This is by no means a criticism, but generally speaking we Christians have gotten into “microwave” evangelism. We feel pressured to hurry up and “get the person saved” and overlook the terminology we use. By the way, we don’t save anyone; the Holy Spirit does the saving. We are servants to carry the message where He directs.
So, let’s get back to some basics…What does Jesus save us from?
Basic Understanding: It's not sin that gets people to hell; it's refusing the invitation to accept Jesus as Savior.
The Problem:
Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (there really is no need to argue who’s at fault) we are born with a condition of being separated, spiritually, from our heavenly Father.
The other part of this problem is a person not realizing they are in need of being saved. The deception of self-reliance enables the truth to be veiled. If a person can get honest, the 10 commandments (book of Exodus chap. 20) act as a beam of truth cutting through the veil of deception woven with rationalizations (I deserve to be able to take it home after all the hard work I do for that company.), the justifications (my parents didn’t give me what I deserve why should I respect them?), and excuses (I’ve worked hard all week, I need Sunday to rest [as opposed to worshipping God].)
Our Separation: :From God
First, at birth, we have a condition that can’t be seen. It’s a spiritual separation from our heavenly Father. This condition constantly shows itself as we grow up, but it often goes unrecognized. We don’t have to teach our children to be bad or disobedient - it’s built in. Think about it; the separation has to exist. Is a child required to love their parent(s)? They have to decide to choose love. We have to be born separated from our Father so we can be in a position to choose to love our heavenly Father.The Opposition:
In this condition of being separated there is an opposing spiritual element - satan and his demons; none of them are the little red guy with horns, pointy tail, and a pitchfork. Believe me when I say this group is clandestine, strategic, and take their time to do their work - methodically blinding us from the truth of our condition. The enemy has a vested interest in your soul.
The Solution:
The book of Leviticus chap. 17, verse 11 - “For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I therefore have given it to you [to be placed] upon the alter to atone for your souls. For it is the blood that atones for the soul.”
Soak this in for a moment. “…the soul of the flesh is in the blood…” What was lost in the Garden of Eden? The connection of our soul with the Father. Life is in the blood. The Father is holy and perfect; therefore, expecting a perfect sacrifice. Only One could accomplish this.
Consider what is said in the book of Romans chap 5, verses 6-11 (NASB):
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
So Jesus saves us from the wrath of the Father and eternal separation from our heavenly Father. These are challenging concepts to wrap our minds around when we are tightly focused on what’s in front of us (the issues of today).
Like any other gift, the gift of salvation (eternal life in heaven) requires an act by the one being offered the gift. That act is the act of "receiving" and accepting the gift. But how does one "receive" a spiritual gift? By believing in their heart and with all their being that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, was buried, rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven - now seated at the right hand of the Father. This belief often comes by having an experience by way of the Holy Spirit.
Take just a few minutes in a quiet, uninterrupted place to consider the following:
(The questions are taken from, “Share Jesus Without Fear”
By William Fay & Ralph Hodge)
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- What does this say to you?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” Roman 6:23
- What does this say to you?
“No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3
- What does this say to you?
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame (disappointed).’” Romans 10:9-11
- What does this say to you?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”
Revelation 3:20
- Will you answer?
- Yes, to forgiveness of your sin (Romans 3:23-26 & Ephesians 1:7)
- Yes, to freedom from bondage (Galatians 4:3-7)
- Yes, to a relationship (remember, relationships have to be developed) with Jesus (John 16:12-15 & John 17:3)
- Yes, to having a plan for your life (Psalm 40:5 & Jeremiah 29:11)
- Yes, to having purpose in your life (to the degree that you do your work for the Lord) (John17:13-24)
- Yes, to protection in your life (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Yes, to an inheritance that is beyond measure (Colossians 1:9-12)
...and so much more!!!
Click Here for a Bible resource
***WARNING*** In all fairness you must know what this decision means once you make a commitment (that's what you enter into when you make this decision - just like a marriage) to a relationship with Jesus Christ. This explanation will be simplistic yet provide a fair understanding of what you are entering into:
First, the Bible speaks of us as having an "old nature" and by accepting the gift of salvation we are given a "new nature". While the "old nature" is dead (meaning that technically it has no power over you) it will try to regain its position of influence in your life - there in lies the conflict, the struggle, the epic battle.
Second, think "Rocky" (yes, the movie) and the training scene. Before Rocky went into the ring he had to train, or be tested. Now read 1 Peter 4:12,13
Third, the "old nature" (sometimes referred to as the old man) is not the only force coming against you. The moment you receive the gift of salvation you make yourself an enemy of the devil!!! (1 Peter 5:8) DON"T BE ALARMED; remember, you just joined the WINNING side!!! The battle is that the devil wants to get you back (he can't - read John 6:37-40)
Four, the world will not like you. The average person will tolerate you, but the world will not like you.
Jul 2010 - Jennifer Keeton is told by Augusta State U. to change her Christian beliefs because her beliefs about sexual ethics do not conform to the prevailing views of the counseling profession.
Mar 2011 - lawsuit filed to get "In God We Trust" removed from our currency
Sep 2012 - in Wood county TX a man filed suit against the county to not open meetings in prayer and take down "In God We Trust"
...and much, much, much more.
For more info. about persecution
Fifth, amidst all this the Lord will be shaping us (remember the training scenes in Rocky?). Read Jeremiah 18:1-6.
Sixth, we are given a Word of encouragement in Proverbs 3:5 & 6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your our understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." This, by no means, are the only Words of encouragement.
Seventh, there are rewards!!! To be received in heaven. Read James 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, Luke 6:23 &35
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