Many people turn to religion seeking salvation, hoping that by following a set of rules or rituals, they can earn their place in heaven. But what does the Bible, the word of God, say about this?
According to Ephesians 2:8-9, “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.” This passage clearly states that salvation comes through faith in God’s grace, not through our own works or religious practices. Our salvation is not something we can earn; it’s a gift from God, given freely to those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.
This doesn’t mean that church practices are irrelevant, but rather that they are not the means by which we are saved. Jesus has already secured our salvation by dying on the cross because of His love for us and His knowledge that we cannot save ourselves. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse highlights the incredible love and grace of God, who offers salvation to all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Salvation is not earned through human efforts or good deeds or merits; it’s a gift from God, made possible through His grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. No amount of religious striving can earn us eternal life—it’s only through faith in Jesus that we can have true salvation. Our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, not on our own efforts or merits. It’s a humbling reminder that we cannot save ourselves.
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Here, Jesus makes it clear that He is the only way to God the Father. Salvation is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not through religious systems or rituals. Religious systems are man-made and no man can dictate the way to reach God; it is God who reached out to us by sending His only begotten Son to save us.
Consider also Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” This passage emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will and putting only our faith in Him, rather than just going through religious motions.
The message is clear: religion alone cannot save us. It is only through God’s grace, as revealed in Jesus Christ, that we can have true salvation and eternal life. We should place our faith not in our own religious efforts, but in the unmerited favor of God, who offers us forgiveness and redemption through His Son Jesus Christ.
If you are still in doubt and unsure about where you will go after you die, it is not too late. Accept the love of God, humble yourself, acknowledge that you are a sinner who needs a Savior, and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone. He died for you to give you eternal life. You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Now is the time, now is the day of salvation.
As 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
How to be saved? Read: ABC of Salvation or Romans Road to Salvation