Salvation is a gift, but do we accept it?

[notinvain]

We know the bible says that salvation is a gift but is it up to us to accept it or to respond to it? What I mean is do we really accept salvation like someone giving us a Christmas present or should we act upon it or respond to it by an act of commitment and repentance?

According to other scriptures we need to repent of our sins in response to being a sinner as well as to be baptized. The argument againts these things as being a part of salvation are that they are "doing something" and we understand a gift (as the world percieves it) as being free and not having to do anything to accept it, right? Well what if the gift is not a present like we get at Christmas but instead a right of passage (of sorts) that Christ gives freely to those who choose to follow him? In otherwords, the gift is given to all- but only those who respond to what acceptance of that gift requires of us, are actually going to recieve salvation.

Just a thought! I don't expect anyone who is totally convinced that they are saved, because they "accepted" the gift to agree with my statement. (mainly because the thought of that deep of an examination would mean they are not saved.) Ths is more for the person who is searching for answers such as myself. So to the closed minded people please post somewhere else!​

 

[linssue55]

We know the bible says that salvation is a gift but is it up to us to accept it or to respond to it? What I mean is do we really accept salvation like someone giving us a Christmas present or should we act upon it or respond to it by an act of commitment and repentance?



According to other scriptures we need to repent of our sins in response to being a sinner as well as to be baptized. The argument againts these things as being a part of salvation are that they are "doing something" and we understand a gift (as the world percieves it) as being free and not having to do anything to accept it, right? Well what if the gift is not a present like we get at Christmas but instead a right of passage (of sorts) that Christ gives freely to those who choose to follow him? In otherwords, the gift is given to all- but only those who respond to what acceptance of that gift requires of us, are actually going to recieve salvation.

Just a thought! I don't expect anyone who is totally convinced that they are saved, because they "accepted" the gift to agree with my statement. (mainly because the thought of that deep of an examination would mean they are not saved.) Ths is more for the person who is searching for answers such as myself. So to the closed minded people please post somewhere else!

​

Once you believe in the Lord as savior, you recieve 40 things (salvation package) right then and there. Now you may not want them, you may reject them, you could even condemn them. But you see it is NOT what WE do, it is what HE DOES for us, these gifts you will carry to your grave. Gods Verasity and Immutability can do nothing else but that you will retain these gifs for forever, for it is totally outside of His character of perfection to take them back.

 

[QuantaCura]

Of the four times scripture presents Jesus with the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?", three times Jesus answers obey the commandments and twice he tells us to love. (MAT 19:16) (MAR 10:17) (LUK 18:18) (LUK 10:25)

 

[Chief117]

I fully agree with the idea that this gift must be accepted. I don't think anyone would argue that point--to deny it would mean that even the lost will be saved, for salvation would be a free gift.

The truth behind the theology is that salvation is a "free gift" that must be accepted. How do you accept it? There are several steps. The first is ALWAYS belief. The rest is not as important as to which order they are done, but you must be baptized, you must obey the commandments, and you must actively follow God.

Not that those things are any kind of checklist, but they are things that follow from true faith.

God Bless.

 

[fitmom]

I found this on a link, I cannot claim to be the author, by I agree with it.
If you would like to say this prayer with someone, I would be honored! Or call a friend or pastor etc.







Question: "What is the sinner's prayer?"



Answer: The sinner's prayer is a prayer a person prays to God when they understand that they are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Saying a sinner's prayer will not accomplish anything on its own. A sinner's prayer is only effective if it genuinely represents what a person knows, understands, and believes about their sinfulness and need for salvation.



The first aspect of a sinner's prayer is understanding that we are all sinners. Romans 3:10 proclaims, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned. We are all sinners in need of mercy and forgiveness from God (Titus 3:5-7). Because of our sin, we deserve eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). The sinner's prayer is a plea for grace instead of judgment. It is a request for mercy instead of wrath.



The second aspect of a sinner's prayer is knowing what God has done to remedy our lost and sinful condition. God took on flesh and became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14). Jesus taught us the truth about God and lived a perfectly righteous and sinless life (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus then died on the cross in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve (Romans 5:8). Jesus rose from the dead to prove His victory over sin, death, and hell (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians chapter 15). Because of all of this, we can have our sins forgiven and be promised an eternal home in Heaven - if we will just place our faith in Jesus Christ. All we have to do is believe that He died in our place and rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). We can be saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."



Saying the sinner's prayer is simply a way of declaring to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ as your Savior. There are no "magical" words that result in salvation. It is only faith in Jesus' death and resurrection that can save us. If you understand that you are a sinner and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ, here is a sinner's prayer you can pray to God: "God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!"

Reading this brings tears to my eyes, what a difference a personal relationship with God makes! God Bless,J

 

[mlqurgw]

I am new here so forgive me for just jumping right in. The initial question of this thread caught my interest and I thought I might add something I hadn't seen posted yet.

To answer the question of do we have to accept the gift we must first understand what a gift is. I will attempt to explain by showing the difference between a gift and an offer. If I give you a gift it becomes yours when I give it to you. That is, I make it yours by giving it to you. It really has nothing to do with your accepting it. If I offer you something it becomes yours when you take it. You make it yours. It depends on you taking it. So then the question becomes whether salvation is a gift or an offer.

 

[fitmom]

I am new here so forgive me for just jumping right in. The initial question of this thread caught my interest and I thought I might add something I hadn't seen posted yet.

To answer the question of do we have to accept the gift we must first understand what a gift is. I will attempt to explain by showing the difference between a gift and an offer. If I give you a gift it becomes yours when I give it to you. That is, I make it yours by giving it to you. It really has nothing to do with your accepting it. If I offer you something it becomes yours when you take it. You make it yours. It depends on you taking it. So then the question becomes whether salvation is a gift or an offer.

Good point. I have always explained it likw this. God offers you the gift, you don't have to take it, or you can take it, but don't have to open it, just leave it! I receive gifts that I either regift or return, I don't open the package and accept it.
God Bless and great thread, J

 

[notinvain]

Thanks for the remarks, but I must say that all these answers are from wordly thinking, comparing thoughts of the world and how it views such things.

If I give you a gift it becomes yours when I give it to you. That is, I make it yours by giving it to you. It really has nothing to do with your accepting it. If I offer you something it becomes yours when you take it. You make it yours. It depends on you taking it. So then the question becomes whether salvation is a gift or an offer.

Well since God is a God of free will and doesn't force us to be saved it would clearly be an offer as you put it.

 

[notinvain]

But you see it is NOT what WE do, it is what HE DOES for us

This is the typical response, what he did for us was done once- he does not do anything over and over each time someone believes. He created a venue in which anyone who wanted to respond to what he had already done; by repenting and turning from thier wicked ways he offered salvation to them-to us.

 

[mlqurgw]

Thanks for the remarks, but I must say that all these answers are from wordly thinking, comparing thoughts of the world and how it views such things.



Well since God is a God of free will and doesn't force us to be saved it would clearly be an offer as you put it.

The problem is that it is always presented in the Scriptures as a gift. It boils down to who does the saving. Did God save me by giving me the gift or did I save myself by accepting His offer.

 

[notinvain]

Did God save me by giving me the gift or did I save myself by accepting His offer.

Yes, put those 2 statements together but take out the the "or did I save myself by" and you have it!

Again God does not save everyone, he saves those who take action, those who "do something". Having Faith requires us to do something, Believing requires us to do something, "to do domething" does not always mean to perform a physical act.

I think where people get confused is that it is frequently taught that Salvation is by Faith alone, the bible does not say that! Faith is not how we are saved -through our Faith we believe the Gospel message, the Gospel message isnt just salvation by Faith alone. Our Faith does not save us, his Grace saves us! Faith is merely the way to Grace!

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast

 

[mlqurgw]

Yes, put those 2 statements together but take out the the "or did I save myself by" and you have it!

Again God does not save everyone, he saves those who take action, those who "do something". Having Faith requires us to do something, Believing requires us to do something, "to do domething" does not always mean to perform a physical act.

I think where people get confused is that it is frequently taught that Salvation is by Faith alone, the bible does not say that! Faith is not how we are saved -through our Faith we believe the Gospel message, the Gospel message isnt just salvation by Faith alone. Our Faith does not save us, his Grace saves us! Faith is merely the way to Grace!

I don't believe I have ever said we are saved by faith.

The part you wish to take out is the only conclusion of us having to do something. If I must do somethiing then it is ultimately me who saves myself, with God's help of course. I am the one who makes the difference between me and the person who is forever lost. I did something that he didn't. If that is the case then I have a reason to boast before God. No other conclusion can be drawn.

I haven't said it was a physical act.

 

[joyinhim]

Of the four times scripture presents Jesus with the question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?", three times Jesus answers obey the commandments and twice he tells us to love. (MAT 19:16) (MAR 10:17) (LUK 18:18) (LUK 10:25)

It's so simple but some how most of us want to erase obedient part.

 

[linssue55]

I fully agree with the idea that this gift must be accepted. I don't think anyone would argue that point--to deny it would mean that even the lost will be saved, for salvation would be a free gift.

The truth behind the theology is that salvation is a "free gift" that must be accepted. How do you accept it? There are several steps. The first is ALWAYS belief. The rest is not as important as to which order they are done, but you must be baptized, you must obey the commandments, and you must actively follow God.

Not that those things are any kind of checklist, but they are things that follow from true faith.

God Bless.

Simple....... "BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ".....PERIOD

 

[skisweet]

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Nothing! It is not what I do. It is what I believe.

God has already done all that can be done to save me. He has shown His love and concern for me in that He designed a plan for my salvation. He sent His son to bear my guilt, to die for my sins, and to arise for my justification.

Though there is nothing I can do to be saved, there are conditions that I must meet. I must recognize that I am a sinner, guilty, condemned, and worthy only of death and eternal punishment. I must be deeply sorry that I have transgressed against God’s pure and holy will. I must purpose by God’s help to cease and desist all my evil decisions, attitudes, and actions that are hurtful and disgraceful against God. I must be willing to crucify my own desires and take up my cross and follow Jesus daily. I must believe that God loves me and that He for Christ’s sake forgives all my sins and removes forever my guilt.

After He saves me, then I become a doer of His word. I keep His sayings, obey His command and build my house upon the rock.

© 1980 in U.S.A. by R. O. Corvin - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - USED WITH PERMISSION

 

[mlqurgw]

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Nothing! It is not what I do. It is what I believe.

God has already done all that can be done to save me. He has shown His love and concern for me in that He designed a plan for my salvation. He sent His son to bear my guilt, to die for my sins, and to arise for my justification.

Though there is nothing I can do to be saved, there are conditions that I must meet. I must recognize that I am a sinner, guilty, condemned, and worthy only of death and eternal punishment. I must be deeply sorry that I have transgressed against God’s pure and holy will. I must purpose by God’s help to cease and desist all my evil decisions, attitudes, and actions that are hurtful and disgraceful against God. I must be willing to crucify my own desires and take up my cross and follow Jesus daily. I must believe that God loves me and that He for Christ’s sake forgives all my sins and removes forever my guilt.

After He saves me, then I become a doer of His word. I keep His sayings, obey His command and build my house upon the rock.

© 1980 in U.S.A. by R. O. Corvin - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - USED WITH PERMISSION

Do you not see the contradiction in what you have said? First you say I cannot then you say I must. You simply can't have it both ways. While I certainly agree we do all of those things you mention the question is how are we enabled to do them and when are we enabled to do them? God commands all men everywhere to repent and believe the Gospel but many don't so what makes the difference between them?

 

[joyinhim]

Yes, put those 2 statements together but take out the the "or did I save myself by" and you have it!

Again God does not save everyone, he saves those who take action, those who "do something". Having Faith requires us to do something, Believing requires us to do something, "to do domething" does not always mean to perform a physical act.

I think where people get confused is that it is frequently taught that Salvation is by Faith alone, the bible does not say that! Faith is not how we are saved -through our Faith we believe the Gospel message, the Gospel message isnt just salvation by Faith alone. Our Faith does not save us, his Grace saves us! Faith is merely the way to Grace!