Romans 4:16
[16] That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (ESV)
There is a saying, "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps." I am not sure that many people even know what bootstraps are anymore but the principle is that we need to rely on ourselves. That principle may work at your day job, but it does not work when it comes to our relationship with God. We do not depend on our works. Our salvation depends on faith. Let's talk about that.
Our salvation depends on faith. At first glance this almost sounds like pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. If we are not careful we will fall for the trap of thinking that our faith is the required work of our salvation. This is not so. Even our faith is too weak. Our salvation depends on faith, and rests on GRACE!
Grace is the undeserved favor and gift of God. Our salvation is a gift of God's grace. The faith we have we also have received from God, and we use that faith to look completely to God's grace to do the work of our salvation. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."
This amazing salvation that God offers is a gift. The adherent of the Law must come to God through faith, receiving the gift of God's grace. There are no exceptions. This faith that we have unites us with all true children of Abraham. This faith is specifically in the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. No other faith will do. True children of Abraham are only those who have faith in Christ.
Are you trying to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps? That is a futile effort. Place your faith in the grace of God and you will be saved.
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