The Gospel ... Simple, yet Profound (John 5:24)

Today's scripture: John 5:24

The gospel message is so simple ... and yet so profound.

While other belief systems require our performing well, the gospel tells us that we can do nothing of ourselves to be saved. We can't do enough good deeds because who defines what is enough? We can't weigh the balance of being kinder more often than we're unkind, or loving more than we hate.

We can't serve our way to salvation. We can't give just a little more money or time to guarantee our place in heaven. We can't do anything.

Well, except for one thing. We can be, as Jesus describes, "... he who hears My word, and believes in Him who sent Me ..." Another version puts it this way: "... the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me ..." (Amplified).

We do need to take action. We do need to accept the gift that God so graciously offers us. But we don't have to do anything else. Of course, as I've written many times before, while accepting God's gift of salvation is the only necessary action we need to take, we do serve Him through our "works," just as James wrote (see James 2:14-26).

So simple, yet when you stop to think about how God chose to bless us with salvation and eternal life, so very profound. He loves us so much. So very much. The concept of grace just boggles my mind. We don't deserve His favor, His love, His forgiveness. Yet, He gives all of these so freely.

What amazing grace. What amazing love.