The Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge

There was once a village separated from the city by a deep canyon. Years ago, a strong bridge had connected the two, but over time it collapsed, leaving the villagers stranded. Many tried to build their own way across—ropes, ladders, planks—but every attempt failed. Some fell. Some gave up. Others just pretended the city didn’t exist.

One day, a man from the city came. He was the builder’s son, sent by his father to restore the way. He didn’t use the villagers’ broken materials. He laid down a new bridge—strong, perfect, and free to cross. Some doubted it. Others tried to add their own steps. But those who simply trusted the bridge and walked across found themselves safely in the city, welcomed with joy.

What God Did for Us Through Jesus

Just like the villagers, we were separated from God by sin. No amount of religion, good works, or effort could build a way back. But God sent His Son—Jesus Christ—to be the bridge. He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. He didn’t ask us to build anything. He built it all. And now, anyone who believes in Him is justified, forgiven, and brought near to God.

Scriptures (KJV)

• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
• “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” — 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
• “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

The Grace Gospel

You don’t need to build your own way to God. You don’t need religion, rituals, or works. All you need Christ. Simply believe in this good news—that He died for your sins and rose again for your justification (Rom.4:25)—and God will save you, freely and forever. That’s grace. That’s peace. That’s the gift.

Reconciled AND saved by his life are different parts of God's salvation

Reconciled AND saved by his life are different parts of God's salvation

Read this verse in Romans chapter 5 and take special note of the tenses used to describe reconciliation and salvation by his life.

Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Let's take a deeper look at what it is saying:

--being reconciled

Reconciliation is the first part of our salvation. It is the part that the majority of believers understand and relate to. Reconciliation comes about by being justified through the hearing and believing of the grace gospel. In simple terms, Romans chapters 1 to 4 educate us on God's righteousness, man's unrighteousness and ungodliness, God's wrath upon those who reject Him, and God's grace upon those who believe in His Son. It is through this grace of God, by means of the cross of Christ and His resurrection, that God can be just and the justifier of them that believe in Jesus, Rom 3:26. 

This justification was settled 2000-years ago at the cross. God's decree is that those who believe on the cross work of His Son freely receive this justification. This is already done, hence it being past tense. We are given confirmation of this fact in chapter 5, which is the conclusion of chapters 1 to 4. Chapter 5 and verse 1 starts with the word, "Therefore...", which means that we take into account all that was said in chapters 1 to 4, and then we conclude with this:

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  (2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

What does 'if ye continue in the faith' mean in Col.1:23?

What does 'if ye continue in the faith' mean in Col.1:23?

A lot of people read the verse below and think that it means they can lose their salvation, or more specifically, their reconciliation with God, which is specified in verse 22. Let's take a look at what this passage of scripture is saying.

Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he RECONCILED  (22)  In the body of his flesh through death, TO PRESENT YOU holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (23)  IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;  ...  (28)  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may PRESENT every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Note: I have capped certain key words for emphasis. Now, let's work through what Paul wrote and look at the proper context to learn what is really being said here.

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he RECONCILED."