True Salvation: Why We Deny Sin After, Not Before, We Are Saved

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
—Titus 2:11–12 (KJV)

One of the greatest misunderstandings in the Christian walk is the belief that we must perform good works in order to be saved. This distortion has led many into a suffocating cycle of performance-based religion, rather than a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let us be clear:
We do not pick up our cross and follow Jesus in order to become saved.
We pick up our cross and follow Jesus because we are saved.

Works Are a Result of Salvation, Not the Cause

When Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23, KJV), He was not laying down the steps to earn salvation. He was describing the natural outflow of a heart that has already been changed by His saving grace.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this beautifully:

"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 (KJV)

If salvation could be earned, then Christ died in vain (Galatians 2:21). True Christianity is rooted in grace, not human effort.

Why We Deny Ungodliness

The grace of God not only saves us but also teaches us. It teaches us to deny:

  • Ungodliness: Anything that dishonors God’s holiness.

  • Worldly lusts: The sinful cravings of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

When we deny sin, when we turn from lies, cheating, cursing, immorality, and addiction, we do so not to earn God's love — but because we have already received it. His Spirit empowers us to walk in newness of life.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Relationship, Not Religion

When man adds works as a requirement for salvation, it is no longer grace but a false gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). True believers understand that salvation is entirely the work of Christ from start to finish.

The regenerated heart knows:

  • We are not working for approval; we are living from approval.

  • We are not obeying to gain God's love; we obey because we are overwhelmed by His love.

This is not workspace religion. It is the evidence of a living relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth — a relationship sealed by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

A Biblical Warning Against Work-Based Salvation

Paul warned the Galatians sharply:

"Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"
—Galatians 3:3 (KJV)

Any teaching that conditions salvation on human effort, rather than faith in Christ alone, is a deadly distortion. It robs the cross of its glory and places man at the center instead of Christ.

Jesus said:

"It is finished."
—John 19:30 (KJV)

We do not add to a finished work.

A Clear Gospel Invitation

Friend, if you are striving to earn God's acceptance through your efforts, hear the true Gospel today:

  • Recognize your sin: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

  • Believe on Jesus Christ: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31)

  • Receive the gift of grace: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." (Titus 3:5)

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

A Call to the Believer

If you have been saved by grace, then live as one who has been redeemed:

  • Deny ungodliness, because Christ has freed you from it.

  • Walk soberly and righteously in this present world.

  • Reflect His glory, not to gain His favor, but because you already have it.

Final Thought

The cross is not a burden we carry to be accepted; it is a crown we carry because we are accepted. Glory to Jesus Christ alone.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
—Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

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