Inherited Salvation

For over a decade now, God has entrusted me with roles where much is made of Jesus—at work, in ministry, and especially in interviews for employment or school admissions. I’m often in the position to ask people to share their salvation story or describe their relationship with Jesus.

Time and time again, the answers are eerily similar: “I was raised in church,” “My grandmother prayed with me as a child,” “My grandfather is a preacher,” “We have a Bible at home,” Or even, “I live in the Bible Belt, I just am.”

While I’m grateful for the many opportunities to share the gospel and explain what salvation really means, the reality that so many people are living with a false sense of security deeply burdens me.

Growing up in a Christian home is a blessing. Many people were raised by parents or grandparents who modeled godliness, took them to church, and prayed over their lives. Some even come from long lines of pastors, missionaries, and spiritual leaders. Others, however, were raised in homes that were “Christian” in name only—marked more by hypocrisy and a watered-down version of the faith than by the gospel.

Either way, a large number of people are under the assumption that they are saved because they’ve somehow inherited it.

But here’s a sobering truth: You cannot inherit salvation.

Your grandmother’s prayers can cover you. Your father’s sermons can shape you. Your mother’s devotion can inspire you. But none of it can save you.

Salvation Is Not Proximity, It’s Personal

There’s a dangerous mindset that can quietly settle into Christian culture—especially among those who grew up around the faith. It’s the idea that being near spiritual things is the same as being spiritually alive.

But being around the gospel is not the same as receiving it.

Jesus confronted this directly:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21

Being familiar with church culture, spiritual language, or even the Bible itself doesn’t equal salvation. Even a strong family legacy of faith cannot secure your place in God’s kingdom.

Salvation is a divine act. It begins with God’s initiative, not our upbringing, background, or good behavior.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

I also love this quote by Pastor Voddie Baucham:

“God doesn’t have any grandchildren. You must be born again.”

Let Me Ask You…

Friend to friend—what does your relationship with Jesus look like? What is your salvation story?

Keep in mind, each salvation story is personal and unique. I was saved radically at the age of 23, pulled from the miry clay of sin. But many of my closest friends have walked with Jesus since early childhood, faithfully growing in His grace. One story isn’t more valuable than the other—what matters is that it’s real.

What Does a Saved Life Look Like?

A life saved by Jesus won’t be perfect, but it will be transformed. There will be:

· Repentance — A turning away from sin.

· A growing love for God and His Word

· Compassion for others

· A hunger for holiness — not just moral behavior, but a desire to be set apart for God.

Anything less than that may just be behavior modification or cultural performance.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

You Must Choose Him for Yourself

If you’ve never truly repented and made Jesus Lord of your life, come to Him. Call on Him—not as someone relying on someone else’s faith, but as a sinner in need of grace.

He knows your name. He wants your heart. And He’s not far.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15

Your family’s faith can point you in the right direction—but it can’t walk the path for you. You must choose Jesus for yourself. You must trust in His saving grace, not your family’s background.

“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12

Not to those who were simply raised around Him, but to those who received Him.

Ardently His,

Jenifer

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