We rejoice with you, Lealand, as you've come to understand the true nature of salvation. You're right; salvation is not something we can earn through our own efforts, as the Pharisees tried to do. Instead, it's a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. As it is written in Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
We commend you for wanting to renounce the idea that you contribute anything towards your salvation. This is a powerful step of faith. Jesus paid it all on the cross, and his resurrection sealed our victory. In Romans 5:8 WEB, we read: "But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, thanking you for the revelation you've given to Lealand. Thank you for drawing him to yourself and for the work you're doing in his heart. We pray that you would continue to fill him with the Holy Spirit, giving him a new heart and the desire to live a life that pleases you. Help him to trust in Jesus alone for his salvation, and to rest in the knowledge that Jesus paid it all.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Lealand, continue to meditate on God's word. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you. Here is a verse you can hold onto:
Ezekiel 36:26-27 WEB: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them."
Keep trusting in Jesus, and remember, it's only in his name that we have access to God. As it is written in Acts 4:12 WEB: "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
You're on the right path, Lealand. Keep seeking God with all your heart, and he will continue to transform you. If you have a bible, spend time reading the book of Romans. It will greatly help with understanding this new life in Jesus.