Saved by Grace: The Gift We Can’t Earn
Opening Scripture:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
—Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)
Introduction
What does it mean to be saved? We hear the term often in churches, songs, and testimonies—“I got saved,” or “She’s a saved woman.” But beyond the phrase is a divine truth that changes everything. Being saved means being rescued from sin, from death, from separation from God. It means becoming part of God’s family, washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. And it’s available to everyone.
Salvation is not something we earn—it is something we receive. Today, we’re going to unpack what the Bible says about being saved, how it applies to our daily lives, and how we can respond to the most important invitation ever given.
Why We Need to Be Saved
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23 (ESV)
Every single one of us is born into sin. From the Garden of Eden to this very moment, humanity has rebelled against God. Sin separates us from our Creator. It puts a wall between us and the abundant life God designed for us.
We might try to be “good people.” We might try to clean up our act, go to church, or help the poor—but none of that can remove sin. No good deed can erase rebellion. And Scripture makes it clear:
“The wages of sin is death…”
—Romans 6:23a (ESV)
Death—spiritual and eternal—is the result of sin. That’s why we need to be saved.
How Salvation Comes
“…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 6:23b (ESV)
God didn’t leave us in our brokenness. He made a way. That way is Jesus Christ.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 (ESV)
This is the beauty of the gospel: Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up. He came and bore our punishment on the cross. His blood paid the price we owed. And His resurrection secured eternal life.
We are saved by grace—not because we deserve it, but because God loves us.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
—Romans 10:9 (ESV)
It’s simple, yet profound. Salvation doesn’t require religious rituals or perfect performance. It requires faith.
- Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
- Believe He died for your sins.
- Believe He rose again.
- Confess Him as Lord of your life.
This is the doorway into new life.
What Happens When I’m Saved?
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
When we are saved, we are made new.
- Our sins are forgiven.
- The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us.
- We are adopted into the family of God.
- We receive eternal life.
Salvation isn’t just about going to heaven one day. It’s about living with Jesus today. It changes our heart, our desires, our priorities, and our purpose.
Living Out Our Salvation
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
—Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV)
Salvation is a moment—but it’s also a journey. Once we are saved, we grow. We walk with Jesus. We learn to follow Him, love others, forgive, serve, and shine His light.
You don’t walk alone—God is working in you. You belong to Him now. Let your life be a reflection of the One who saved you.
Closing Encouragement
If you’ve already been saved, rejoice in it! Walk boldly and gratefully, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. And if you’ve never made that decision, today can be the day.
Jesus is calling. The gift is free. You don’t have to clean yourself up first—just come.
Closing Scripture
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
—Romans 10:13 (ESV)
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us even while we were still sinners. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins. Lord, we confess that we have fallen short, and we need Your mercy. We believe that Jesus died for us and rose again. We receive Him as our Lord and Savior. Help us to walk in this new life, filled with Your Spirit and Your truth. Remind us daily of the grace we’ve been given, and may our lives reflect Your love to the world.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.