Welcome to the first Sunday of the twelfth month of the year 2021. You will agree with me that it is by the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed by the wickedness of the enemy. Last week, we mentioned that the salvation of God for mankind has been secured through the finished work of the Lord on the cross of Calvary (1Cor. 1:18). Today, we will be concluding this topic as we consider some misconceptions about salvation.
The first misconception is that *I do good things, therefore I must be saved*. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is not by works. *“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”* (Eph. 2:8). That you obey the Ten Commandments and do good is not a sign that you are saved. The book of Isaiah 64:6 documents that all such good works are but a filthy rag before God. Cornelius was a good man, but his goodness was not good enough before God. Therefore, God had to make provision for his salvation. Galatians 2:21 also clearly reveals that, if your good works could save you, then Christ died in vain. The second misconception is *I go to church, I belong to a Unit and I give tithe and offerings, hence I must be saved*. This is yet another terrible misconception about salvation. There is no church that is equipped with the ability to save, as made clear by Jesus in John 4:20-24. So, you may be going to church, actively involved in your unit, and giving to God but not saved (Acts 10:2). Salvation is not in a place or service, but in the person of Christ alone! What is your status in Christ? The third misconception is *I am baptized in water; thus, I am saved*. Water baptism is not salvation, it is just a physical representation of our salvation (Rom. 6:3-5). The new birth through salvation has nothing to do with physical symbolism! It is purely the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God which water signifies. The primary focus should not be on water baptism but on connecting to the Cross. The Bible places emphasis on repenting and believing before water baptism.
Doing good things, going to church, serving God, water baptism etc., are not bad but God never intended that man would be saved through them. Rather, man would do these things after getting saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Friend, if you are not sure of your salvation, this is another opportunity to tap into the grace of God. Accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ and be saved from the impending doom. God bless you. *(Concluded)*. Happy New Month. SHALOM
