WHAT IS SALVATION
Let's break down what "salvation" really means, especially as we navigate the complexities of real life. Think of it as God’s ultimate rescue operation—He sends His Son, Jesus, to dive into our chaos and set things right. This isn’t just about dodging negative outcomes; it’s about stepping into a life-transforming relationship with God as your savior and King.
Salvation is about accepting this incredible gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, not about tallying up good deeds. Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "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." This underscores that salvation is a gift, not something we earn.
And in Romans 10:9, it tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This makes it clear that salvation hinges on our personal faith and declaration. So when you think about salvation, see it as the ultimate connection request from God—His way of saying, "I'm here for you, always."
So how does one comes to be saved? Here are five commonly cited elements:
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Salvation is about accepting this incredible gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, not about tallying up good deeds. Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "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." This underscores that salvation is a gift, not something we earn.
And in Romans 10:9, it tells us, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This makes it clear that salvation hinges on our personal faith and declaration. So when you think about salvation, see it as the ultimate connection request from God—His way of saying, "I'm here for you, always."
So how does one comes to be saved? Here are five commonly cited elements:
- Repentance: This is the first step toward salvation, involving a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. Repentance means acknowledging one’s sins, feeling genuine remorse for them, and deciding to change one’s behavior. It’s about a change of heart and mind that aligns more closely with God's ways (Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3).
- Faith in Jesus Christ: Faith is central to salvation. It involves trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sins. This faith is not just intellectual agreement but a committed belief that Jesus has paid the price for sin by dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead, which grants eternal life to those who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10).
- Confession of Jesus as Lord: This step involves openly declaring that Jesus is Lord. It’s an acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority over one’s life and a public affirmation of faith in Him. This confession is a verbal expression of the belief held in the heart (Romans 10:9-10).
- Turning from Sin (Conversion): Closely linked to repentance, this emphasizes a deliberate action to stop sinning. Turning from sin involves a reorientation of one’s life away from self-centered actions and thoughts and toward God-centered living. It’s about actively living out the change that repentance starts (Acts 26:20).
- Receiving and Relying on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believer. This is not just about initial salvation but involves continually relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, power to overcome sin, and the ability to live a godly life (Titus 3:5, Ephesians 1:13-14).
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