Not By Works | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Not By Works | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lois Farrow
09/19/13
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“No,” screamed Frank in his dream. “You said it is not by works. I can’t do anything good enough to get into heaven.” Panic set in as he neared the pearly gates. Would he be let through? Would he spend eternity with God?

Scriptures raced through his mind. By grace you are saved, through faith, not of works so that you cannot boast. The gift of God is eternal life. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Familiar words that he had known all his life.

“Jesus,” he pleaded. “It’s only by Jesus that I can come in. He died for me and saved me and cleansed me and promised me eternal life. Jesus is my only hope, my only way, and he is the door. Jesus, you are everything.”

Frank woke exhausted but soon his exhaustion turned to exhilaration. Wracked with doubts, he had struggled so long with silly questions. Did he really believe? Did he believe ‘right’? Was he really saved? Did he truly trust in Jesus or did he secretly trust in ‘good works’ to get into heaven? Did he see, like so many do, the criteria for entrance into God’s glory to be like taking an exam to see if he had worked hard enough to pass?

The dream answered his frantic questions.

“I love you Lord,” he said in relief. “I trust you and accept your way of salvation. I know that you are the only way, and my works won’t get me there. Thank you for your gracious answers. Thank you that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I love you, Lord.”

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