Envelope #5

So Jesus saved us from our sins by sacrificing himself. (What an amazing act.) What did he do so that we may earn God's blessing and some day join Him in heaven for eternity?

    Jesus’ message was that people cannot earn God’s blessing. It cannot be earned by keeping the law or by doing good works or by offerings. It can only be received by someone who recognizes that he or she is a sinner, and can only be saved by grace. Grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it. ... Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy.

    Think about all the other religions of the world that require offerings, or mission trips, or some type of service to a church or temple as a condition of entering heaven ... Yet in Christianity we are saved by grace because we have received a free gift from God that we do not deserve. ... God sent his son to pay for our sins through his death on a cross ... EVEN THOUGH we are sinners who have done nothing for God.

      Q: So why do we see Christians out doing good things if they can go to heaven simply by receving God's grace? A: They do so because they have been freely given that grace, not because they are earning it. What a wonderful concept!

So do you understand that accepting God's grace will give you salvation and - someday - entrance in heaven?

    o No. It seems that good deeds and living a good life are the keys to heaven. If you believe this, go back through the New Testament and see what Jesus said on the subject, as in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

    or

    o Yes, I believe. Through God’s grace – something freely given; something that cannot be earned. I agree that grace is a gift of God, and only through His grace can one come to salvation.

Okay, so today pray about all the people and the other religions of the world who - sadly - are trying to earn their way into heaven. Also pray about many people who call themselves Christians but - also sadly - who have not accepted God's grace and simply think that "living a good life" is sufficient for salvation.

Tomorrow open Envelope #6.