Unearned

When you receive a paycheck, it isn’t considered a gift. You earned that money! You gave your time, your energy, your talents, your wisdom, and more. And thus, you were appropriately compensated.

When it comes to faith and religion, many people treat salvation like their paycheck. They think it is something they earn through good works, paying tithes, perfect prayers, getting baptized, and not saying naughty words.

But our One Thought from Titus 3 this week makes it crystal clear: Salvation isn’t something a person earns, but simply a gift to be received.

Not Because of Works

We ended last week’s post with the first phrase of verse 5. So let’s pick up where we left off, because it helps put this week’s portion in context.

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness…” (Titus 3:5a, ESV)

It doesn’t get any clearer than that! God saved you from your sin not because He was impressed by your swagger, or your eloquent words, or your impressive spiritual resume. He saved you not for anything you did, but simply out of His love for you!

That is why Ephesians 2:8 describes salvation as a gift from God. You can’t earn it. You don’t deserve it. He simply gives you salvation by His grace through faith in Jesus out of His love and compassion and mercy.

May you find joy today in this simple truth, that there is nothing you can do—or need to do—to earn the forgiveness of your sin. Your connection with God is “not because of works” done by you, but by the work of Jesus through the cross and empty tomb, and the work of the Spirit in your heart and mind.