In a world where many believe that deeds can earn them a place in heaven, the truth of the Gospel stands in stark contrast. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded that it is not our deeds that save us, but the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” and this begins with understanding the true nature of salvation.
The Finished Work of Christ
The belief that deeds can earn salvation is a common misconception. However, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for our salvation.
Accepting the Gift of Salvation
While deeds cannot earn us a place in heaven, there are steps we must take to accept the gift of salvation. This involves acknowledging our sinfulness, repenting, and accepting Jesus as our Savior. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that if we declare with our mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. Baptism is an outward expression of this inward faith, symbolizing our new life in Christ.
Living the Gospel: Bold Faith
Living the Gospel involves being bold in our faith, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace we have received. Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to study, share, and serve, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. Matthew 5:16 encourages us to let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.
Study: Knowing and Loving God
Studying Scripture deepens our understanding of God’s grace and the finished work of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:15 urges us to present ourselves to God as approved workers who correctly handle the word of truth. Through study, we grow in our knowledge and love for God.
Share: Knowing and Loving Others
Sharing the Gospel with others is an essential part of living out our faith. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything Christ has commanded. By sharing our faith, we invite others to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.
Serve: Love in Action
Serving others is a natural response to the grace we have received. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Our service is an expression of our love for God and others, demonstrating the Gospel’s impact on our lives.
Conclusion The Gospel is not about deeds, but about the finished work of Christ. As we embrace this truth and live out our mission to study, share, and serve, we become powerful witnesses of God’s grace. Let us boldly live out our faith, knowing that it is Jesus who saves us, not our deeds.
