In the world today, there are a lot of misconceptions about salvation. Quite a number of people think because they were born into a Christian home or attend church services means they are saved, but is this true? You will find out in this post. We will discuss what is salvation, the importance of salvation, true repentance, and a lot more.
What is Salvation?
Salvation is the saving of man(woman) from sin and its consequences, which includes death and separation from God.
Salvation is what God has done in the death and resurrection of Jesus, is doing now in the work of the Spirit, and will do in creating the new world of the kingdom of God (Titus 3:5-6).
Salvation is the key to living a victorious and fruitful life on earth and reigning with the Lord in heaven.
Importance of Salvation
Experiencing a new birth in Jesus Christ is necessary for a believer. It is the only path to live a purposeful life here on earth, and also make it to heaven.
- Master to sin
- Eternal inheritance
- Become a friend of God
Master To Sin
Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin. Now a slave does not remain in a household permanently (forever); the son [of the house] does remain forever. So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. ~ John 8:34–36
The importance of salvation is to be a master to sin. In the text above, Jesus Christ illustrated the importance of redemption through the servant and son example. He revealed that the son has more authority in the house.
So, if you don’t want to be a slave to sin, then you must seek the help of the Son who is Jesus Christ. When Jesus sets you free, you will be able to live a life free of sin.
Eternal Inheritance
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” ~ Mathew 25:34
Eternal inheritance of the kingdom of God is the ultimate objective of salvation.
Following Christ is not only about doing the work of God here on earth but also involves making heaven. When you have Jesus, you will inherit the kingdom of God.
Become a Friend of God
“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” ~ Romans 4:3
When you become a friend of God and through righteousness, you build a friendship with Him. He will help you get closer and develop an intimate relationship with Him.
Is Going to Church the Same as Being Saved?
Going to church does not make you saved, you can be attending church and still be unsaved. Going to church just means attending church services.
However, going to Church or meeting in a Christian gathering is a good thing, as it is a medium through which you can hear the word of God and be saved. And it also helps strengthens one’s relationship with God as a believer.
But, being saved is when you accept Jesus as your Saviour, believe that He is God, and decide to live your life in accordance with His teachings.
“For it is not merely hearing the Law [read] that makes one righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified.” ~ Romans 2:13
This Scripture tells us that we are not saved by simply hearing the teachings of God, but by putting what we hear into practice.
Attending church services does not make you saved if you have not accepted Jesus, believe in Him, and obey His word.
What Does The Bible Say About True Repentance?
Repentance means being remorseful of past conduct and making a change.
True repentance goes beyond feeling sorry for one’s sin. There are active steps you will take, not just by mere turning away from sins. There should be a complete change of orientation from the past and an intentional redirection for the future.
True biblical repentance means:
Recognize your sinful nature, and helplessness, and ask God for mercy in Jesus Christ (Psalm 51:4-5, Luke 18:38).
Complete change of attitude and action regarding sin (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Persistence in pursuit of holy living, walking in obedience to God’s commands and doing good works (2 Timothy 2:19-22).
In the Old Testament, repentance was through rituals such as fasting, wearing a sackcloth, sitting on ashes, and wailing and lamenting, expressing intense regret for sin (Joel 1:13-15).
It continues in the New Testament, beginning with John the Baptist who was calling people to repent because the kingdom of God is near. Warning them to flee from the coming wrath of God that they should produce good fruits (Matthew 3:1-8).
True repentance was preached by Jesus Christ, calling sinners to repent (Luke 5:32) and also telling them the consequences of sin (Luke 13:5).
How Can You Be Saved?
The Scripture teaches us that there is no other way to salvation except Jesus Christ (John 14:6). He is the only man that conquered death, so for you to be saved you must know Jesus and only Him alone.
You can be saved by following these steps:
- Acknowledgment
- Believe in Jesus Christ
- Confession
- Repent from your sin
- Live for Christ
Acknowledgment
You must acknowledge yourself as a sinner. We are all bound to sin even if we have never sinned before, remember you are a sinner from the time your mother conceived you (Psalm 51:3-5, Romans 3:23).
Acknowledge that you need the spirit of God inside of you. Accept him as your Lord and personal Saviour. You cannot be born again without personal conviction.
Believe In Jesus Christ
Before you can be saved you have to believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
Believing in the love of Jesus Christ prevents you from perishing. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave us His only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Believe that only Jesus can save you. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
At this stage, you have faith that you can have a new life in Christ Jesus. Having complete trust in the word of God and the Holy Spirit is an essential step toward salvation.
Confession
Confess all your sins to Jesus Christ your Lord and savior.
Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is the lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Repent From Your Sin
Repent from your sin, turn to God and ask him for total forgiveness of the sins you know and one you did not know.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” ~ Acts 3:19
God hates sin, make sure you don’t go back to them again.
Live For Christ
This means to live according to the ordinances of the scriptures. James 1:22-25 says, “Do not merely listen to the work, and so deceive yourselves. Do what It says. Anyone who listens to the word of God but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror…”
You need to behave like Christ if you are truly saved, your attitude and habit must change. The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Constantly studying the word of God will help transform your life.
I hope this message has helped you understand what Jesus has done to save us and what your response must be.
If you are not saved yet and you want to be, please say this prayer below in faith:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, I turn from my sinfulness and I ask for your forgiveness. I accept you as my Lord and personal Saviour. I believe in my heart that you died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank you for saving me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now that you are saved, you should work towards knowing God and having an overflowing relationship with Him.
One Response
Great Article