Dear SCC & Friends,
…it is a gift of God… ~Ephesians 2:8
Reflection #180
There’s a story about a man who believed he could get to heaven based on his good works. He dies and meets St. Peter looking over the book of salvation. Peter says, “I’m sorry, but you’re not in here.” “What do you mean I’m not in there? How can that be? I was a deacon in our church and served on the board of Habitat for Humanity!” Peter says, “We’ll make an exception and put you in the book if you can tally up a thousand points.” The man replied, “Fair enough… I raised three kids, a loving father, was married 55 years to the same woman, faithful, tithed and went to church nearly every Sunday. All of my children are good citizens and one of my grandchildren is even a missionary. I regularly donated money to the Red Cross and many other worthy causes.” Peter says, “Wow, that’s really good. You get one point.” “You’ve got to be kidding! Listen, I tried to help people out wherever I could and more than once loaned people money and never asked to get it back.” Peter said, “Man, what a great attitude. You get another point for that.” The man was now completely distraught. “My God, what must I do to be saved?” Peter says, “Now we’re getting somewhere.” No matter how good we are or how good we think we are, we’re not good enough to earn eternal life.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. ~Eph. 2:8-9 Is it not wonderful news to believe salvation lies outside ourselves? ~Martin Luther~ There was a time I believed I could earn my salvation. I too, went to church every Sunday, gave up candy for Lent and prayed every time I heard a siren. The Lord’s plan for my life was far different than I could have imagined. Somehow, He does that for all of us, uniquely orchestrating our lives. The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ~Prov. 16:9 Our salvation is a gift and not an accomplishment and certainly not for self-righteous boasting. It is not achieved but received. …the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Rom. 6:23 …a gift from God to render service for His honor and glory. …we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~Eph. 2:10 Thank God for God who is forever faithful and true. May we give our all to Jesus who gave His all for us… He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~Jim Elliot~ We were made for these days… Keep up the good work!
Soli Deo gloria
Kevin