When did you come to Jesus?

Sorry, it’s a trick question. You didn’t come to Jesus. Jesus came to you.

This is a tricky subject in Christianity. Many good Christian people talk about coming to faith or making a decision for Jesus. I understand. That’s what it feels like. However, the Bible describes something different.

We are dead in our transgressions until God makes us alive in Christ. Dead people don’t do anything. I once heard a pastor describe salvation as us being in the ocean drowning and Jesus is the lifeguard. We just need to call out to Him. This pastor’s heart was in the right place. He was trying to get people to believe.

Unfortunately, before Christ we aren’t drowning in our sin, we have drowned. It’s done. They are dead. We can’t call out. Like a great lifeguard, however, Jesus still goes out and saves us. He sees our spiritually dead corpse and gives us life. He gives us Faith. Then we call out, not in desperation as one drowning, but in thanksgiving as one saved!

Why does this matter?

Aside from being true to the Word, if I had to come to Jesus, I may start to wonder if I meant it or did enough. My salvation becomes, at least in part, my work. This isn’t just an assumption on my part. I have spoken with several people over the years who have expressed this very thought to me. It’s scary.

Anything to do with me is unsure. If it’s God’s work, on the other hand, it’s sure. Thankfully, it is God’s work and, thus, we can be sure of our salvation. You don’t have to doubt your faith or salvation because God worked it in you. There is great peace and rest in this.

Praise the Lord!

Heavenly Father,

You have given me faith and given me life. My salvation is 100% a gift from You out of Your great love and grace. Thank you. Help me to rest in Your work.

Amen.