You Can’t Be a Self-Made Savior
By Rick Warren

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

David was one of Israel’s greatest kings – powerful, smart, wealthy. He could have anything he wanted, but 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 him alone” (Psalm 62:1 TLB).

It is impossible to 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’s no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. The cost of rescue is beyond our means” (Psalm 49:7-8 The Message).

If you didn’t need a savior, God wouldn’t have sent one. But he knew that your spiritual condition was much worse than your physical condition could ever be. 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. God simply invites you to accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus makes available.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What are some ways we attempt to rescue ourselves?

Why do many people find it difficult to accept the idea that we can’t work, buy, or earn our way into heaven?

How would you describe Jesus’ “rescue efforts” in your own life?

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!


Verses of Hope Scripture Box with Bonus Scripture Cards

Plant God’s Word in Your Heart!

Are you ready to raise your hope in God even higher? A great first step is to memorize Scripture. That’s why we created a new customizable tool to help you enjoy the process of learning God’s Word.

We want to send you our latest Verses of Hope Scripture Box to thank you for your donation today.

This gold, vegan-leather Scripture box includes a set of 40 full-color, beautifully-designed Bible verse cards on the topic hope. And we’ve just added 40 bonus Bible verse cards on the topic of prayer. You’ll also receive 64 creatively-designed blank cards with lines for you to write additional Scriptures that the Lord places on your heart. These Bible verse cards will help you . . .

  • Say no to temptation
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  • Be a bolder witness to unbelievers

We have very limited quantities of this new spiritual growth resource, so be sure to request your Verses of Hope Scripture Box (with brand-new cards and verses) today when you give a gift below.

Thanks for your generosity to share the hope of Christ!

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This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.