I am a sinner saved by grace.

I was born in Philippines and was brought up as a Roman Catholic. I am the oldest of three siblings. I was a self-righteous sinner. Having confidence in my self that I would be in heaven when I died because of my  good works, attending church, doing the best I could for myself, for my family and for my fellows. Trying to live good and do good. I wanted to be in heaven when I died.

At the age of 28, opportunity came to me, Maricel Butler (a friend and former co-worker in Taiwan) helped me to get a job here in Canada. I got accepted and soon travelled to Canada.  When I arrived, I stayed at her house. She asked me to go with her to attend a gospel meeting held at the Gospel Hall in Springfield West. My answer to her was, “Are they Catholic?” She replied, “No, but they preach the Lord Jesus and the way of Salvation.” Then I asked, “Are they going to baptize me?” She said, “No, we will just sit and listen to the message”.

We went together that Sunday. Two men went up to the pulpit and preached the word of God. all I remembered is this verse he  quoted:

Romans 3:23 (KJV)
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

As I recall the man who read that verse was Kevin MacNeill ( I clearly remember him because of  big stature but a very gentle voice).

I was wondering about that verse, if sinners would not be in heaven because of sin, what about me? I didn’t know if my sin was forgiven and how could I know? Some of the  girls at the house where I lived told me that they were saved and they knew for sure that their sins were all forgiven and they knew for sure if they died they were going to heaven. They had confidence and boldness. I replied to them “Me too” but really deep inside my heart I had no assurance that I would be there too. I just wanted to feel good. I kept coming to the gospel meetings whenever I could with the help of Mackenzie family. They are faithful and kind. They invited us to go to meetings and gave us rides as well.

Hearing more of the gospel made me worried about my sin. In no time I realized that all my sin would be judged and I was guilty. All my self righteousness was like bubbles when they are popped and disappear. I had nothing. I would not be in heaven when I died. I started reading my bible and praying to the Lord that he would save me. Reading this passage gave me hope.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 7:7 (KJV)
[7] Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

That time I was working night shift with Sarah Voutour (she is a believer in the Lord Jesus ). One afternoon Timmy  MacKenzie dropped by to see us and we had a short reading in Luke 15 about the Prodigal son. Then he asked me, “What is the hinderance why you’re not saved?” It made me think. While working i kept thinking about it. Then i remembered the verse in Matthew:

Matthew 6:15 (KJV)
[15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Then suddenly I remembered this guy that I hated most and I cursed to his face that I would never forgive him. I came home with a heavy heart. Before going to bed, I read and prayed that the Lord would give me a forgiving heart. I was thinking that God was so good and kind to me and my  family. I poured my heart to the Lord, giving all the hatred and pain to him. In return the Lord softened my heart. I was able to forgive him.

On Sunday morning Sarah invited me to go with her to the morning meeting. I went with her and sat at the back row.  At the end of the meeting, a man from Summerside, Ken Tran got up and spoke and read in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Hearing the verse and his message on that very moment I came to realize that it’s by grace and faith on the Lord Jesus. It’s all His work on the Cross. He suffered and died on the Cross for sin. Then I realized that he suffered and died for my sin. My many sins  will not be judged but all my sins will be gone forever.That morning I trusted the Lord Jesus with all my heart that when he died, he died for me. It’s not my good works  that saved me and gave me assurance but from His word that salvation is a gift from God and not by good works. Now its not my good works that will save me, and leads me to heaven but the works of the  Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only Son.

My assurance comes from His word that salvation is a gift from God and by His grace. It was June 23, 2013 when I trusted him and became a believer. Praise God for His Son.