~~ A TESTIMONY OF GODS GRACE ~~ 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. I urge everyone reading this to examine the faith they have for being born-again. Trusting in what I understood to be true for salvation, I was challenged to study whether I was trusting in Christ alone for the forgiveness of ALL my sins. I was always of the belief that 1 Jn. 1:9 was a way of life for the Christian and that I needed to continually come before God repenting of my on-going sins, even though Id accepted the grace I had been offered in Christ. This became a spiritual dilemma I had to wrestle through. How could I agree with Scripture that my life is hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3) and I have received the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21) yet continue to ask for forgiveness and cleansing for UNrighteousness? Did this not imply broken fellowship with God because of unforgiven sin? I thought I understood my position in Christ well and was very comfortable in what I had been taught, but this revelation threw me into a headspin because it conflicted with what I had learned for over 21 years of being a Christian (following the teachings of renowned theologians). Initially I was really adamant to study something I figured was accepted truth: Everyone knows how a person is saved, right?, but the conviction became stronger over time and I NEEDED to study this, especially the understanding of repentance unto life to get to the heart of the true gospel message. Bottom line: what I was trusting in was Christs work PLUS my own work of adding to His righteousness in asking for forgiveness for sins already covered. This is not salvation by grace alone (Eph. 2:8-9). I had not come to God the right way. I was only a religious person trying to walk the walk, all the while believing I had the power of God in my life, but clearly I couldnt have been born-again until I was born-again by trusting in Christ alone. What a complete surprise ... and yet the most beautiful work of Gods grace I could ever have hoped for as He led me out of the bondage of trying to save myself earlier this year (2013). Words cannot express my gratitude for what God has done for me. Oh, the grace of God! Repentance (a change of mind and purpose toward God) and trusting alone in Christs finished work IS enough. May this testimony be a blessing to someone reading it ... I urge you to examine your own faith for righteousness. Dont fall short on this matter of eternal security! Theres no doubt God draws us by His Spirit, but dont allow yourself to believe that all spiritual experiences confirm your salvation in Christ. The truth shall set you FREE (Jn. 8:32). All glory to God! Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. :)
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:25:13 +0000
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