The "A" Word

         Do you ever wonder if there is something in your life where you just plain got it wrong? Grammar was never my best subject in school. I didn't even like it to begin with and preferred math, history, geography and recess to grammar. There was one word that most of my teachers hated with a vengeance. It was the “a” word, commonly spelled out as “ain't.” During my childhood, it seemed like it was a real word but my grammar teachers soon informed me that it wasn't even a word and should not be used. Some of my elementary teachers even had spies on the playground and you would find yourself chastised if you even used the word while playing with your friends. A great fear arose over ever saying the word, “ain't.” Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “ 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

        Grammar mistakes compare nothing to getting it totally wrong in regard to salvation. No where does the Bible say that it is incorrect to ever use the word, “ain't.” Although we did have a grammar teacher in college that assumed that she had the responsibility of instructing all preachers on proper use of the King's English and she often gave a grade that was an F to the minus 6. Salvation is one thing where you don't want to get it wrong and that is why this passage for today is so important. The truth of the verse is that salvation is a gift from God. Usually at this point, many people will say, “but...” There are no additions that can be applied to the business of salvation. We cannot add anything, because we have nothing to offer in regard to salvation. There are no works or deeds or whatever you want to call them that will help in this area of salvation. It is totally up to God and it has been labeled as a gift from Him. You may have to write sentences 100 times if you used the word, “ain't” but a mistake in salvation has eternal consequences. Some have criticized the notion that is a free gift from God saying that it results in easy believism. That is why I included verse ten because it goes on to say that “because of our salvation,” we do good works. Our reply to God for this great salvation is to do those things which are righteous acts to meet the needs of another. We are not trying to earn our salvation but we do those things that are righteous “because of our salvation.” If I were to ever have a verse for the year, it might be Hebrews 2:3 which tells us, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” How great is your salvation? The term, “so great salvation” shows us the magnitude of the salvation that we have as a result of simple faith in Christ. For you to add one thing would mess it up because there is nothing that you can add to that which is perfect. God's perfect plan is not only the best plan, but it is also the only plan you have to spend eternity with Him. The payment for your sin has been made on the cross at Calvary and there is nothing you can add to perfection. Praise God today for His finished plan for eternal life. It is the best and only plan.