Jesus + Nothing = Everything

The churches in Galatia had received the message of salvation with joy, yet it didn’t take long before confusion slipped in. Teachers began adding requirements, suggesting salvation was not just about Jesus’ finished work but also human effort.

Sometimes we find ourselves thinking God is more pleased with us when we “perform well”. We slip into the belief that our standing with God rises and falls with our spiritual scorecard.
 
But the true gospel stands immovable: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is not Jesus plus good behavior, Jesus plus church attendance, Jesus plus spiritual perfection, or Jesus plus emotional stability. It is Jesus — fully and only.
 
Understanding this is essential because adding anything to the gospel ultimately subtracts from it. When we try to earn God’s approval, we diminish the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
 
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
 
Application:
Reflect on one “Jesus + something” mindset you’ve struggled with. Write down a truth from Scripture that replaces it.
 
Prayer:
Father, thank You that salvation is a gift and not something I must strive to deserve. Help me rest in the finished work of Christ. Guard my heart from believing distorted versions of the gospel. Teach me to live in the freedom that Your grace provides.