Before and After Salvation

No amount of good works or godly behavior can save us. Salvation is a free gift that gives us “rest” for our souls. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

But that doesn't mean following Christ is an easy choice: Salvation is not a bed we rest on, it's a door opening into a new walk of life.

Faith requires action as we become a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). It means we seek to obey God's commands (1 John 2:3-5), and refuse to live sinful lifestyles (1 John 3:6).

 

We find spiritual rest in our salvation by taking on Christ's yoke and light burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). But it's a rest achieved by actively serving Christ and depending on His power in our lives. 

Paul expresses salvation this way:

“I want to know Christ ... I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me ... Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:10-14 

Genuine faith involves deliberate steps to grow and change:
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”  Philippians 2:12-13 

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For more insights, see 7 Things Christians Must Add to Their Faith.

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