Too many people are led to believe that Salvation is the ultimate goal, and once they “get saved” they are “eternally secure”. This type of thinking leads to complacency. I’ve seen congregations full of people who think nothing is really required of them and nothing they do really matters, because they are “saved by grace” and “once saved, always saved”. The common result of this thinking is people sitting in a pew once a week, waiting to be “raptured” away, and spending the other six days a week with business as usual.
The truth is: When we turn to God, acknowledge our sin, ask His forgiveness, and trust in His son’s sacrifice for the removal of our sins…that is just the beginning of our relationship with YHWH. These things change us from children of the beast to children of the Most High God, but they are not ”it”. There is a popular false gospel that says God just wants to save us then bless us forever after. But, what God actually said He wants is people who will revere Him, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all our heart and soul, and keep His commandments that were given for our benefit (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
We need to break free from the lie that God does everything, we do nothing, and He just showers us with blessings and gifts for all eternity. Salvation is the turning point in our lives; and, after we turn that corner it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.