Just a thought by coppi

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“We are saved by grace through faith” is a Christian belief that God saves people through faith in Jesus Christ, not through their own efforts or works. This belief is based on the Bible verse Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”. 

Jesus, may Your gift of compassion wiggle its way into my heart. (Lynne Hartke

“God enters by a private door into each individual.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

My husband and I watched John Wesley’s life story on television last night, and we both gleaned “nuggets” from the story.  John Wesley had a hard time accepting that we are saved by grace and not works.  The turning point of his acceptance of grace is when he realizes the thief on the cross next to Jesus repented of his sins. The Bible verse about the “thief on the cross” is in Luke 23:39-43. This passage tells the story of a criminal crucified alongside Jesus who repents and asks Jesus to remember him when he enters his kingdom, to which Jesus replies that he will be with him in Paradise that day was accepted immediately into paradise when he died. John Wesley realizes that the thief on the cross would not have time to do anything (works) to enter Paradise.  He was accepted when he repented and asked Jesus to remember him when he enters his kingdom.  We are saved by grace not works – works will follow grace, because our love to please our Savior, who died for us without us doing anything to earn our salvation.  It’s a gift to us to receive through faith and repentance.  We are blessed to receive it freely, and not have to earn our salvation.

Just a thought by coppi