Salvation Is a Gift—But It Calls You to Live Differently
Not Everyone Will Receive the Truth
I recently heard about a man arguing with a believer who was trying to tell him about Jesus Christ. He dismissed hell completely and insisted that all “good people” go to heaven. Salvation—and the price Jesus Christ paid for it—meant nothing to him. And the truth is, we’re going to run into people like that. People who are set in their own thinking, convinced their opinions outweigh what God has already said. No matter how much we want them to know Him, they won’t receive it. And we have to understand that rejection of our witness us a very real possibility. But no matter how many reject it, nothing changes the truth of what God has already spoken.
Salvation Is Given God’s Way
We are saved by God’s grace, not by effort, not by goodness, not by opinion. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that salvation is a gift, something we could never earn. Romans 10:9-10(NLT) says, “9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” That’s not suggestion—that’s God’s order. He sets the standard for how we come to Him, how we worship Him, and how we are made right with Him. And John 3:3 makes it plain—unless a person is born again, they cannot even see the Kingdom of God. There isn’t another route. There isn’t a backup plan. What God says… goes.
Faith That Doesn’t Move Isn’t Faith
But here’s where many miss it—salvation may be a gift, but it comes with responsibility. We don’t get to receive Jesus Christ and then live however we want, calling it holy. Our lives are supposed to reflect Him. In Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT), Jesus shows us the assignment clearly: “18 I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And 2 Corinthians 5:20 says we are Christ’s ambassadors, which means God is making His appeal through us. That means how we live, what we say, and whether we open our mouths about Jesus—it all matters.
James 2:26 tells us that faith without works is dead. Not weak—dead. Real faith moves. It speaks. It shows up. And if we’re honest, a lot of believers have settled into a quiet, private faith that never reaches anybody. No conversations. No prayer for the lost. No urgency. But Hebrews 10:24 tells us we should be thinking of ways to encourage one another toward love and good works. You can’t stir others if you’re not moving yourself.
You’ve Been Given Too Much to Stay Silent
There are a lot of belief systems in this world, but if they’re not rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they don’t lead to God. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God—not by feelings, not by culture, not by preference. And Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that we’ve already been given every spiritual blessing through our union with Christ. That means we’re not empty—we’re carrying something substantial. And God expects us to do something with what He’s placed in us.
Stay Faithful, Even When It’s Rejected
Not everyone will receive what you share. Some will push back. Some will argue. But we’re not called to be offended—we’re called to be faithful. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and Hebrews 11:26 shows us that even Moses chose the reproach of Christ over temporary comfort because he understood something greater was ahead. That’s the posture.
At the end of the day, this walk with Christ isn’t passive. It’s not just about what we receive—it’s about how we respond. We’ve been given salvation through Jesus Christ, and with it, a calling to live, speak, and move in a way that points others back to Him. And when we take that seriously—when we actually walk it out—we’re not just saying we believe. We’re showing it. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Our Responsibility to God”, written by Reverend Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Stephens for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2023. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.
