We must always insist that there is nothing we can do of ourselves to merit salvation. Salvation is “by grace…through faith” (Eph. 2:8). But when we accept His gift of salvation by faith we must know what this gift includes. We must know that it includes following Jesus as Lord. Otherwise people will think they have been tricked into accepting a way without being told what that way is. It is the grace of God that enables us to follow this way. It is all of grace. But it is a way in which sin is left behind and a righteous life is taken on. And when people accept that salvation that Christ offers, they must know that this is what they are accepting. Otherwise they would not be putting their faith in the Jesus of the Bible.
— Ajith Fernando (b. 1948), Bibelausleger, Konferenzredner, Buchautor und ehem. Nationalleiter von Youth for Christ
Related Bible passage: EPH.2.8
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Discipleship
Ajith Fernando
Der 1948 geborene sri-lankische Theologe und Autor Ajith Fernando leitete über drei Jahrzehnte Youth for Christ in seinem Heimatland und wirkt international als Bibelausleger und Konferenzredner. Er steht für eine biblisch fundierte Jüngerschaft, dienende Leiterschaft im Widerspruch zu christlichen Starkulten sowie die theologische Thematisierung von Leid und Verzicht in der Nachfolge. Bibellesern vermittelt er eine theologische Perspektive aus dem Globalen Süden, die Schriftauslegung eng mit langjähriger praktischer Basisarbeit im interreligiösen Umfeld verbindet.
All quotes by Ajith Fernando (21)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller