SOAP: Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned

Scripture: Romans 9: 16

It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

Observation: God is merciful, and gives us the gift of eternal life with Him because He wants to, not because we earn it.

Application: I will admit I find this hard to accept, although I know it is true because the Bible says it is true. Many times.

My salvation is a gift that I do not have to earn… and that I cannot earn.

God has chosen to bestow this gift on me because He wants to do that… even though I am a sinner. And all my serving Him and others isn’t going to get me eternal life… that gift is already mine. My salvation is not a product of my doing. It is a result of God’s mercy and me accepting that mercy. My efforts to live a life as close to what I think Jesus would want is my choice and it is worshipful, but it isn’t going to get me the ultimate prize.

Of course I still want to please God and live as He instructs. But I also must remember why I do what I do and make sure my efforts are carried out for the right reasons and not false ones.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life with you. Thank you for loving me so much and showing mercy on me.

Forgive me when I start to think I am earning your love, as that is not possible. You already love me.

Please guide my heart when I am serving you so that my perspective will be where you would have it, Lord.

And thank you for the many opportunities to serve… and the freedom to serve and know that your love and mercy and grace is not dependent upon that service.