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Ever Wondered What It Actually Means To Be Saved?
Well, here's a brief explanation to get the conversation started...Unfortunately, the same sinful will that was in Adam's heart is also in ours. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all men (and women, and children for that matter) have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Again, a sin is as simple as breaking God's commands. Sin can be something as simple as telling a lie or taking something that doesn't belong to you. And just like Adam, our sin has separated us from God and condemned us to death. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages (payment) of our sin is death. That death is both physical, in that we will die a physical death here on Earth, but it is also spiritual, because those who die apart from Christ will spend an eternity in Hell. Hell is the complete absence of God, where those that reject Christ will be punished for all eternity in a lake of brimstone and fire. But that's not the end of the story!
1. The Beginning
Now, here's what I mean by that. In the beginning of time, when God created the Earth, he made man perfect and placed him in charge of all creation. God gave the first man, Adam, only 1 command. He wasn't to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Adam and his wife Eve disobeyed God and broke His Command. Their disobedience was the first sin ever committed. Sin could be defined as simply as breaking God's commands. Because of their sin, and because God is both holy and just, he was forced to punish Adam and Eve. And the punishment for their sin was death. At the moment they sinned against God, everything changed. Created initially as holy and eternal beings, Adam and Eve were now sinful and destined to die. They were also removed from the Lord's presence in the garden. Because of their sin, they were no longer holy and could no longer be in his presence.
2. What About US?
Unfortunately, the same sinful will that was in Adam's heart is also in ours. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all men (and women, and children for that matter) have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Again, a sin is as simple as breaking God's commands. Sin can be something as simple as telling a lie or taking something that doesn't belong to you. And just like Adam, our sin has separated us from God and condemned us to death. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages (payment) of our sin is death. That death is both physical, in that we will die a physical death here on Earth, but it is also spiritual, because those who die apart from Christ will spend an eternity in Hell. Hell is the complete absence of God, where those that reject Christ will be punished for all eternity in a lake of brimstone and fire. But that's not the end of the story!
3. The Good News
The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that God loved us so much that he wouldn't leave us in such a predicament, so he sent his only son Jesus to the Earth to become the payment for our sins. Remember, Romans 6:23 tells us that the payment of our sin is death, and because God is just and holy, that death penalty had to be paid. So Jesus came to this earth, he lived a perfectly sinless life, and he was sacrificed on a cross in our place. While Jesus was on that cross, God poured out every bit of wrath, anger, and punishment he had built up through the years because of our sins onto Jesus. And when He was finished, Jesus cried out, "It is finished" and he died, for you...in your place. But three days later something incredible happened. God the Father brought Jesus back to life. Jesus rose from the grave and defeated sin and death. And all of that was done so that you might have a second chance. So that your sins, no matter what they are, could be forgiven, and so that you could enter into a close personal relationship with God the Father.
4. The Decision Is Yours
Jesus did all of that for you, and all he desires in return is for you to follow Him. And that journey toward following him (which we call salvation) begins with a simple admission. First, you must recognize that you are a sinner and you must admit that fact. Remember, we all are sinners (Romans 3:23) and Christ came to forgive us of those sins. Second, you must believe that Jesus is the son of God who came to this earth, died on the cross for your sins, and rose again on the third day. And lastly you must confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. That confession isn't just a mere statement of belief, it's a commitment to spend your life following Him. It's a commitment to live the rest of your life for His glory and honor because of what he has done for you. And here's the beautiful part. Once you make that commitment, the Bible tells us that you have been saved from your sins and guaranteed an eternal home in Heaven with God the Father and your savior Jesus Christ.
5. So What Next?
Well, if you are ready to admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and you will confess him as your Lord and Savior, then you need to tell him just that. You can pray those very words right now, and he will hear you and save you. It's ok to be nervous, don't worry about getting the words exactly right. What matters in this moment is your heart. Are you willing to follow Jesus because of what he has done for you? If so, then tell him, and you make that commitment today, then you can be certain that Christ has saved you from your sins and all heaven is rejoicing. If you made that decision today, would you please let us know by taking a second to fill out the form below. We want to celebrate with you and help you as you learn to navigate this life through your new relationship with Jesus Christ. And if you didn't make that decision but would like to talk about it or maybe just have us pray for you, please fill out that form as well. Just know that God loves you, and so do we.
Helpful Scriptures
- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
- Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
- Ephesians 1:13-14 when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
- Romans 10:9-10 because, 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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.