Joseph Prince, senior pastor of Singapore's New Creation Church and Bible teacher on the TV program Destined to Reign, wants believers to know that they are not limited by the constraints of their own abilities.

In his new book, Unmerited Favor (Charisma House), Prince said Christians can rely on God's grace to put them at the right place and at the right time for life's opportunities. "Many people don't realize that salvation is much more than being saved from hell for heaven," Prince told Christian Retailing. "In this book, I elaborate further on the definition of 'salvation′--soteria in Greek--which denotes an all-encompassing wholeness, completeness and success."

The title of the book refers to the fact that the whole life Jesus offers isn't something that can be earned. It is the very core of the gospel, the "new covenant," that is needed not only in America, but also around the world, Prince said, adding: "There is nothing we can do to merit, deserve and earn God's favor today--it comes only by way of the cross alone."

Prince contrasts this unearned favor with "self-centered" favoritism. "Unmerited favor is about being dependent on Jesus for your success, whereas favoritism is depending on your own efforts to become successful," he said. "Favoritism requires you to maneuver, manipulate and position yourself for success, and it results in all kinds of compromises."

Read the full report in the February issue of Christian Retailing magazine.

• Prev
• Next