What Does God Want From You?
Nothing we’ve done or could ever do, could make God love us or grant us salvation.
Have you ever felt that you no longer deserved God’s acceptance or love? Or that your mistakes had left you too far gone for Him to ever want you back? In today’s short clip, Paul reveals the beautiful truth that Father not only welcomes you back, He comes running to you, ready to embrace you!
Salvation is a gift from God, not something to be earned.
In Romans 4:5 (NASB) it says, “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” We know this truth for the unbeliever. We have memorized and can quote Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB), “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” It was all Him.
Why do we believe once we’ve accepted Jesus Christ that we’ve got a whole lot more to do?
We somehow believe we’ve got to keep Him loving us, and keep Him pleased with us. That we’ve got to keep earning His blessing and His favour, and that we have to keep Him from being disappointed in us.
How many of you have missed a witnessing opportunity at work? Maybe you’ve bailed on your devotions for more than a day or two? Perhaps you’ve held back $50 of a tithe to pay a bill this week. Then you beat yourself up and pray something like, “Oh God, I’m such a poor excuse of a Christian! Please forgive me. I promise to do better next time!”
This is nothing new for the Apostle Paul. He wrote a whole letter to the Galatians addressing this one issue. In Galatians 3:3 he says,
“Are you so foolish? Having begun your journey by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”
Is this you? Do you believe God constantly wants something from you? Do you think He expects a certain performance or behaviour? Or that He wants you to do something for Him or else?
Perhaps the “or else” could be withdrawing His love for you, withdrawing His blessings, His favour, and maybe even His salvation? I urge you today to
Let go of the belief that you better do this or that, OR ELSE!
Just as it is God and only God who brings about your initial salvation, in the same way,
It is God and only God who brings about your spiritual growth, your development, and your maturity.
Let this truth set you free today!
Each week, Paul sends out a letter to his subscribers containing personal and helpful truths designed to help you experience the beautiful truths of the New Covenant. Sign up here.