But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”
Acts 15:11 (ESV)
What must I do to be saved? This question comes up several times in the book of Acts. And this chapter records a meeting of the apostles and church elders to resolve a conflict over the issue.
On one side were those who believed circumcision and following the Jewish law, the Torah, were required to be saved. On the other side were those who believed that we are saved by the grace of God and not by anything we do.
Ultimately, the conclusion was that we are saved through the grace of Jesus; nothing a person can do needs to be added to what Christ does for us. We cannot earn our salvation; it is solely a work of God’s grace.
I do not need to be baptized to be saved. I do not need to observe the Sabbath. Tithing my income is not a requirement. There is nothing I can do to earn my salvation.
So what must I do? On my part, it is solely a matter of faith. For by God’s grace I have been saved through faith. Not by anything I have done. It is an unearned gift of God’s grace, mercy, and love (Eph. 2:1-10). All I can do is accept it.
But it is not a passive faith that has little impact on my life. Instead, it is a living faith that trusts and follows Jesus day by day, wherever he leads. It is trusting him with my life.
I am so thankful for the many dimensions of grace that God gives to me: the gift of salvation, equipping me for his service, and the eternity he is preparing me for.
