“God specializes in accomplishing what humans cannot—that’s the entire point of grace.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 19, 2025
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:25-26
In Australia, lifeguards are called lifesavers. I read about an Australian man who was rescued as he floundered in the surf and was laid out on the sand by his rescuer, like a beached whale. After spewing out a belly full of water, he walked right back into the ocean and began spewing out these words, “I was alright, darn you!” Well, he had already forgotten that being saved is not something we do, but something that happens to us. Our part is to surrender to our rescuer and trust He will get us to the shore of salvation. The saved speak words of gratitude, not denial.
Why were the disciples greatly astonished? Their shock makes sense when you understand first-century assumptions. Wealth was viewed as a divine blessing, proof of righteousness. If even rich people, those clearly favored by the Lord, couldn’t enter the kingdom, then who possibly could? Poor people? Sinners? Nobody seemed qualified. Jesus’ response cuts through all human logic and a definition of who’s deserving: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Salvation isn’t a ladder you climb through moral achievement, religious performance, or financial blessing. It’s a gift you receive through grace. The rich young ruler’s problem wasn’t his money, it was his misplaced trust in something other than God. This principle applies universally: whether you’re trusting wealth, good works, religious credentials, or moral superiority, salvation remains impossible through human effort. But when you stop trying to earn it and simply receive what God offers through Christ, the impossible becomes reality. God specializes in accomplishing what humans cannot. That’s the entire point of grace.
Charles Spurgeon vividly describes: “The Lord strips us of every rag of self-reliance that we may be clothed in Christ’s righteousness alone.” God will systematically dismantle every false sense of security you’re holding onto. The career you believed defined you? He’ll shake it until your identity is rooted in Christ. The relationship you idolized? He’ll reveal its unrealistic expectations. The reputation you carefully built? He’ll allow it to crumble to make Jesus the center. This isn’t harshness, it’s mercy. He’s peeling away the dirty rags you call self-sufficiency so you can finally wear what truly covers you: Christ’s perfect righteousness. You can’t add your achievements to His finished work. Let go of the rags and accept the robe. Salvation all by grace.
Who can be saved? Stop thinking salvation depends on being good enough, smart enough, or spiritual enough. You can be saved, not because you’ve earned it, but because God offers it freely. That family member whose life is a mess? They can be saved, too. Your friend who seems too far gone? Reachable. The coworker who mocks faith? Not beyond Love’s reach. Salvation isn’t about human possibility; it’s about heaven’s power. With God, all things are possible, including rescuing the person you’ve given up on. Don’t limit divine grace by your limited faith and understanding. Lean into the possibilities of fervent prayers. Added insight from Spurgeon, “When we reach the end of ourselves, we stand at the threshold of grace.” Embrace all of grace!
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You for saving me by grace, not by my works. Teach me to rest in Your mercy, walk in humility, and live from grateful faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What or who is keeping you from being saved by grace through faith and living each day by grace through faith?
Related Reading
John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Titus 2:11
Worship Resource
Jessie Harris: Tis So Sweet/Turn Your Eyes
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