The gift of God for men

There is much talk about salvation today, each religion has a different opinion on this complex issue. Some associate it with works, but others see it simply as a gift from God. We ask, how does this theme look in the Bible? Thanks God, on this subject there is much talk in the Sacred Scriptures, and it shows us salvation as a gift of God for men, never as something that man can obtain through his works.

To understand the gift of salvation, we must first understand the work of Christ on the cross, since the only thing that can save us is the death and resurrection of Christ on the cross, which means that the only work that has satisfied the will of God is the finished work of Christ on the cross. No human effort, sacrifice, or religious practice can equal the perfection of what Christ accomplished when He willingly gave Himself for us. The cross is the center of the Christian message because without the cross, there is no forgiveness; without the resurrection, there is no hope; without Christ, there is no salvation at all.

The apostle Paul says to the Ephesians:

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul presents salvation as a gift from God. The word gift in this context can be defined as a present or offering, that is, salvation is a gift from God for men. This means that man cannot achieve salvation through his own works, but rather that the finished work of Christ on the cross is what truly saves man. If Christ did not die, then we do not have redemption; if He did not rise, then there is no victory over sin and death. Salvation, therefore, is entirely divine: planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit.

This can become a very complex issue, since there are people who say that we cannot believe ourselves saved and then do what we please. But the point is that we show that we are saved people when we live a life pleasing to God, and this does not mean that we are saved by works. Rather, it means that true salvation produces transformation. A genuinely saved heart produces fruits of repentance, obedience, and love for God. Works do not save, but salvation produces works.

It is also important to understand that salvation is not partially from God and partially from man. The Bible teaches that we were dead in trespasses and sins, and a dead person cannot revive himself. Christ gives life to the spiritually dead. Salvation is not a human decision assisted by divine strength; it is a divine miracle performed on the soul. When God saves someone, He does it completely, perfectly, and eternally.

God has given us the most precious gift that can be offered: “Salvation for our souls”. God has made us saved, and this is not a gift from us, it is not something that we can achieve by ourselves. Salvation removes guilt, cleanses sin, restores our relationship with the Creator, and gives us the hope of eternal life. No earthly treasure compares to this divine gift.

For this reason, salvation should fill us with profound gratitude. We did not deserve it, we did not earn it, and we could never pay for it. Yet God, out of His infinite mercy, granted it to us. His grace is greater than our failures, stronger than our sins, and more powerful than our weaknesses. Everyone who has believed in Christ as Lord and Savior has received this marvelous gift entirely by grace.

Therefore, I urge you to throw all your strength upon God and place your life in His precious hands, because only He can hold us in an incredible way. If you have doubts, approach Him; if you have fears, surrender them; if you feel unworthy, remember that salvation is for the unworthy. Christ came to save sinners, not perfect people. He came to rescue those who recognize their need for Him.

Dear reader, do not rely on your own works, your own goodness, or your own efforts. Rely entirely on Christ. Trust in the finished work of the cross. Believe in the grace that saves, sustains, and transforms. Salvation is a gift—receive it with humility, enjoy it with gratitude, and live it with devotion. God has done everything necessary; now we simply rest in His grace.