Saved By Grace Through Faith? (Part 4)

   This is the fourth and final segment in the series “Saved by grace through faith.”  Let’s review by looking at two key Scriptures concerning grace from last month.  I Corinthians 1:4, “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  An additional scripture for this month, II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  

   We will find at least 166 additional statements in the New Testament that are similar to these three.  I have a question, is being “in Christ” or “in Christ Jesus” critical to receiving God’s grace and thus the salvation of our soul?  If you answered yes, then this article is for you.  

   How do we get “into Christ?”  Earlier we discussed that you have to first accept that Jesus really is the Messiah or Savior.  We also found that we have to repent of our sins.  Luke 13:3, “But unless you repent, you will all perish.”  I may claim to have faith so strong that I can move mountains, but if I refuse to repent, I will perish and will not be in heaven with God.  I can believe and repent but if I refuse to confess that “Jesus is Lord” ...