There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:6)
Inasmuch as the benefits of salvation for the saint are far too many to number, salvation is not primarily about the saint, but rather, it is about the Savior. We have been saved by Jesus and for Jesus. We are not our own, we have been bought at the unimaginable price of His precious blood and because we are His, the life we live must be lived for the honor, the glory, and the praise of His name.
Now, it is important to make note of the difference of being saved for service and being saved by service. Far too many in the church today falsely believe they are saved by their service to God, their good works. They believe God will grade on a curve and those who have done enough “good works” will be allowed into heaven. But the Bible knows nothing of this pernicious error as Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). You see, if we were saved by service, salvation would indeed be all about the saint, but it is not, so that no one can boast.
Being saved for service frees us to find both God’s plan and purpose for our lives so that we can live in such a way that demonstrates our love for God and our neighbor. A person who has truly been saved by God’s grace is a person who truly lives for serving God. Think about it this way: God doesn’t need us for anything. He is capable of accomplishing His will all by Himself. Yet, God wants us and the proof of that truth is the fact that you are reading this right now. Unlike the good thief on the cross who went immediately to Paradise after being saved, we are still here which means we are here to do His work in this world.
So, knowing that salvation is about Jesus and not you, how does that impact the way you have been using your time, talent, and treasure lately? Are you allowing God to use you for His glory of for your glory? Are you spending the lion’s share of your time expanding the cause of His kingdom of your own kingdom? Remember, the choice will always be yours and don’t forget this – even though God does not need your service, everyone else does. And if you fail to give yourself in service to your Lord, we are all diminished. Keeping in view that your salvation is about your Savior will keep you in the center of His plan and purpose for your life . . . and there is absolutely no better place to live to find the meaning and significance we all crave.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
