about 2000 years ago.

“For 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

When you feel as though you have to work your way into Heaven, without fail, a sort of self-righteous attitude starts to bloom in your heart. I am not blinded to how these Christians come off to the world; in fact, these people have tarnished the reputation of Christianity as a whole unfortunately. It is pride that gives people this idea that their ‘filthy rags’ are more binding than what the Son of God completed.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7

That being said, we should strive to do good works AFTER we are saved so we can be as effective to the Body of Christ as possible. Examples of this are getting baptized as an outward showing of being washed clean, telling people about the truth of salvation, getting involved in a ministry if you feel called into it, prayer, etc. Above all, we should love each other!

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13

Ultimately, in order to receive salvation, you have to hear the gospel: That Christ died for your sins, was buried and yet rose again on the third day.

Once you hear and BELIEVE that with your heart, you are sealed. That is, it! Plain and simple, Praise God!

I have heard many times over the years that salvation is a gift from God, and it is our choice of whether to accept it or deny it. When somebody buys you a gift for your birthday, it would be wrong for them to expect you to pay for your own gift, so why do we assume that of a loving and graceful God, who allowed his only Son to die a gruesome death for us just so we could share in His glory for all eternity? Make it make sense.