oatmeal
Well-known member
Having received the gift of salvation, God expects us to do something with it, not just set in some closet or just sit on it.
After we receive salvation, then and only then are we capable of doing the good works that "God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Salvation is a gift that God expects us to put to use according to God's word, His instructions.
For a simple example, if you desire a CD of some gospel songs and hymns for your learning and spiritual edification and over all enjoyment and someone gives it to you as a gift, but you never play it, do you still have the gift? Yes, of course, you do, But what good is it doing you if you do not use it as intended? It is of no use.
How about if desire an electric mixer for your kitchen, a KitchenAid, and then you receive it as a gift, but again you never use it? What good is having it if you never use it for what it was intended?
The gift of salvation is the same.
It is basically useless to our lives in the here and now unless we utilize it, We cannot enjoy our salvation or benefit our lives or anyone else's lives by ignoring it.
We are to work out our salvation, not work to receive it, but work it out, Ie, use it, energize it, put it to use.
How? by obeying the word of God in our lifestyles, Most things we receive as gifts, come with instructions on how to use the item most effectively and safely. Even so the gift of salvation.
Philippians 2:12
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
We have been given the gift of salvation/eternal life which saves us from eternal death.
Is there more to life than just existing?
Of course
if you are talented in athletics, or music, we expect ourselves to do something with those talents.
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Godly sorrow is beneficial because it motivates us to improve our lifestyle, thus saving us from damaging our present lives by continuing to sin or continuing in ungodly habits.
We can, in a sense, add to our salvation by renewing our minds so that we are transformed into something better than simply a saved sinner, we can become saved believers and disciples.
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What other benefits, specifically from the word, or anecdotally would you like to share along these lines?
After we receive salvation, then and only then are we capable of doing the good works that "God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Salvation is a gift that God expects us to put to use according to God's word, His instructions.
For a simple example, if you desire a CD of some gospel songs and hymns for your learning and spiritual edification and over all enjoyment and someone gives it to you as a gift, but you never play it, do you still have the gift? Yes, of course, you do, But what good is it doing you if you do not use it as intended? It is of no use.
How about if desire an electric mixer for your kitchen, a KitchenAid, and then you receive it as a gift, but again you never use it? What good is having it if you never use it for what it was intended?
The gift of salvation is the same.
It is basically useless to our lives in the here and now unless we utilize it, We cannot enjoy our salvation or benefit our lives or anyone else's lives by ignoring it.
We are to work out our salvation, not work to receive it, but work it out, Ie, use it, energize it, put it to use.
How? by obeying the word of God in our lifestyles, Most things we receive as gifts, come with instructions on how to use the item most effectively and safely. Even so the gift of salvation.
Philippians 2:12
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
We have been given the gift of salvation/eternal life which saves us from eternal death.
Is there more to life than just existing?
Of course
if you are talented in athletics, or music, we expect ourselves to do something with those talents.
2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Godly sorrow is beneficial because it motivates us to improve our lifestyle, thus saving us from damaging our present lives by continuing to sin or continuing in ungodly habits.
We can, in a sense, add to our salvation by renewing our minds so that we are transformed into something better than simply a saved sinner, we can become saved believers and disciples.
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What other benefits, specifically from the word, or anecdotally would you like to share along these lines?