Devotionals

Keeping The Faith

by Mari Morris
07/20/26
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Jesus Saves.

It is Finished!

Period. End of Sentence.

Not Jesus and… or anything else.

No matter what I do or don’t do, I could neither – add to – or subtract from, His finished work on the Cross.

So don't take what I am about say the wrong way.

It comes directly from the Scriptures.  And it's about Rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

James 2:14- 26 will tell you exactly the same thing. Faith without works is dead.

He also reminds us to be a "do-er" of the Word, not just a hearer.

Philippians 2:12 NIV “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” carries the same principle with reverence.

Neither verse is implying that any kind of works that I do could "save" me. Both verses are saying that true salvation shows in my actions.

In other words: I can run around meowing like a cat.  And that will never make me a cat. But if I really Am a Cat... I will meow.

Meaning that: I will automatically do - Out of my True Nature - what a Cat does.

In the same way: We don't run around trying to prove to everyone that we are a human being. The things that we do, do not make us any more or less, human than we already are.

Yet, People do not claim that we are only doing works in order to try and “earn our humanity".

So why do Christians claim that we are trying to “earn our salvation” by doing Christian works?

Out of concern for incorrect doctrine. Rightly so. This would be the concern of every Bible believing Christian.

But when concern turns to fear, we can start to accuse each other. Create new denominations. Even break fellowship with other believers over strongly held opinions of what the Scripture is actually saying.

Just to be really clear, I am not referring to heresy.  The Bible is clear that those practicing heresy should be marked and avoided.  I am Only referring to doctrine on which many true believing Christians can reasonably disagree. 

In that case, I have to ask – As the Bible does:

Who are we to accuse another mans servant. To his own Master he stands or falls. And God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4

There is no need for us to treat fellow believers this way.

Because we can have assurance that we are practicing correct doctrine.

We can rightly divide the Word, and study to show ourselves approved. We can be good Bereans.

If any doctrine that we hold requires that we either include, and/or exclude only certain verses, it is meant to be a red flag that keeps us from deception.

Simply Put:

I am not a Christian because I do Christian works and deeds.  I do Christian works and deeds because I am Truly in Christ, through His finished work on the Cross.

For example: Repentance is necessary when we come to Christ. Mark 1:15

But when I repent, repentance does not "save" me. It is a recognition that sin that is present and that I need cleansing that Only the Blood of Jesus can give.

The focus is on staying clean and humble before God.

I would never leave my house without daily cleansing. Repentance is similar, but in a spiritual sense. I don't want to have to be told to "return to my first works".  I want to stay with them, and never leave in the first place.

Reading the Bible doesn't "save" me. But it can keep me in the True Faith, by revealing sin and deception around me. And It makes me a good Berean. It will also help me spot wolves or a roaring lion.

God’s people perish for lack of knowledge. I don't want to return to the mire. 

The things that I do - Are because of who I am - in Christ.

And they keep me looking in the mirror, so that I can be presentable on my wedding day.

Because even now, my Bridegroom is waiting for me at the altar. And I want to be a Bride without spot or wrinkle.