True Meaning of Salvation

Paul stated:  4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the Law was given. As a result, all who believe in Him (Jesus Christ) are made right with God. 5 For Moses writes that the Law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on Him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:4-13 (NLT).

Jesus Christ is the most complete revelation of God because He had enclosed within Himself both God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (see e.g., John 1:18; John 10:30, 38; John 12:45; John 14:1-11; Colossians 1:15-20). Therefore, in Jesus we see the complete God-Trinity (God the Father, God the Son – Jesus, God the Holy Spirit) (Matthew 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:18). No one can fully know God apart from Jesus Christ. Even more, no one can find salvation and a right relationship with God apart from Jesus Christ (see John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Good works and religious actions do not make a person saved and in a right relationship with God. But, ONLY faith in God through Jesus Christ can one find God. The Holy Scriptures are clear that if anyone genuinely believes in their heart and say with their mouth that Jesus Christ is the risen Lord, then that person will find salvation, heart peace, and a right relationship with God (Romans 10:8-12). Salvation comes by

1. Faith, which means complete and whole heart trust and belief in God;
2. Open confession of Jesus Christ as God’s Son, Lord, and Savior of the World; and
3. Obedience to God and His Holy Scriptures.

See Joel 2:32; John 15:7; Romans 10:9-10.

Jesus Christ saves us from sin and eternal separation from God to DO good works, show God’s love to one another, and display fruits of the Holy Spirit (see John 15:1-17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 5:22-26). Genuine faith in Jesus Christ will result in a changed life and an open confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 13:34-35). So remember, first Jesus and then good works!  Now, that is the true meaning of salvation.

Faithfulness

God is not a human being, and He will not lie. He is not a human, and He does not change His mind. What He says He will do, He does. What He promises, He makes come true. Numbers 23:19 (NCV), see also Isaiah 55:11.

 

As we read the Holy Bible, God reveals to readers several key themes that are repeatedly stated. His faithfulness in keeping His promises and love is a consistent theme in the Bible.  God reveals Himself throughout the Holy Bible as One that is always faithful to His people. The Holy Bible tells of God’s complete truth, love, reliability, mercy, and dependability. In all God says, God keeps His promises; therefore, we can always have complete trust and assurance in Him and His Holy Word.  Knowing God is faithful and reliable should create spiritual stability and confidence in our daily walk with God as we also remain completely faithful to Him as our God. 

 

Paul speaking:  What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 (NLT).

God’s Light

5 This is the message God has given us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 So if we say we are His friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. 7 But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin. 1 John 1:5-7 (The Living Bible) see also John 8:12.

The Holy Scriptures are clear that God is Light (1 John 1:5-7; see also Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; John 1:4-9; John 3:19-21; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46; 1 John 2:8; Revelation 21:23).  In fact, when people see God they often describe seeing a great Light, often described as His glory.  That same glory radiated from Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

Light is associated with God’s holiness and purity (1 John 1:5). To walk in the Light is to walk with God (Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8)!  The Light reveals good and evil (John 3:19-21). God wants every human to walk in the Light of His goodness (Matthew 6:22-23; John 8:12; John 12:46; Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 6:14).  In fact, every human’s goal must be to seek God’s glory or light and imitate His image (1 Corinthians 10:31). Humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God is holy, perfect and pure (Leviticus 11:44.  Like Himself, God wants everyone to be holy, perfect and pure to reflect His Light to the world (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Reflecting the image of God distinguishes us from all other creatures on earth and gives us a special relationship with God.  So, let us all walk in the Light!

References:  Frame, John. The Doctrine of the Christian Life. P & R Publishing Company, 2008.

That Gentle Whisper of God

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a Voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV).

The Lord God spoke to the Prophet Elijah and He told Elijah to go out and stand before Him on the mountain. And as Elijah stood on the mountain, God passed Elijah. First, Elijah witnessed a mighty windstorm that hit the mountain with a terrible blast, but the Lord God was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord God was not in the earthquake. Next, Elijah witnessed a fire, but again God was not in the fire. Then finally, Elijah heard a sound of a gentle whisper and God spoke to Elijah through His gentle whisper.

Sometimes, God reveals Himself with great, awe-inspiring, and overwhelming wonder (e.g., Exodus 3:2; Exodus 19:18; Psalm 68:7-8). Or, God may reveal Himself at church events, rallies, or conferences. At other times, God reveals Himself in a gently whisper to a humble and submissive heart.

Often times during Jesus’ public ministry on earth, Jesus escaped to a quiet place to pray and connect with God (see e.g., Mark 1:35; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 3:21; Luke 6:12).  Through those quiet times with God, Jesus would gather His strength and direction from God to carry out His ministry while on earth. In our hectic and frantic day, never forget to take time from the noise and busyness to listen quietly to God’s gentle whisper.  Although God is strong and mighty, He is also full of grace, gentleness, mercy, and tender love for His people and their concerns. 
 

God's Glory

6 But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT)

The first and the great Commandment require exclusive allegiance and love to God and obedience to His commands (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:34-40). The only true God is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 8:6).  This God is the only true Trinitarian God of the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:36; John 5:23-24; John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father (John 1:18; John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Therefore, all world religions or non-religions are not pathways to the true God.

The Holy Scriptures are very clear that every area and action of life – education, work, family, possessions, talents etc. – must be done for the glory of God (Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 10:31), in the Name of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17) and in accordance with the Word of God (also called the Holy Scriptures) (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Ethical literature has often discussed the highest good, or summum bonum, as human happiness.  But the Holy Scriptures are clear that all humans must seek to glorify God and to seek His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Once we seek God and His glory, we will truly find happiness and everything you need (Matthew 6:33)!

So, reach out to God by faith with your whole heart and God will respond.  God loves ALL people regardless of race, sex, or national origin and the living God wants a personal relationship with you (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 56:3-7; Jeremiah 7:23; Malachi 1:11; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 3:29-30; Galatians 3:28). By seeking God and studying His Holy Scriptures, you will find the true meaning of life and happiness (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14).

References:  Frame, John. The Doctrine of the Christian Life. P & R Publishing Company, 2008.

 

Our True Safety

The Name of the LORD is a strong fortress (tower); the godly run to Him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)

 

The Name of the LORD is a strong tower.  We can run to God and find safety and strength. With God, we find everything, including knowledge and wisdom. Most important, we can totally depend on God for our needs and protection. People like King Solomon and King David realized true safety, wisdom, and victory come with humility and complete trust in God and not from human pride and human trust (see Psalm 20; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 15:33). In God, we find all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Sadly, the wealthy may believe their wealth is a strong defense, but the power of money is limited (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 13:8).  Only God is our true safety and fortress!

Brain Power!

The good life begins in the fear of God— Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever!  Psalm 111:10 (MSG). See also Proverbs 1:7-9, Proverbs 9:10.

The only way to become truly wise and experience the good life is to fear God. To “fear God” means to respect, revere, love, worship, and honor God as the one true living God (Father, Son –Jesus Christ, and Spirit). Wisdom ultimately leads to obedience to God’s Word found in the Holy Bible.  Everyone who obeys and follows God and His Holy Word has insight, good understanding, and blessings (Psalm 112:2-9). Many of God’s blessings — honor, prosperity, security, freedom and peace — come to those who respect and love God and honor His commands.

Many people believe they can become wise, smart, and happy through academic pursuits, winning the lottery, or life experience. God is Wisdom and the only true source of wisdom (Job 12:13).  Anytime we make a decision that conflicts God and God’s wisdom found in the Holy Bible, we ultimately make the WRONG decision! 

God requires ALL people to obey the Holy Bible, and He rewards spiritual obedience and faithfulness with His blessings (see e.g., Deuteronomy 6:1-25; Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Psalm 115:13; Isaiah 30:19-26; 1 Peter 3:9). Spiritual and heart obedience to God brings His blessings (Leviticus 26:3-13; Deuteronomy 6:4-11; Deuteronomy 28:1-14).  Nonetheless, spiritual and heart disobedience causes God’s severe judgment (Leviticus 26:14-39; Numbers 20:12-13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68; 1 Samuel 13:13-14; 1 Samuel 15:13-23).

So, what are God’s commands?  The Holy Bible is God’s commands (see John 10:35; John 17:12; 1 Timothy 5:18). Even though the Holy Bible contains sixty-six books and written by over 40 authors, the Holy Bible calls itself one Book that is God-breathe and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  If the idea of reading sixty-six books appears overwhelming, God gives you a quick summary …

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 (NLT), with parallel references found at Matthew 22:34-40, citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 of the Old Testament.

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” James 2:8 (NLT).

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. Romans 13:8-10 (NLT).
 

Finally, if you have any trouble obeying God, then ask God to help you!  God promised to send us His Helper called the Holy Spirit to help people obey His commands.  If you humble and sincerely ask God for help and strength to love and obey Him wholeheartedly, He will send you His Holy Spirit to be your Guide, Protector, and Instructor (read John 14 – 16 of the New Testament). Just ask God for help and He will send His Helper, the Holy Spirit!