The Grace of Salvation is Proven by Our Works

I have discussed this many times before. That is, the keys to complete healing are the same keys to knowing your truly saved. These 3 keys are summed up in three words… SUBMISSION, SACRIFICE, and SURRENDER.

Salvation is one of the most beautiful gifts we can ever receive; however, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many believe that simply believing in Jesus, or saying a prayer, guarantees Heaven, without referencing ALL the Scriptures that connect. But the Bible teaches that true salvation is by grace through faith, and yet it radically transforms a person’s life.

While works don’t save us, they are evidence that we are truly saved. At the heart of true salvation are three key disciplines: Submission, Sacrifice, and Surrender. Let’s take a deep look at the grace of salvation, how it changes us, and how these three keys unlock the evidence of our faith.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

We see by the above verse that we don’t win a race (salvation) until we get to the finish line (death).

Saved by Grace, Not by Works

The foundation is clear: we cannot earn salvation. No amount of good deeds, religious activity, or moral living can make us right with God. We are all sinners, incapable of saving ourselves.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)

Grace means unearned, unmerited favor. Jesus paid the full price for our sins by His death on the cross, and by believing in Him, we receive forgiveness, adoption, and eternal life. But salvation doesn’t stop at belief… it moves us to action.

True Salvation Produces Evidence: Our Works

Immediately after Ephesians 2:8–9, we read this:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Good works are not the price of salvation… they are the proof. A saved life is a changed life. It’s not about being perfect, but about being transformed by the Spirit of God to become a “new creation” in Christ.

Three Keys to True Salvation:

1. Submission to Jesus

True salvation begins with submission… acknowledging that Jesus is Lord, not just Savior. Many want the benefits of salvation without submitting to Jesus’ authority. But real faith bows the knee to Christ.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 (NKJV)

Submission means we no longer live for ourselves. We let Jesus lead, guide, and direct every area of our lives. A submitted heart is humble, obedient, and willing to follow Jesus even when it’s difficult.

2. Sacrifice for Jesus

Salvation calls us to lay down our lives for the One who laid down His life for us. We are not saved to stay comfortable… we are saved to live sacrificially for God’s kingdom.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

True salvation leads us to let go of sin, selfishness, and worldly desires. Sacrifice isn’t about losing; it’s about gaining Christ and living in a way that glorifies Him, as well as to be assured that we will go to Heaven once we leave here.

3. Surrender to Jesus

Surrender is total release… giving Jesus everything. We don’t just give Him certain days or hours… or certain parts of our lives. We give Him our hearts, plans, relationships, finances, dreams—everything.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

Surrender means dying to self daily and trusting Jesus completely. It’s in surrender that we find freedom, purpose, and peace. A surrendered life reflects Christ and automatically produces good works, evidenced of genuine faith.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James, the brother of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of active faith:

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:17 (NKJV)

Salvation is not just lip service; it’s life transformation. If there is no evidence of submission, sacrifice, and surrender, and no hunger for righteousness, no love for others, no turning from sin, then our faith is probably not be genuine.

Jesus said:

“By their fruits you will know them.”
Matthew 7:20 (NKJV)

Fruit doesn’t save the tree, but it proves the tree is alive. Likewise, good works prove a living authentic faith.

Summary: Grace That Transforms

We are saved by grace alone, but true salvation never leaves us the same. It calls us to submit to Jesus as Lord, sacrifice our lives for His purposes, and surrender all that we are into His hands. When we truly do this, our lives will naturally bear the fruit of good works and be healed. While we cannot earn salvation, our lives must reflect it through our works.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Questions For Reflection:

• Have you submitted every part of your life to Jesus?
• What areas of your life is He calling you to sacrifice for His sake?
• Are you truly surrendered, or are you still holding back?

Let your life be the proof of the grace you’ve received. Let your works declare that you are saved, changed, and surrendered to Christ.

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Submission, Sacrifice, and Surrender to Jesus : A Devotional to Help You

Day 1: Submission — Bowing to His Lordship

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 (KJV)

Reflection:

Submission is not weakness; it’s a powerful act of trust. To submit to Jesus is to acknowledge that He is Lord, and you are not. It means laying down your pride, your plans, and your preferences to follow His will. Many want Jesus as Savior but not as Lord. But true salvation means bowing before Him, letting Him lead, and trusting Him even when it’s hard.

Ask yourself:

• Is there an area of my life I’m holding back from God’s authority?
• Am I daily choosing to submit to His Word and will?

Prayer:

Abba Father, I submit my life to You. I acknowledge You as my Lord and King. Teach me to walk in humble obedience. Show me where I’ve resisted Your authority, and help me to trust Your plans. I want to follow You fully. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Day 2: Sacrifice — Living for His Glory

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

Reflection:

Following Jesus comes with sacrifice, not out of obligation, but out of love. True salvation calls us to lay down our lives, crucify our old ways, and live for Christ’s glory. This may mean sacrificing sinful habits, selfish desires, or worldly comforts. But what we give up cannot compare to the joy of knowing Christ more deeply.

Ask yourself:

• What is God calling me to sacrifice in this season?
• Am I willing to lay down everything for Him?

Prayer:

Lord, I offer myself as a living sacrifice. Help me to crucify my flesh, to let go of what hinders me, and to live fully for Your purposes. Teach me that in sacrificing for You, I gain more than I lose. Be glorified in me. In Jesus Name Amen.

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Day 3: Surrender — Letting Go and Trusting Jesus

“And He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Reflection:

Surrender is daily. It’s not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of letting go and letting God. True salvation means we stop trying to control everything and allow Jesus to be Lord over all, such as our future, our relationships, our struggles, our dreams. It’s in surrender that we find freedom, peace, and purpose. When we lose ourselves in Him, we find true life.

Ask yourself:

• What am I still trying to control instead of surrendering to Jesus?
• Am I trusting Him with the unknowns and uncertainties of life?

Prayer:

Abba Father, I surrender all to You… my fears, my plans, my desires. I lay them at Your feet and trust You with every part of me. Teach me to take up my cross daily and follow You without hesitation. I belong to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Encouragement:

Submission, Sacrifice, and Surrender are not just words… they are the heart posture of someone who is truly saved. As you walk in these, your life will reflect Jesus, and your good works will testify to His grace in you. You will also heal completely from your past addiction and end your recovery for life!

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
John 15:8 (NKJV)

Stay close to Jesus, and let your life prove His saving grace to a watching world. YOU may be the first or only Bible they ever ‘read’.

Have a blessed rest of your day being assured of your salvation. Hope to see you next post.