Miss Universe And Salvation
Miss Universe is an annual beauty pageant that seeks to award the Miss Universe crown on a lady contestant that shows herself to be beautiful, shapely and brainy to the whole world. The crown must be earned, given only to those who deserve it.
People think that God's salvation is like the Miss Universe beauty pageant. They are convinced that God bestows His salvation to those who are morally good and upright.
That salvation can be earned and awarded to people who show themselves deserving of it by their good works, religiosity and philanthropy.
But God be thanked and praised that salvation is not like that at all. He offers salvation to those who don't deserve it. We are all sinners---none of us is "Miss Universe" material spiritually speaking. If God should hold a contest called "Miss Heaven," none on earth will win it.
Salvation is by grace, given as an undeserved favor. It's a free gift offered to all. It was the Lord Jesus who won the "crown" at the cross when He died for us all.
Now, He offers it to anyone who would have it by faith in Him and what He did on the cross.
Ro 6:23 ... the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
