SALVATION IS FREE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 2:8-9
Supporting Texts: Romans 6:23, John 3:16, Titus 3:5, Acts 4:12, Isaiah 55:1
INTRODUCTION
Salvation is the greatest gift God has given to mankind, and it is entirely free. Unlike earthly treasures that require payment, human effort, or merit, salvation is solely based on God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “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.” This means that no one can earn or buy salvation; it is freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The world often operates on a system of transactions—where nothing is given without a price. However, God’s kingdom operates on the principle of grace, making salvation available to all, regardless of background, wealth, or personal achievements. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross, shedding His blood so that we might receive eternal life.
Despite being free, salvation is often rejected or misunderstood. Some believe they must work for it, while others think their sins are too great for God’s mercy. This sermon will explore the meaning of salvation, its availability to all, and how to receive and walk in this free gift.
1. SALVATION IS GOD’S GIFT TO HUMANITY
Salvation is not something we can earn; it is a divine gift from God, given out of His love and mercy.
a) Salvation is by Grace, Not Works (Titus 3:5)
No human effort or religious activity can save us. We are saved by God's mercy, not by our righteousness.
b) The Price Was Paid by Jesus (Romans 5:8)
Jesus’ death on the cross was the full payment for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, we don’t have to pay for our salvation.
c) It is a Universal Offer (John 3:16)
God’s love extends to the entire world, offering salvation to anyone who believes in Christ.
d) Salvation Brings Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)
The wages of sin is death, but God’s free gift of salvation grants us eternal life in Christ.
e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received salvation freely by simply believing in Jesus, proving that salvation is not by works but by faith (Luke 23:39-43).
2. SALVATION CANNOT BE BOUGHT OR EARNED
Many people think they must do good works or make sacrifices to be saved, but the Bible clearly states that salvation is a free gift.
a) Money Cannot Buy Salvation (Acts 8:18-20)
Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of God with money, but he was rebuked because God's gift is not for sale.
b) Good Works Alone Cannot Save (Isaiah 64:6)
Our righteousness is like filthy rags before God. Good works are important but cannot replace faith in Christ.
c) Religious Activities Are Not Enough (Matthew 7:21-23)
Many will claim to have done great works in Jesus’ name, but only those who truly accept Him will be saved.
d) Salvation is Not Based on Human Merit (Romans 3:23-24)
All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but salvation is given freely through Christ.
e) Biblical Example: The rich young ruler wanted to earn eternal life through his wealth and good deeds but walked away sorrowful when Jesus told him to surrender all and follow Him (Matthew 19:16-22).
3. HOW TO RECEIVE THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION
Although salvation is free, it requires a personal decision to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
a) Acknowledge Your Sin (Romans 3:10, 23)
Recognising that you are a sinner in need of salvation is the first step to receiving God’s grace.
b) Believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
Faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus is the only way to be saved.
c) Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10)
With your mouth, confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
d) Receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation, confirming that we belong to God.
e) Biblical Example: Zacchaeus, a tax collector, received salvation when he believed in Jesus and repented of his sins (Luke 19:1-10).
4. BENEFITS OF SALVATION
Salvation brings many spiritual and physical blessings to those who receive it.
a) Forgiveness of Sins (1 John 1:9)
Through salvation, all our past sins are forgiven, and we are made new in Christ.
b) A New Life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation transforms us into new creatures, free from the power of sin.
c) Victory Over Death and Hell (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Through Christ, we have victory over eternal condemnation.
d) Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
Salvation restores our relationship with God, giving us lasting peace.
e) Biblical Example: The Philippian jailer and his household were saved and experienced great joy after accepting Jesus (Acts 16:25-34).
5. REJECTING SALVATION HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES
Though salvation is free, rejecting it leads to eternal separation from God.
a) There is No Other Way to Be Saved (Acts 4:12)
Jesus is the only way to salvation; rejecting Him means rejecting eternal life.
b) Hell is Real (Matthew 25:41-46)
Those who reject salvation face eternal punishment, prepared for the devil and his angels.
c) Life Without Christ is a Life Without Hope (Ephesians 2:12)
Without salvation, people remain lost and separated from God.
d) God Desires All to Be Saved (2 Peter 3:9)
God is patient, giving everyone a chance to repent, but He will not force salvation on anyone.
e) Biblical Example: The rich man who ignored salvation ended up in torment, while Lazarus enjoyed eternal rest with Abraham (Luke 16:19-31).
CONCLUSION
Salvation is the most precious gift God has given to humanity, and it is completely free. Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we might have eternal life. There is no amount of money, good works, or human effort that can purchase salvation—it is received by grace through faith in Christ.
If you have not yet accepted this free gift, today is the day of salvation. Do not delay, for tomorrow is not promised. Open your heart to Jesus, and He will give you a new life filled with peace, joy, and eternal hope.
PRAYER POINTS
- Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Lord, open the hearts of those who have not yet received You as their Saviour.
- I pray against every deception that hinders people from accepting Christ.
- Father, strengthen me to walk in obedience and remain steadfast in my faith.
- Lord, use me as an instrument to bring others into Your kingdom.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
- I declare that salvation shall not pass you by; you will encounter Jesus personally.
- Every hindrance keeping people from accepting Christ is removed in Jesus’ name.
- You shall walk in the joy and peace that comes from knowing the Lord.
- Your salvation shall bring transformation to your family and generations after you.
- The grace to stand firm in faith and not fall away is released upon you.
No comments:
Post a Comment