Not Emotion, Not Effort - It’s Grace
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Paul wrote a clear explanation of how we become saved. It has nothing to do with your effort, wisdom, skills, or connections. You can’t negotiate your way into Heaven. You can’t find a loophole to allow you in. You were saved by grace and walked through that door by faith. You didn’t earn or deserve it; you just needed to accept it.
The Greek word for "saved" here is sozo, which means healed, delivered, made sound, made whole, preserved, protected, and more. Grace didn’t just save you from Hell; God’s grace resurrected you into an empowered wholeness meant to change the world.
Christianity isn’t emotional hype, nor is it mental assent. Authentic Christianity is a connection with God through Jesus, our Lord, when the Word and the Spirit flow through us as we obey the Holy Spirit’s impulses daily.
You need both the Word and the Spirit operating to live in real success. You need the Book and the breath of the Holy Spirit to stand and speak. You need sound doctrine and demonstration to show others the fullness of God’s purpose in your life.
The problem is that many churches don’t teach the Word and instead move the people with poetic-sounding words and political direction. They may shout, yell, and get excited. They are full of the Spirit, but lack the Word.
Practical Application
Ask yourself today: Am I accessing all that sozo salvation provides, or am I settling for less? Speak the Word over the areas of your life that need healing, deliverance, preservation, protection, or wholeness. God’s grace has given you salvation!
