Just Add Nothing

There are many great products that tell customers to “Just Add” something. We can make instant grits or oatmeal by just adding water to the package of mix; we can make beef stroganoff or chili macaroni by just adding meat to Hamburger Helper; we can make lemonade or Kool Aid by just adding water (and maybe a little sugar) to the powder. Even Ore-Ida has a breakfast bowl that says, “Just add an egg.” These items are part of a clever marketing tactic that stresses convenience. All the work has been done already, and you are only on the hook to add one little ingredient. Everyone who has ever made oatmeal from scratch appreciates the convenience of the “just add water” line of products.

Legalists try to apply that same philosophy to salvation. They say Jesus has done most of the work, but we are still on the hook to add something. They say to add works; add church attendance; add tithes and offerings; add the removal of old habits. And while each of those things is important in the life of a Christian, none of them are ingredients for salvation.

In Galatians 2 Paul wrote to believers who were being led astray by legalists telling them they needed to become more like the Jews in order to really be saved. He said they are justified by faith in Jesus apart from good works because good works are futile in their efforts to bring salvation. Paul concludes the chapter by saying, “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose (v.21).”

If our good works were good enough to earn us a spot in heaven, then Calvary was a sad waste of time. This reminds me of MercyMe’s new song Best News Ever that says, “Some say He’s keeping score, so tried hard, then try a little a more. But hold up: if this were true, explain to me what the cross was for.” Anyone who tries to tell us that we are not really saved unless or until we do some extra act has misunderstood the cross. Jesus died precisely because no action on our part could merit salvation. Of course we must trust in Christ and call out to Him, but there is no meritorious deed that we can do to earn God’s favor. That was all dealt with while we were still sinners.

As convenient as it is to just add one ingredient, it is even easier to accept the gift of salvation. It is literally, “Just add nothing.”