For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
James Kraft
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
Grace is His blood sacrifice that covers us from all sin. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; (First Corinthians 15:1-4) in whom also AFTER ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.
Notice we are not regenerated by the Holy Spirit until we believe the gospel of our salvation. That Christ died for our sins. Mercy is what Jesus did for us and grace continues to do what He said. We are saved by grace without works. Romans 11:6 It is all grace, not works, if it was by works it would no longer be grace, and if by grace it would no longer be works.
There is absolutely nothing we can do to save ourselves. But Jesus in His mercy went to the cross to shed His blood for the remission of all sin. John 3:18 is grace. We can no longer be condemned to hell because all of our sins have been paid for.
We are justified by faith, not works. Romans 4:5 But to the one that worketh not, but beleiveth on Him who justifieth the ungodly, (all of us) his faith is counted for righteousness.
By His mercy He saved us, and by His grace keeps us saved. AMAZING GRACE, JESUS PAID IT ALL AND WE PAID 0. IT IS FREE.
Shirley H
AbsolutelyJames, it is ALL about Him. Our God is wonderful! Praise and honor and glory are His. Thank Him for His Beautiful Wonder Son always. And for the sending of the Holy Spirit!
James Kraft
Amen Shirley; We read in Romans 3:26-28 that since salvation is a free gift, we have nothing to boast in. Ephesians 2:8-9 Again, 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.
Since eternal life is a free gift, just for believing on His name, we have peace with God.
First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, THAT YE MAY KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
Based on John 6:47, John 1:12, Romans 1:16. Salvation if free, rewards in heave are earned. Salvation is all grace, Romans 11:6, and how we live after that is for rewards or lack of rewards in heaven.
First Corinthians 3:11-21 But no one can earn heaven by how we live and what we do or Jesus died in vain. Thank God He did not die in vain and He gave you and I the free gift of eternal life just because we believed what He said. John 3:16-18.
We have done the will of His Father in heaven. John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent me, that ALL that seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life, and I WILL RAISE HIM UP ON THE LAST DAY.
What a savior we have. He imputed His perfect righteousness to us without works, and will no more impute sin to our account. Romans 4:6-8 Talk about AMAZING GRACE. John 10:28-29 Double eternal security.
So many promises in scripture. Hebrews 13:5 He will never leave us or forsake us. From a Lord who can not lie.
Shirley H
AMEN, AMEN, James. Just to be where Jesus is and be with Him, is all the reward, I need. I love Him so much. I hope I please Him while I am on my journey.