Nicholas and Alexandra

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
   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.

 

The Tsaravich Alexis suffered from a disease called hemophilia.  What this meant was that his blood was not capable of clotting.  I remember a scene in the movie Nicholas and Alexandra when the queen mother in an extremely desperate fame of mind frantically arranged icons into every conceivable pattern believing that she somehow could hit on the correct pattern all would be again in order.

 

The Pharisees had strict procedures for religious practices.  Many religions today rely on strict practice of ritual and prescribed order.  However there is nothing we can do.  Correct order, rituals, religious practices, or customs have no power of their own.  .  Salvation does not depend on us, never has and never will.  Following a custom in the correct way will not save us. Salvation and forgiveness is based solely on the grace of God and Jesus’ death on the cross.

 

Alexandra did not find meaning in placing religious artifacts in a prescribed order and neither will we.  Fulfillment is found only in a belief in Jesus Christ and acceptance of him as our savior.  Religious practices may be good as an observance or remembrance but they in themselves have no power.  The power is in Jesus Christ.

 

Father we give thanks for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.  We acknowledge there is no righteousness except his.  There is no plan of salvation except the acceptance of Jesus as our savior Amen.