Christian Writers Circle

The Grace of Salvation
by Judy Hitson

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Salvation cannot be earned on our own merit. It is not of good works that we have done. I found this out the hard way. Spending the first 36 years of my life trying to be good enough to come close to God, I failed over and over again, falling into sin fulfilling desires of my flesh.

Praise God for His love and kindness to extend the grace of salvation, a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. He loved us while we were still sinners, see Rom. 5:8. Remembering what God’s Word says on faith, I am encouraged about salvation and the grace I received from Him.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Salvation is an act of God. God’s Word has much to say for us to understand how to receive this wonderful gift God offers to all mankind. By spending time in the Bible as God’s Word to us and among God’s people, we have opportunities to know God through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, I didn’t read the Bible as a child. I heard portions of Scripture shared in church services but didn’t personalize it in my life. Instead, I learned to follow rules and regulations during the 12 years I spent in Catholic school.

One portion of Scripture I was taught to put to memory was the Lord’s Prayer, Matt. 6:9-13. The problem for me was learning it by rote. I had not yet hidden God’s word in my heart, see Ps.119:11a.

Before I was saved, there were different people who shared the plan of salvation with me, but each time I rejected it, believing what I was taught was right and they were wrong. Perhaps I had a problem with pride. God says He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble in James 4:6.

When I was 36 yrs old searching to know the Lord with all my heart, I found Him as the Bible says.

Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

It’s been many years since that day I received the grace of salvation. Since then I continue to learn many ways God extends His grace. I look forward to sharing with you some of those ways through these devotionals this year on Grace.     

Prayer: Today Lord, I thank You for the grace of salvation. Amen.