You Cannot Save Yourself

by Max Lucado

You work hard, pay your dues, and “zap”—your account with God is paid in full. Jesus says, “No way.”

What you want costs far more than you can pay. You don’t need a system of payment, you need a Savior. You don’t need a resume, you need a Redeemer.

The Bible says, “For what is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).  Don’t miss the thrust of this verse.  You cannot save yourself. Not through the right rituals. The right doctrine.  Not through the right goose bumps. Jesus’ point is crystal clear. It is impossible for human beings to save themselves.

It’s not the possessions—it’s the pomp that hinders us. It’s a different path. Admission of failure isn’t usually admission into joy. Complete confession isn’t commonly followed by total pardon. But then again, God has never been governed by what’s common!

From The Applause of Heaven