God's Simple Plan of Salvation

Ephesians 2:8–10

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

Introduction: No Accidents with God

There are no accidents or coincidences in the plan of God. Each person is where they are for a reason, and one of the most important reasons may be to hear and understand God’s simple plan of salvation. Salvation isn’t complicated—it’s clear, complete, and centered on Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be Saved?

Many people use the word “saved” but struggle to define it. Biblically, “to be saved” means to be rescued from great peril or danger. In this case, it’s not physical danger but spiritual peril—the eternal separation from God in a real place called hell.

Every person has a soul that will live forever—either in heaven with God or in hell apart from Him. The greatest question of life is: Have you ever experienced a soul salvation?

Salvation Is by Grace

The foundation of salvation is grace—God giving us what we do not deserve. We are all born sinners, separated from God, and unable to save ourselves. From Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden to the sin nature passed to every human being, we all stand guilty before a holy God.

But God’s grace reaches down to those who could never reach up to Him. Grace means that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, salvation is available through Christ alone.

“None of us deserve to be saved. But thank God, by grace, you can be saved this morning.”

Salvation Is Through Faith

Grace makes salvation possible—faith makes it personal. Faith means trusting completely in Jesus Christ, not merely believing that He existed or was a good man, but believing that He is the only way to God.

Saving faith says, “Forsaking all, I trust Him.” It’s not Jesus plus baptism, church membership, or good works. It’s Jesus alone.

“Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ—plus nothing, minus nothing.”

Salvation Is Without Works

The Bible couldn’t be clearer: “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

No amount of good deeds can earn heaven. Church attendance, generosity, baptism, or moral living are all good, but none can wash away sin. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can do that.

“You could be the best person in the world and still die without Jesus Christ and go to hell.”

Salvation is not a reward for the righteous—it’s a gift for the guilty.

Salvation Is Forever

When a person truly trusts Christ, they are saved forever. Eternal life means exactly that—eternal. Salvation is not based on feelings but on the unchanging facts of God’s Word.

There may be days you don’t feel saved, just as there are days you don’t feel married or alive. But feelings don’t change the record. Once your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, it cannot be erased.

“If you’re not saved forever, then you’re not saved at all.”

Stop Trying—Start Trusting

Every religion in the world ultimately boils down to two approaches:

• Trying to save yourself through effort, or

• Trusting Jesus Christ to save you by His grace.

The message of Ephesians 2 is clear: “For by grace are ye saved through faith... it is the gift of God.”

If you’ve been trying to earn your way to heaven, stop trying and start trusting. Salvation isn’t about what you can do—it’s about what Jesus has already done for you.

Conclusion

God’s plan of salvation is simple, but it cost Jesus everything. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day. Through Him, anyone can receive forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13