SALVATION IS THE GIFT OF GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 2:8
Key Verse: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:16; John 1:12; Titus 3:5-7; Acts 4:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Description: Salvation is God's gracious and priceless gift, provided through Jesus Christ and received by faith rather than earned through human works.
INTRODUCTION
Every gift reveals something about the heart of the giver. A gift is not a salary, reward or payment for services rendered; it is freely given because the giver chooses to give. Ephesians 2:8 describes salvation in exactly this way: “it is the gift of God.” Salvation is not something humanity achieved; it is something God provided.
Human beings are naturally separated from God because of sin. Ephesians 2:1 describes us as dead in trespasses and sins. A spiritually dead person cannot rescue himself. No amount of religious activity, morality, education, wealth or good works can purchase forgiveness and eternal life. Therefore, God took the initiative by sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rise again.
Because salvation is God's gift, it must be received. A gift can be freely offered and yet remain unused if the recipient refuses to accept it. God has extended salvation to humanity through Christ, but each person must respond personally by faith. When we receive Christ, we receive forgiveness, reconciliation, a new identity, eternal life and the privilege of becoming children of God.
1. SALVATION ORIGINATES FROM GOD
The first truth we must understand is that salvation begins with God. Humanity did not design the plan of redemption; God did.
When sin separated humanity from God, God took the initiative to provide a way back to Himself.
a) God loved the world (John 3:16) – God's love moved Him to give His only begotten Son. Salvation begins with divine love.
b) God sent His Son (1 John 4:9-10) – God demonstrated His love by sending Christ into the world to provide eternal life. Redemption was God's initiative.
c) God reconciles sinners (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) – God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. The possibility of reconciliation comes from God.
d) Salvation belongs to the Lord (Psalm 3:8) – Scripture declares that salvation belongs to God. He is the source and author of our redemption.
Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:8-9) – Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God provided a means of salvation from the flood, and Noah responded in obedience. The ark was God's provision before it became Noah's place of safety.
2. SALVATION IS A GIFT, NOT A REWARD
A reward is earned, but a gift is received. Salvation cannot be earned through good works because the standard of God's righteousness is far beyond human achievement.
This truth removes boasting and gives all glory to God.
a) We are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8) – Salvation comes through God's grace. It is not something we can produce from ourselves.
b) Salvation is not of works (Ephesians 2:9) – Paul explicitly states that salvation is not of works, so that no person can boast.
c) We are justified freely (Romans 3:24) – We are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
d) Human righteousness cannot save us (Isaiah 64:6) – Human righteousness cannot provide the perfect standing required before God. We need the righteousness provided through Christ.
Biblical Example: The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14) – The Pharisee trusted in his religious achievements, while the publican humbled himself and asked for mercy. Jesus declared the humble man justified. Salvation requires dependence upon God's mercy rather than confidence in human performance.
3. JESUS CHRIST IS THE GIFT THROUGH WHOM WE ARE SAVED
God's gift of salvation is not an abstract blessing. It is centred entirely on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Christ paid the price that humanity could never pay so that sinners could receive what they could never earn.
a) Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) – Jesus died according to the Scriptures for our sins. His death dealt with the problem of human guilt.
b) Christ shed His blood (Matthew 26:28) – Jesus said His blood was shed for the remission of sins. His sacrifice provides forgiveness.
c) Christ rose from the dead (Romans 4:25) – He was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification. The resurrection confirms the victory of His redemptive work.
d) Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6) – Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth and the life. Salvation is found through Him.
Biblical Example: The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:1-13) – The Israelites were protected from judgement through the blood of the lamb. The Passover points forward to Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood provides salvation.
4. SALVATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY FAITH
Although salvation is God's gift, it must be personally received. Ephesians 2:8 says that we are saved by grace through faith.
Faith does not purchase salvation. Faith simply trusts God and receives what He has provided through Christ.
a) Believe in Christ (John 3:16) – Whoever believes in Jesus receives everlasting life. Faith places confidence in Christ.
b) Receive Christ (John 1:12) – Those who receive Christ are given power to become the children of God. Salvation involves a personal response to Jesus.
c) Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) – Faith in the heart and confession with the mouth are connected to salvation. Genuine faith openly identifies with Christ.
d) Call upon the Lord (Romans 10:13) – Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. God invites every person to respond to His grace.
Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25-34) – After the earthquake, the jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. They directed him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and he and his household responded in faith.
5. SALVATION GIVES US A NEW LIFE
God does not give salvation merely to change our eternal destination. He gives us a new life that begins now and continues into eternity.
The person who receives Christ becomes spiritually different.
a) We become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature. Salvation produces a new beginning.
b) We receive forgiveness (Colossians 1:13-14) – Through Christ we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Guilt no longer has to dominate the believer.
c) We become children of God (John 1:12) – Salvation brings us into God's family. We move from being alienated sinners to adopted children.
d) We receive eternal life (John 10:28) – Jesus gives His sheep eternal life. Salvation carries an eternal dimension that earthly possessions cannot provide.
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) – Zacchaeus received Jesus and his life changed visibly. His encounter with Christ affected his attitude, finances and relationships. His salvation produced transformation.
6. GOD'S GIFT OF SALVATION DEMANDS A RESPONSE
A gift that is offered must be received. God's salvation is freely available, but people must personally respond to the Gospel.
The proper response is repentance, faith, gratitude and a life of obedience.
a) Repent of sin (Acts 3:19) – Scripture calls people to repent and turn to God. Genuine faith involves turning away from sin.
b) Receive Christ (Colossians 2:6) – Having received Christ Jesus as Lord, believers are called to walk in Him. Salvation begins a lifelong relationship.
c) Live for God (Romans 12:1) – In view of God's mercies, believers should present themselves as living sacrifices. Grace calls us to consecration.
d) Share the Gospel (Mark 16:15) – Those who have received God's gift should help others hear about it. The greatest gift we can communicate to others is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:28-30, 39-42) – After encountering Jesus, the Samaritan woman went back to her city and told others about Him. Her encounter became a testimony that brought others to Christ.
CONCLUSION
Salvation is the gift of God. It is not a reward for good behaviour, a payment for religious activities or a prize for human achievement. We were spiritually dead in sin, but God loved us enough to provide salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By grace, God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, new life and eternal hope.
Today, receive God's gift by faith. Do not reject what Christ purchased with His blood, and do not attempt to earn what God freely offers. If you have received salvation, treasure it, live in gratitude, walk in holiness and share the Gospel with others. The greatest gift has already been provided—Jesus Christ.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for the priceless gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me never to take the gift of salvation for granted, in Jesus name.
3. Father, strengthen my faith and help me to remain firmly established in Christ, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, let every influence of sin and the old life be completely broken in me, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let the transforming power of salvation be evident in my character and conduct, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me grace to live every day in gratitude for Your gift of salvation, in Jesus name.
7. Father, preserve me from everything that can weaken my relationship with You, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, use me to lead my family, friends and others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let everyone connected to me who has not received Christ encounter the saving grace of God, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me to finish my Christian journey faithfully and receive the fullness of the salvation You have provided, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You are a recipient of God's grace, and the power of salvation will continually work transformation in your life.
2. You will not lose your faith in Christ; you will remain firmly established in Him throughout your journey.
3. Every power seeking to draw you back into your former life is broken, and you will continue to walk in the newness of life.
4. The joy of salvation will be continually renewed in your heart, and you will never lose your passion for God.
5. Your life will demonstrate the evidence of God's saving grace, and people will see Christ through you.
6. You will receive fresh grace to overcome every temptation and remain faithful to God.
7. Your family will experience the saving power of God, and those connected to you will encounter Jesus Christ.
8. You will become an effective witness for Christ, and God will use your testimony to bring many people into His kingdom.
9. You will not be ashamed of the Gospel; you will boldly proclaim the saving power of Jesus Christ wherever God sends you.
10. You are saved by grace, established in Christ, preserved by God and destined to fulfil your purpose to the glory of His name.
