Understanding Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8–9
“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.”
Salvation is by grace. It is not earned. It is not deserved. It is not achieved through effort, titles, morality, or good intentions. If salvation could be earned, grace would no longer be grace.
You were saved because God chose to save you. And chose to hold unto you in my case. Thank you Lord! How I drifted and yet God’s love kept and held me close.
Does Being Saved Mean a Life Without Challenges?
Being saved does not exempt us from the realities of living. It does not remove challenges, trials, temptations, or responsibilities. What salvation guarantees is not a problem-free life, but the assurance that God is with us in every situation.
Matthew 28:20
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
Many believers misunderstand grace and assume it excuses spiritual complacency.
Working Out Your Salvation With Reverence
Philippians 2:12
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
This scripture does not say work for your salvation. Salvation is already secured through Christ. But it does say work it out. Meaning: live it out. Protect it. Steward it. Be intentional about your walk with God.
Fear and trembling speak of reverence—not terror.

Keeping the Fire on the Altar Burning
Leviticus 6:12–13
“And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out…”
God sends the fire, but man is instructed to keep it burning. Salvation is God’s work; spiritual maintenance is our responsibility.
Prayer keeps the fire burning.
The Word keeps the fire burning.
Obedience keeps the fire burning.
Neglect allows the fire to go out.
Grace Does Not Cancel Spiritual Responsibility
Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Grace does not cancel consequence. It provides mercy and restoration, but it does not eliminate the need for obedience, wisdom, and discipline.
Being saved means God walks with you.
It does not mean you stop walking with God.
Holiness as Alignment, Not Perfection
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Holiness is not perfection. It is alignment. It is choosing God daily. It is guarding your heart, your mind, and your actions.
Is the Fire Still Burning on Your Altar?
The question is not are you saved?
The question is are you remaining aligned?
Salvation is a gift—but stewardship is a responsibility. Let us live grateful for grace, anchored in truth, and committed to walking faithfully with God until the end.
Closing Prayer: A Prayer to Remain Aligned and Keep the Fire Burning
Father God,
We thank You for the gift of salvation through grace. Thank You that we are saved not by our works, but by the finished work of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that this gift is precious and holy, and we do not take it lightly.
Help us to steward what You have entrusted to us. Teach us to work out our salvation with reverence, obedience, and humility. Where we have grown complacent, awaken us. Where our fire has grown dim, rekindle it by Your Spirit.
Strengthen us to remain faithful in prayer, grounded in Your Word, and sensitive to Your leading. Help us to walk in alignment with Your will and to live lives that honor You daily.
Keep our hearts tender, our spirits alert, and our love for You unwavering. May the fire on our altar never go out, and may our lives reflect gratitude for the grace we have received.
We commit ourselves afresh to You today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Shalom!

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