In grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God’s approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9)~~~CLT To remove all doubt about the source of salvation Paul calls it God’s approach present. The term “approach present” refers back to particular animal sacrifices offered up to God by the priests of old. A study of the book of Leviticus would surely add insight into the term “approach present” but there is also one familiar reference in chapter two of Matthew’s gospel account that should suffice as a clear illustration of this term. Here we discover that the gold, frankincense and myrrh which the three Magi offered to the babe in the manger are called “approach presents.” Salvation is God’s “approach present” to us. Every aspect of salvation, including justification, is as free as the sunshine we see and the air we breathe. Even our faith is a gift; there is no merit in believing. Nothing is easier than for a child to believe in a loving father. [Our] Faith creates nothing, does nothing, deserves nothing, and has no efficacy apart from its Object, for it is not a savior. If I entrust myself to an elevator that I may reach the tenth floor I contribute nothing to the power that raises me, nor does my ignorance of the mechanism prevent my being elevated to that floor. — George Rogers, Studies in Romans In fact, God’s gifts are spoiled the moment that we connect them to any hint of merit or work. No one could pay the price for faith, salvation or justification – they are absolutely free. God will not be indebted to anyone. When we look into the eyes of our loving Savior, giving Him all of the glory will be the easiest thing we ever did. By~ Don Bast
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 01:16:31 +0000
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