Complete In Christ ( Salvation part 2 )
During the first post about salvation we defined the meaning of it, the definite need for a savior, and how salvation changes lives. In salvation part 2 we will take a more in depth look into the rewards, changes, and responsibilities that occur once a person receives the gift of salvation. After all, the gift is free but there are instructions that come with it, just as there are with any new product you purchase at a store. In order to fully understand and use your gift, you need to read and comprehend the instructions right? Salvation is the most amazing gift that God has given us, yet no amount of money or charitable deeds could buy it. It is priceless.
Firstly, we must understand that without Jesus there is no salvation. There is no other way to God. Jesus confirms this in the book of John chapter 14.
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
In verse 7 Jesus confirms again that one must know Him in order to know God. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. John 14:7
Clearly, the correlation between Jesus and the Father is confirmed several times throughout the book of John and in other books. One can't accept Christ without God, and God without Christ. That is the basis for understanding and receiving salvation.
Once a person has made the decision to receive salvation and become "born again," the bible speaks of being baptized. This is a part of salvation that all believers should take part in. Baptism is a part of the "new birth," and that is what salvation is about. It is about being born again, dying to sin and the old way of life, and becoming a brand new creature in Christ.
Jesus answered and said unto him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. John 3:3-5
Due to confusion regarding natural birth, Jesus has to clarify to Nicodemus that he was referring to something spiritual. When you are baptized and go under the water, it is symbolic of Jesus' death. You are dying to your sins, and old way of life when you "go under." You are allowing God to cleanse you. When you emerge, the old you is gone. The former you has died. You are born again as a new creature in Christ and your sins have been washed away. I am in no way condemning those who have not been baptized. I am simply stating information about baptism according to what scripture says. There is much confusion among Christians regarding whether or not baptism is required for salvation. According to the scriptures we are saved through our "faith" in Jesus, not by being baptized. We should view at baptism as the next step in our christian walk after one has received the gift of salvation. As I mentioned earlier, I would encourage all who have been born again to be baptized, because in doing so you honor God and further your commitment to your new life in Christ.
Salvation is valuable beyond our ability to measure. When one is saved, they are set free from sin and death.
They have now been transferred from the kingdom of darkness (Satan's kingdom) into the kingdom of light (God's Kingdom). You can now embark on a wonderful personal relationship with your savior, and commune with God the Father. You are entitled to the rights of the children of God which includes but is not limited to abundant blessings, help in times of trouble, peace regardless of circumstances, joy, healing power, freedom from sin (eternal life), and a place in heaven. Lets take a look at what some scriptures say about the benefits of salvation.
Many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 When you are saved, you become aligned with God's eternal plan. Isn't it better to be on track with God rather than in the midst of the world? You are called by God. You are also now free from condemnation.
John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.
You no longer dwell in darkness but light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians 1:13
You will receive the Holy Spirit. Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8
Jesus has gone away to prepare a place for those who love him. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3
There are blessings waiting for you that you can't comprehend. God is going to bless you beyond imagination.
The former things will have passed away and be made new. That means that there will be no more sickness, sufferings, pride, jealousy, envy, death, or anything negative/evil. Can you imagine how great it will be to walk down the streets of gold, or to dwell in a newly created earth as it were before sin ever came into the picture? Imagine how amazing the earth was before the fall. I'm certain the air was so much cleaner, the plants so much greener and so forth. All things will be made new!
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelations 21:1
Can you imagine what it will be like to dwell with God in the New Jerusalem? The book of Revelations describes the absolute splendor and beauty of this new home for God and His people.
The city is laid out as a square; its length as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall:one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
Wow! That alone makes me eager to live a life pleasing to God, that I may enjoy the fruits of salvation. I have only highlighted a few for sake of time, though there are many more. Certainly, those who love the Lord have so much to look forward to. Our sufferings for Christ here in this short life, are more than worth it. Look how great the rewards are!
We have reviewed some of the many benefits that come along with salvation, but we must keep in mind the yolk of Christ. We have responsibilities as well. God says that those who love Him follow His commandments. If you want to please God, you must learn to obey Him. You have to be willing to submit yourself to the Lord and forsake worldly (sinful) pleasures to live righteously.
If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12
As a new creature in Christ it is also important to continue to build your spirit man, and strengthen your relationship with the Lord. You should pray daily to the Lord. Prayer is simply communication (talking) to the Lord. You can pray alone privately, or with other believers. The point is to pray. You should also spend time each day in God's word. Reading without understanding is useless, so do not lean on your own understanding. Instead ask the Lord to let the Holy Spirit guide you in revelation so that you comprehend what you are reading. These are key things to do in order to truly live a fulfilling life in Christ once you have been born again. For a great example of how to live as a Christian read Romans 12:9-21
There is still another very important thing to do once you are born again. That is to spread the good news of Christ to others! You have been blessed and set free, but there are still others who are lost and in need of salvation. The Great Commission is the duty of ALL Christians, not just a select few.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
Now it is your job to help reach others with the message. They need to be saved. Many are searching for answers in the wrong places. They want to be saved and set free, but may not know how. You could be just what they need in order to hear the message of Christ and receive salvation. God says that believers are the light of the world, the salt of the earth.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned. It is the good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14
We have covered a great deal in salvation part 2, from the meaning of salvation, the benefits and responsibilities as well. These are all important, but none it matters if you are not saved (born again). You can have all the knowledge in the world, all the degrees from elite universities, hoards of cash, and great material wealth, but none of it will mean a thing if you leave this world without receiving salvation. That, my friend, is the most important thing I can tell you this day. If you are reading this, it is according to God's plan for you. He could be speaking to your spirit, and you know what to do. If you're born again He may be giving this message to you so that you reach others who are lost. Why wait? What is so important in this temporal life that it is worth missing out on eternity with God in endless abundant blessing and joy? If you are hesitating about giving your heart to Christ, I urge you to make today the day. What better day than today to be set free and secure your place in eternity? Everyday people are snatched from this life suddenly and totally unprepared to stand before a perfect, holy God in judgement. Don't be one of those. Suppose you don't pass away before Christ returns. You could still be caught off guard.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matthew 24:36-37
But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and care of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:34-36
Make today the day good friend, because we don't know the day or the hour. Waiting around and procrastinating are definitely bad habits, especially when it could affect your eternity and standings with God. I pray that this message has received you well. I pray that the seed of this message has landed in fertile soil and will take root in your heart.
As always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!
