Devotional: Salvation That Works
Scripture Focus:
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.'"
— Matthew 16:24 (NASB)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
— Matthew 28:19–20 (RSV)
Scriptural Insight
In an age where evangelism often looks like a scripted transaction—"bow your head, repeat after me"—Jesus’ own words call us to something far more radical and costly: discipleship. He did not promise eternal security through a one-time verbal confession, but through a life of surrender, obedience, and transformation.
The Hebrew understanding of “knowing” something is inherently active. To know truth is to walk in it. As James would later say, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This is not works-based salvation, but a salvation that inevitably works out in visible obedience to Christ.
Personal Reflection
Recently, I found myself in a conversation with a fellow believer who challenged my view on eternal security. He asked, “What’s your doctrine?” But the question itself pointed to a Greek mindset—one that systematizes and seeks agreement over dialog, which is the heartbeat of Hebraic thinking.
As I responded with my belief that salvation is evident through obedience, he accused me of believing in works-based salvation. It saddened me, not because I was misunderstood, but because this revealed how far removed modern Christianity is from the teachings of Jesus. Jesus didn’t teach “believe and stay the same.” He taught, “Come, die daily, and follow Me.”
Jesus invites us into a life, not a formula.
Contemplation
Do I define my faith by a moment in time or by an ongoing walk with Christ?
Am I more concerned with man’s approval or with God’s commendation?
Have I mistaken agreement with doctrine for actual obedience to Jesus?
It’s not wrong to have clarity on doctrinal truths. But when doctrine becomes a wall instead of a way to draw closer to the heart of God, we lose the spirit of discipleship. Jesus is calling us not to a denominational identity, but to follow Him—to carry the cross, to make disciples, and to obey His Word.
And yes, this kind of obedience will often put us at odds with cultural Christianity. But that tension is part of the call. We are not saved by what we do—but if we are saved, it will change what we do.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You never called me to be popular or polished—you called me to follow You. Teach me to walk in obedience to Your Word, even when it costs me comfort or approval. Forgive me for the times I have settled for cultural Christianity instead of true discipleship.
Help me to live a salvation that works—not to earn Your love, but to respond to it with a surrendered heart and obedient life. When others misunderstand or criticize, strengthen me with the assurance that You are with me always, even to the end of the age.
Let me never be ashamed of the message of the cross, and give me the courage to call others—not to a formula—but to the living Christ.
In Your holy and worthy name I pray,
Amen.
Today’s Declaration:
I am not called to win arguments, but to follow Jesus. I choose discipleship over approval, obedience over comfort, and truth over tradition.
No comments:
Post a Comment