Several young ladies were talking. “Don’t use that word ‘saved’ when you talk to me,” one said. It is strange that such a good word has come into disrepute.

If a man is drowning, he is glad to be saved. If a building is burning, the whole community rejoices over those who are saved. Why then this change of attitude about being saved from sin?

Perhaps it is because sin is not considered that serious. Yet the Bible indicts all men as sinners and pronounces death as a result. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Another reason men dislike the word “saved” may be its inference that the sinner must be rescued from above. Our pride in accomplishment has invaded the spiritual realm. We like to think that we have become refined enough to have gained some favor with God. Surely our honesty, compassion, and reputation must carry some weight in heaven. But they don’t.

Apart from God’s grace (unmerited favor), there is not an ounce of hope for the best of us. “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” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

The temptation to regress into law keeping has been a problem to the Church from the earliest time. That was the reason for the calling of the council of apostles and elders at Jerusalem. Some today are still trying to sidestep God’s grace and earn their way to heaven.

We’re saved by grace. Spread the good news.