Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;
When Elisha heard that Naaman, commander of the armies of Aram, had come to see the king of Israel because one of his Jewish servants had said the prophet in Samaria would cure him of leprosy, he sent a message to the king, saying, “Just have him come to me, and he shall learn that there is a prophet in Israel.“
Naaman and his entourage came and stood at the doorway of Elisha’s house, and Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you, and you will be clean.” (2 Kings 5:1-10)
But Naaman was furious and went away, and he said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will certainly come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the site and cure the leprosy.'”
2 Kings 5:11
As Naaman stormed off, his servants came to him and said, “Had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” Recognizing his stubbornness, Naaman went down to the Jordan, followed Elisha’s instructions, and was healed. (Vs. 12-14)
Like Elisha’s instructions, Jesus’ message is simple, “Everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
That is too simple. There must be some great ‘thing’ we must do to ‘earn’ salvation. From the early days of the Church, people have tried to earn their salvation or at least ‘be worthy of it’ by doing good ‘things,’ giving ‘things,’ or not doing bad ‘things.’ But the Bible says salvation is a free gift from God, (Romans 6:23) and there is nothing you can do to ‘earn’ a gift. You either accept it or reject it. Like Naaman, pride can get in the way.
The complete gift was offered on the cross when Jesus said, “It is finished!” and gave His life for ours. (John 19:30) “FINISHED!” So Paul could write, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) It’s THAT simple!
Elohim Yishi – God of my Salvation – thank You for saving my soul.
Forever, Lord, Your word stands in heaven.
Psalm 119:89
Only believe,
Words of Encouragement 