Truths About Salvation
Ever since I became a new creature in Christ, I’ve noticed that many Christians have not fully grasped the extent of what it means to be saved. I believe this first article will not only reach out to the lost, which is the primary goal, but also I pray it will serve to bring revelation of the extent of what has been given you through the redemption of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, I pray it will serve to ignite your spirit to dig deeper into the things of God. Take these truths—prove them by Scripture and then use them in your own ministry and evangelism. Jesus said, And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [John 8: 32]
What is Salvation?
Salvation is the gift of eternal life that is offered to every person, and received by those who believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead to save mankind and restore the relationship between God and man. [Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10] This gift cannot be earned through good deeds or by simply being "good" (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 1:9). It is a matter of faith. This faith is received through revelation from God, which results in a person being born again—a new creature in Christ. [John 3: 3-8; 2 Corinthians 5: 17]
Why should I be saved?
Because God loves you. It is God’s will for you to be in relationship with Him. [2 Peter 3: 9] For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. [John 3: 16] God loves you whoever and wherever you are—regardless of what you’ve done, said, or thought—God still loves you and wants you in His family for eternity. Wow—that’s some awesome love. The Bible says: But God commended his love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5: 8] Understand this…despite the fact that we were enemies of God, His love sent Christ to die in our place so we wouldn’t have to take the penalty for sin. God doesn’t care what you’ve done—His love has nothing to do with what you’ve done. His love has everything to do with what Jesus did on the cross for you.
You don’t have to be holy or righteous, go to church, read the Bible, or give to charity to be saved. You can be knee-deep in prison, adultery, fornication, perversion, homosexuality, drug addictions, crime, and any other thing and God still loves you and wants you to be in His family. All you have to do is surrender to His love, and receive the free gift of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. God will do the rest.
About Sin
The Bible says: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world [Adam in Genesis 3], and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [the Lord Jesus Christ] shall many be righteous. That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. [Romans 5: 12, 19, 21]
We are all born into sin and because of Adam’s sin, we are by nature children of disobedience and under the influence of a sinful nature. This nature is what makes a person a sinner—regardless of how “good” a person has been during his or her life. [Ephesians 2: 1-10] The truth is: being a sinner is more about who we were before being in Christ, rather than what we did. On the cross, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for Adam’s sin and your sins, so that by grace through faith, we would be reconciled and made righteous before God. [Romans 3: 22; 5: 10]
Those who are saved receive forgiveness of sins, are born again [John 3: 3-8] and become new creatures in Christ. [2 Corinthians 5: 17] Thus, they are no longer sinners (not even sinners saved by grace), but are adopted into the family of God—being heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ [Romans 8: 15-17], children of the promise [Romans 9: 8; Galatians 4: 28; Ephesians 3: 6], receiving the gift of eternal life [Romans 6: 23] in Heaven with God and all the saints [Ephesians 2: 6, 19].
Those who choose to reject this gift of eternal life are condemned and will be condemned forever (along with Satan and his rebellious angels) to Hell, the lake of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, and eternal separation from God. [Revelation 20: 11-15; 21: 8; Matthew 13: 42, 50]
Is there any other way to Heaven?
No. The only way to Heaven is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but by me. [John 14: 6] He that believes on him is not condemned. But he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [John 3: 18] Romans 6: 23 says: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus is THE only way—not by any other gods or religions; not by good deeds or being a “good person”, but by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no reincarnation—only a resurrection. Buddah, Mohammed, Hari Krishna, or any other religious figure didn’t die for your sins—only Jesus did. The Bible says that Christ died once and for all—that your sins have been forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus. [2 Corinthians 5: 14-15; Hebrews 9: 28; Romans 5: 8] Salvation is not about what you have done—good or bad—but about what Jesus did on the cross and through His resurrection. It is a free gift to those who will simply receive it through faith.
How do I get saved?
The Bible says: That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. [Romans 10: 9-11]
Again, salvation is received through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith is received by revelation from God through His Word. The Bible says: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [Romans 10: 17] When Peter confessed to Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus said: …for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven. [Matthew 16: 16-17]
If you have actually asked this question, it appears that the Lord has revealed Himself to you. Now, simply say this prayer: “Dear God, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I confess that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I now receive the gift of salvation through His blood. Lord, I receive the Holy Spirit and now I believe that I am a new creature in Christ. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”
If you said this prayer… Congratulations!!! You are now a member of the Body of Christ! All of Heaven is rejoicing!!! Jesus said: I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents…[Luke 15: 7]
What should I do once I am saved?
Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
As soon as you received the gift of salvation, the promise of the Holy Spirit is available to you. As with anything else in the kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit is received by faith. It is by His power that we are victorious over sin, sickness, oppression, and all the works of the devil. It is also by the Holy Spirit that we are endued with power to do the works of Christ. Read the first three chapters in Acts and 1 Corinthians 12 in the Bible; or this ministry’s teachings on the Christian Life to receive more revelation concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Read the Bible Daily (If you need a Bible, contact us and we will gladly send you one for free)
A large part of your new life in Christ should be devoted to God’s living Word—the Bible. His Word is spiritual food that will enable you to grow in Him. Reading the Bible also allows the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and bring revelation of His love and desire to have an intimate relationship with you. Romans 12:2 says: And be not conformed to this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Jesus said: If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [John 8: 31-32] The Bible contains everything a Christian needs to know concerning his new life in Christ. It is vitally important for you to read the Bible often and always accompanied with prayer. You are ultimately responsible for your own growth in Christ, and you must prove everything—every teaching or doctrine—by Scripture. [2 Timothy 2: 15; 3: 16; 1 Thessalonians 5: 21] If a teaching doesn’t harmonize with the Bible, then the teaching is to be discarded as false. Suggestion: Begin reading in the New Testament (Matthew) and continue through Revelation. The New Testament frequently refers to the Old Testament, and I suggest that you study the Old Testament in this light—at least at the beginning. Remember what the Lord said: Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness. For they shall be filled. [Matthew 5: 6]
Allow the Life of Christ to Live Through You
As a born again Christian, your desire should be to please and live for God—instead of before when you lived to please yourself. The Bible says: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. [2 Corinthians 5: 15]
The Bible says, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us....always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. [2 Corinthians 4:7-11]
The Bible says, I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. [Galatians 2:20]
I am NOT suggesting that you begin adhering to the Old Testament laws or a set of religious standards because this will actually empower sin in your life (Romans 6:14; Romans 7:1-25; 1 Corinthians 15:56). You do not want to do that. Instead, focus your life upon the grace of God that teaches you to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11-12).
As a new creature in Christ, you now have a new nature that does not desire to indulge the flesh. Through a realization of the truths of the new creature, you will begin to bear the fruit of righteousness. Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Romans 6:11 (see also 1 John 3:2-3; Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 1:20-21)]
Seek to do the Works of Christ (the Great Commission)
A great part of allowing the life of Jesus become manifest in your body is to continue the ministry of Jesus on this earth. Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He issued what is called the Great Commission to all His disciples or followers. In this commission, we are given the command to do the works of Christ and also the authority (in His name) and power (by the Holy Spirit) to do them. When we examine the combined words of our Lord from the gospels and Acts, we conclude that we are to do the following:
receive the promise of the Father (the baptism and power of the Holy Spirit) [Acts 1:4,5,8]
preach the gospel to every creature [Mark 16:15]
teach them all things Christ has commanded [Matthew 28:20]
be witnesses of Christ to the uttermost part of the earth [Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48]
do the works of Christ (cast out devils, heal the sick, raise the dead, restore the blind, etc.) [John 14:12; 20:21; Mark 16:17-18; Matthew 10:7-8]
Find a Spirit-filled, Bible-teaching Church
Another important part of the born again experience and Christian life is surrounding yourself with like-minded believers. There are churches on just about every street corner and it is important to choose one that will encourage and equip you to fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus said: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. [Matthew 18: 20] The Bible commands us: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another. And so much the more, as you see the day (of our Lord) approaching. [Hebrews 10: 25] Ephesians 4: 11-16 outlines the offices and duties of the Church: And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking in truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
It is most important to find a church that believes in the power of God and operates in all the gifts of the Spirit as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 12. The Acts of the Apostles is a great illustration (especially in Chapter 2) of how the Church should operate. The Church that Jesus Christ created was a Church with power—so much power that the gates of Hell could not prevail against it. The Bible says: For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. [1 Corinthians 4: 20] Any church that does not believe, teach, and practice the Bible in its entirety, operate in the gifts of the Spirit or power of God, is not a church for you. Seek the Lord through prayer where you should go. Don’t let family tradition affect your decision. Depending on your background, you may already have limited experiences in church. The church is a place filled with life, healing, deliverance, and joy unspeakable. If a church is more like a funeral home, or even worse, like a graveyard, then I suggest that you continue seeking.
In the meantime, through television, radio, and the internet, there are a wide range of resources at a person’s disposal for sound biblical teaching. In addition to this ministry, here are ones I recommend:
Watch
The Lord Jesus is going to return to Earth very soon and as Christians, we must be prepared. We are in the last days and it will not be very long when we will hear the trumpet sound and be taken up to meet Him in the clouds. The Lord speaks of the Rapture or taking up of the saints and it is also outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4-5 when all believers will be miraculously taken up to meet the Lord. Since you are saved, you are ready, but it is important that you continue to watch the signs of the times so you can convey these truths to those who are lost.
Pray--Relationship with God
The only way we can communicate with God is through prayer. The Bible says: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we my obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [Hebrews 4: 16] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4: 6-7] Your life in Christ is a relationship, and with any relationship of importance, you must communicate. The Lord communicates to us in various ways: His Word; personal revelation (through your heart); through another believer or prophet. He’s even spoken through a donkey [Numbers 22: 28], but if this happens to you, please contact me. However, we only have one way to communicate with Him—and this is through prayer.
Not Just Your Tongue
Don't just pray with your own understanding. Utilize the gift of praying in the spirit (praying in tongues) to allow your spirit to pray directly to God and to edify yourself (Read 1 Corinthians 14) and build yourself up in your most holy faith, and keep yourself in the love of God (Jude 20-21).
Know that the Lord Jesus is making intercession for you to the Father. Jesus is actually praying for you! What wonderful news! Prayer is not a wish list, as we are taught to deny ourselves; however, we should not be afraid to ask God for something that will help us. There is no set formula for praying. As with any relationship, speak to the Father, in the name of Jesus, as if He were your friend. In fact, the Lord is your friend! Prayer is a very powerful tool—especially when you understand the covenant God made with man in Genesis. God needs prayer in order to intervene in people’s lives on earth. Pray for your families, friends, neighbors, and even your enemies [Matthew 5: 44] and you will soon realize the love of God that is shed abroad in your heart. Again, our prayers must be made in faith, and according to God’s will and promises. The Bible says: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, unto the glory of God by us. [2 Corinthians 1: 20] Study Mark 11: 22-26 where Jesus teaches us the secret to answered prayer and remember: If you can believe; all things are possible to him that believe. [Mark 9: 23]
Other than forgiveness of sins and eternity in Heaven, what are the benefits of salvation?
The extent of the complete atonement made through the suffering and shed blood of Jesus Christ is outlined in Isaiah 53: 4-5: Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. Yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
The Lord Jesus also described the mission He was sent to accomplish in Luke 4: 18 when He read a prophecy from Isaiah 61: 1-2: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And when He hung from the cross on Calvary, the Lord proclaimed, It is finished. [John 19: 30] His entire ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing was a foreshadowing of the atonement completed at the cross.
In Christ, we have:
Physical healing of all sicknesses, maladies, diseases (by his stripes we are healed)
Emotional healing (he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows)
Spiritual Peace (the chastisement of our peace was upon him)
Victory over our weaknesses and shortcomings (bruised for our iniquities)
Freedom from the bondage of sin and all the works of the devil (deliverance to the captives)
Spiritual Sight (and recovering of sight to the blind)
The Gift of the Holy Spirit [Luke 24: 49; John 14: 16-17, 26; 15: 26; 16: 7, 13; Acts 1: 5, 8; Acts 2: 4, 17-21; 39]
Power to do the works of Christ [John 14: 12; Acts 1: 8]
Access to the promises and blessings of God [Luke 12: 32; John 10: 10; Romans 9: 8; Galatians 4: 28; Ephesians 3: 6; 3 John 2]
What is God’s Will For Me?
The Bible is God’s will and testament for His children. It is His intention for us to live out the commands, principles, and teachings of the Bible so that our lives will be long and prosperous. God’s primary will for all of us to be like His Son Jesus. The Bible says: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, the he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [Romans 8: 29-31] The apostle Paul wrote this to the Philippian church: According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [Philippians 1: 20-21]
God’s will is for you to be prosperous and in good health. [3 John 2] Jesus came so you might have life and have it more abundantly. [John 10: 10] God’s will is for every person to be saved and enter into His kingdom. [2 Peter 3: 9] God’s will is for you to operate in the faith that He has given you, which is the faith of Christ [Hebrews 11: 6; Galatians 2: 20], and for you to seek Him with all your heart [Jeremiah 29: 11-13], and to rely on Him for everything [Matthew 6: 33]. He wants us to delight in Him, and He promises to give us the desires of our hearts [Psalm 37: 4] God wants us to draw nearer to Him, and He will draw nearer to you. [James 4: 8] God wants you to love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. [Matthew 22: 37-40]
