Before I became a Christian, I remember thinking I was a pretty good person. My outward actions all painted a picture of a woman who helped others, lived with integrity, and lived a “righteous” life. After a personal crisis and having no peace, I finally understood that my belief was in my efforts to be a good person and not in the person of Christ. I realized that there was nothing I could do to earn His gift of salvation.
When I accepted Jesus as Lord of my life, my eyes were opened and I saw that the inward attitudes I possessed were not all that great. I struggled with envy, being judgmental, having a critical spirit, and feeling self-righteous. The closer I drew to the Lord, the more I saw the depravity in my own heart and my need for His unmerited grace. And the more I saw those things, the more grateful I was for the salvation He had freely given me and for His promise to transform me through His Spirit.
As believers in Christ, it is helpful to regularly remember our salvation (Ephesians 1:13). The day you were forgiven of your sins, you were made a new creation by faith in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and Lordship in your life. Reflecting on this miraculous transformation gives us great hope as we live in this fallen world. We see this progression of faith in a passage that Paul wrote in Titus 3:3-7:
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Consider that passage as you answer the following questions:
- Who is the “we” referring to? (Titus 3:3) Why do you think so?
- How does Paul describe salvation? (Titus 3:4-6)
- What does “justified by his grace” mean?
- What is the result of being justified? (Titus 3:7) How does remembering this help you in your current circumstances?
- If you have had a salvation experience, what outward changes in your life show that you have been born again and renewed by the Holy Spirit?
Write or say a prayer of adoration and thanksgiving for your salvation.
Or, if you have never fully surrendered to Jesus, or are unsure if you have truly accepted the gift of salvation, you can pray right now and have assurance that you will spend eternity with Jesus.
Simply pray this prayer: “Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to Earth, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins, and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank You for bearing my sins and for the gift of eternal life. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please tell a Christian friend or church leader so they can rejoice with you and help you take the next steps in your faith walk. Welcome to the family!
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, remind me anew and fill me with a fresh wonder and gratitude for Your saving work on the cross. You have saved me from a life of depravity and an eternity separated from You. Thank You for loving me so much that you chose to suffer and die in my place. Even on my worst days and in the midst of trials, I can find joy and hope in remembering all that You have done for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.