The Gift of Salvation  

宝贵的礼物 - 救恩

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D. 

As children of God, not only do we have the gift of eternal life, but we have also gained His favor. God Himself will sustain us, strengthen us, and restore us: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). 

作为神的儿女，我们不仅有永生的恩赐，也得到了祂的恩宠。上帝自己会支持我们，给我们力量，并恢复我们：“上帝能够大大地祝福你，所以在所有的事情上，无论何时，你都会拥有你所需要的一切，你会在每一个善事上比比皆是”（2 Corinthians 9 :8).

Our gift of salvation is an absolute assurance of our spiritual inheritance. "And we boast in the hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2). Our hope is not merely wishful thinking—it is an absolute certainty. God Himself tells us, ". . . my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail" (Isaiah 51:6). 

我们救恩的恩赐是我们属灵继承的绝对保证。 “我们因盼望神的荣耀而夸口”（罗马书 5：2）。我们的希望不仅仅是一厢情愿——它是绝对确定的。上帝亲自告诉我们，“……我的救恩永远长存，我的义永不废掉”（以赛亚书 51:6）。

No matter what we face in life, we know that God's gift of salvation is real and His promises stand forever. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).    

无论我们在生活中面对什么，我们知道上帝救恩的恩赐是真实的，他的应许永远立定。 “我们有这盼望作为灵魂的锚，又坚固又安全”（希伯来书 6:19）。

Even when we suffer for Christ, we know it is not meaningless. Paul encourages us that "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). 

即使当我们为基督受苦时，这并非毫无意义。保罗鼓励我们，“我们也因患难而欢喜，因为知道患难生忍耐；忍耐生老练；老练生盼望”（罗马书 5：3-4）。

Through Christ, we are guaranteed God's amazing love so that "hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Even when we were completely unworthy of His grace, God loved us. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). 

通过基督，我们得到上帝奇妙的爱的保证，以致“盼望不至于羞愧，因为所赐给我们的圣灵将上帝的爱浇灌在我们心里”（罗马书 5：5）。即使当我们完全不配得到他的恩典时，上帝仍然爱我们。 “但上帝在这件事上表明了他对我们的爱：当我们还是罪人的时候，基督就为我们死了”（罗马书 5:8）。

As we "boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation," we can be sure of overwhelming joy (Romans 5:11). Even during difficult circumstances, we can take joy in our salvation: "Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9). 

当我们“因我们的主耶稣基督，得着和好，而以上帝为夸口”时，我们可以确信无比的喜乐（罗马书 5:11）。即使在困难的环境中，我们也可以因我们的救恩而喜乐：“我的心就因耶和华欢喜，因他的救恩快乐”（诗篇 35：9）。

Prayer: Father, thank You for the many gifts You give me as Your child. Thank You for Your favor, promises, and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

祷告：天父，感谢你赐给我许多礼物作为你的孩子。感谢你的恩惠、应许和爱。我奉耶稣的名祷告。阿门。

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34). 

“当称谢耶和华，因他本善；他的慈爱永远长存”（历代志上 16:34）。