Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #10 — How We Are Saved

Picture: Counsel #10 — How We Are Saved CCL 20.1

Because of God's immense love and mercy, Jesus, who was without sin, took the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross of Calvary. Through faith in Jesus, we can be made righteous, just as God is righteous. CCL 20.2

The Holy Spirit guides us to recognize our need for forgiveness, confess our sins, and turn away from them. This saving faith comes from the power of God's Word and is a gift of His grace. CCL 20.3

Through Jesus, we are declared righteous, welcomed as God's children, and freed from the control of sin. The Holy Spirit gives us new life and makes us holy. He transforms our thinking, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and empowers us to live a holy life. CCL 20.4

By staying connected to Jesus, we share in His divine nature and have the assurance of salvation, both now and in the final judgment.^[27] CCL 20.5

“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.” Ephesians 2:8, 9 NKV CCL 20.6

“The sinner must be led to look to Calvary; with the simple faith of a little child he must trust in the merits of the Saviour, accepting His righteousness, believing in His mercy…” Ellen White in Lift Him Up, p. 161 CCL 20.7

Reflect: On what basis do you have assurance of your salvation? CCL 20.8