Relationship with God. The Gospel: Salvation Is a Gift, Not a Reward

At the heart of the Christian faith is this truth: You don’t have to earn God’s love. You don’t have to perform or fix yourself.

We are all broken in some way—whether through pride, fear, addiction, selfishness, or pain. The Bible says:

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

But God didn’t leave us in that state. Out of His great love, He sent Jesus—who lived a perfect life, died in our place, and rose again—so that we could be made right with Him.

Salvation Is a Gift We Receive by Faith

“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.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

Salvation is not a reward for good behavior. It’s a free gift offered to anyone who will receive it through faith in Jesus Christ.

Confess and Believe: The Doorway Into New Life

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

Salvation is simple: believe and confess. Trust that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and is Lord—and confess that truth with your life and lips.

Good Works Are the Fruit, Not the Root

You don’t do good works to be saved—you do them because you are saved. They are the natural result of a heart transformed by God’s love.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10

Obedience becomes your joy—not to earn love, but to respond to it.

A Simple Prayer of Faith

“Jesus, I believe You died and rose again for me. I confess that I’ve sinned and I need Your grace. I surrender my life to You. I receive the gift of salvation—not because I’ve earned it, but because You love me. Be my Savior, my Lord, and my Guide. I trust You with my life and my eternity. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer today, welcome to the family of God! Please contact Christi Young, and she will connect you with discipleship and Christian community. Reach out at 318.816.1625 or therapycy@gmail.com.