Am I Saved Through Faith or Works?
5 Day Devotional
This five-day devotional will take a deeper dive into the message from Pastor John Mark below, focusing on the significant topic of salvation and the relationship between grace and faith. Each day will explore key scriptures and provide insights into how they apply to our spiritual journey.
Day 1
Ephesians 2:8-9
Today, we reflect on the incredible gift of salvation that is made available to us through God's grace. These verses remind us that we are saved not by our own efforts, but through the grace of God received by faith. This foundational truth underlines the essence of our relationship with God, proving that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. This should bring us comfort and joy, as it emphasizes that salvation is ultimately a gift. Instead of striving to prove ourselves or worrying about our worth, we can rest in the assurance that God loves us unconditionally.
Have I accepted the gift of salvation through faith in my life?
What does it mean to me to be saved by grace and not by works?
How does understanding salvation as a gift change how I view my relationship with God?
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s grace in your life.
Ask God to help you embrace the gift of salvation fully.
Day 2
Romans 10:9
In Romans 10:9, we find a powerful statement that encapsulates the essence of faith. It emphasizes that confession and belief in Jesus as Lord lead to our salvation. Faith is not merely intellectual agreement; it requires a personal commitment to trust in Jesus. Today, consider what it means to declare your faith in Christ openly. How does this confession impact not only your relationship with God but also your interactions with others? By publicly affirming our faith, we become witnesses of God's transformative power.
What does it mean to me to declare Jesus as Lord?
How can I encourage others to come to faith in Christ?
What are some barriers that prevent me from sharing my faith openly?
Pray for opportunities to share your faith with others.
Ask God for boldness in declaring His truth.
Day 3
Romans 5:8
Romans 5:8 beautifully portrays the depth of God’s love for us, revealing that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This unconditional love is the cornerstone of our salvation. We must remember that we are not called to clean ourselves up before approaching God; instead, He meets us in our brokenness and offers His grace. Contemplate the vastness of this love today. How does acknowledging that God loves you in your flaws change your perspective on His acceptance? Allow this truth to inspire gratitude and a desire to share this love with others.
In what ways have I experienced God’s love during difficult times?
How can I show others the unconditional love of Christ?
Am I sometimes hesitant to approach God because of my shortcomings?
Pray and thank God for His sacrificial love.
Ask for guidance on how to love others like Christ does.
Day 4
Titus 3:5
Titus 3:5 offers reassurance that our salvation is not based on our righteous acts but on God’s mercy. This truth should shift how we approach our Christian walk. Instead of seeking validation through our good deeds, we can rely on the merciful nature of God. This frees us from the pressure to perform and reminds us that our worth is intrinsic, rooted in God’s love for us. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be trying to earn God's love through actions. What would it look like to simply rest in His mercy today?
What actions do I take to seek validation rather than acceptance?
How can I better rely on God's mercy in my daily life?
What truths do I need to remind myself of in moments of doubt?
Pray for clarity and strength to rely on God’s mercy.
Ask God to reveal areas where you can rest in His acceptance.
Day 5
Galatians 2:16
As we conclude our devotional, Galatians 2:16 serves as a pivotal reminder: we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the law. It is a liberating truth that reinforces the understanding that it is through faith alone that we find righteousness. This understanding calls us to live out our faith authentically, knowing that our actions are a response to the grace we have received, rather than a means to earn God's favor. Allow this reality to inspire a lifestyle of gratitude and obedience, reflecting Christ in all that you do.
How does understanding justification by faith impact my daily actions?
In what ways can I express gratitude for God’s grace in my life?
What steps can I take to deepen my faith this week?
Pray for a heart that seeks to honor God through obedience.
Ask God to reveal ways you can live joyfully in His grace.
