Salvation is not a reward for righteous deeds but a miracle of mercy. God's Spirit regenerates the heart, washes away guilt, and creates a new life. We are saved not because we are good, but because God is merciful and gracious. The phrase "not by works of righteousness which we have done" eliminates every form of self-salvation. Our best efforts, our most sincere religious activities, our charitable deeds—none of these contribute to salvation. Mercy triumphs over merit, and grace overrules human achievement.

In 1973, Charles Colson was known as President Nixon's "hatchet man"—a ruthless political operative willing to do anything to win. When the Watergate scandal erupted, Colson's world collapsed. Facing indictment and prison, he visited a friend who had recently become a Christian. That night, the friend read to him from C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, especially a chapter on pride as the great sin. Colson listened politely but left without praying. Yet when he reached his car, he could not drive away. The former Marine captain and White House tough guy sat weeping in the driveway, crying out to God. He had no eloquent prayer, no religious formula—just a broken man who needed Jesus. That night Christ entered his life. Colson pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and served seven months in federal prison. But God used his imprisonment to birth a vision. Upon release, he founded Prison Fellowship, which has ministered to millions of prisoners worldwide. His bestselling book Born Again told his story, and for nearly forty years until his death in 2012, Colson preached that salvation comes not by works but by God's mercy. His transformation proved that no past is too dark, no sin too great, for the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Merciful Father, we thank You that salvation depends not on our righteousness but on Your mercy. Wash us, regenerate us, and renew us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Make us new creations in Christ Jesus. Amen.