The simplicity of Christ: works have nothing to do with salvation

2nd Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ”

The gospel is very simple.

We cannot be saved by good works, repentance, or sinning less.

Therefore Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.

We receive forgiveness and righteousness simply by faith in Jesus.

Works have nothing to do with salvation.

Romans 4:5 “But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”

Grace can only be received by faith. Not works.

Romans 4:16 “…it is of faith, that it may be according to grace,”

Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works;”

We complicate things saying that works are needed to maintain salvation, or that sins can lose salvation.

The Gospel is simple.

Works have nothing to do with salvation.

It is purely by grace.Jesus did all the work in His death, burial, and resurrection.

We simply receive Him by grace through faith apart from our works.

We live the Christian life exactly the same way.

Colossians 2:6-7 “As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.”

Our Christian life should not be complicated by focusing on our sins or works.

It is simplified by focusing on Christ’s love for us.

Rejoice every day in His love that we are forgiven and righteous by grace, remembering what He did for us.

This is the simplicity in Christ.