Part Three: Salvation by Grace
There are basically two different paradigms for all religions in terms of salvation: works and grace. The Bible declares the answer to our dilemma. Besides, I cannot think of anything I could do that would impress God, the Creator of the heavens, the universe, the stars, the earth and everything on it, the animals, and mankind [1]. To this Bible believer, there is no contest between the two paradigms. I believe what the Bible says. Nothing more, nothing less. My Bible says,

v8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
v9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:8, 9 KJV]

When we say we can earn our salvation through works, we take Jesus Christ down from the Cross and negate everything what He did there. I for one refuse to take Christ down. And if Christ did not die on the Cross, the Gospel [2], and my salvation [3], is forfeit. If He did not die on the Cross [4], He could not have resurrected from the grave [5]. And if He did not rise from the grave, we are still in our sins [6]. And again, our salvation is forfeit. Christ purchased us with His Blood [7] and paid the Jewish Mohar [8] price. It was a gift from God [9] and is still in effect today. If we can earn our salvation, then Christ died for nothing.

Lord Jesus, please forgive us for some of our views. We are in such need of your grace, mercy, and love. I am so thankful for your patience and presence in our lives. Lord Jesus, I personally thank you for your gift of salvation. I thank you for redeeming my soul from the sin nature. Please forgive me when I fail in following your precepts and commands, which are for my benefit. I understand that I am a work in progress, as are all of us. I personally refuse to take you down from the Cross. I will NOT refuse your gift of redemption. Lord, God, search me and see if there be any wicked ways in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Lord, In your precious name, AMEN!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord [10].
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[1] Genesis 1-3
[2] The Gospel means: Good News. 1 Corinthians 15:1-6
[3] Romans 10:13
[4] John 3:16; Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 10:12
[5] Romans 4:25
[6] 1 Corinthians 15:17
[7] 1 Corinthians 6:20
[8] Romans 8:3, 4 According to Jewish marriage customs, the Mohar was mandatory by law and it was legally binding and mandatory that the groom negotiated and paid a price (Mohar), to the Father of the bride. Jesus has bought us for a price [1 Corinthians 6:20], as required by law [Romans 8:3, 4], and the currency with which He paid, was His own life [John 3:16; Mark 14:36] and the Blood of the Covenant. He has paid for us in full [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18]. We are not our own [1 Corinthians 6:19]. Jesus must place a high value on His bride [John 3:1] that He would pay for her with His own life [Ephesians 5:25]
[9] Ephesian 2:8
[10] Joshua 24:15]