You Can't Be A Self-Made Savior

By Rick Warren

“Jesus Christ rescues us … by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s plan is that we all experience that rescue!” Galatians 1:4 (MSG)

"There is no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your boot straps. The cost of rescue is beyond our means" (Psalm 49:7-8 MSG).

David was one of Israel’s greatest kings – powerful, smart, wealthy. He could have anything he wanted and yet he knew he was unable to truly save himself. Only one person could rescue him: “I stand silently before the Lord, waiting for you to rescue me. For salvation comes from you alone” (Psalm 62:1 LB).

There is no way we can work our way, buy our way, or earn our way into heaven. When it comes to salvation, we are unable to save ourselves. The government can’t save us. Our popularity can’t save us. Our level of success can’t save us. “There is no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your boot straps. The cost of rescue is beyond our means” (Psalm 49:7-8 MSG).

If you didn’t need a savior, God wouldn’t have sent one. But he knew that your spiritual condition was much worse than any physical condition you will ever face. That’s why he sent Jesus to rescue you.

There is no way you can get into a perfect heaven on your own. There is no way you can pay for your salvation. The cost is beyond your means. So Jesus paid for it by coming and dying for you on the cross. He made that ultimate payment with his life.