The Road to Salvation: Back to Basics

January 16, 2012 — Roderick

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As Christians, we can get sidetracked from the core of our faith, focusing on the externals of religion and secondary doctrinal issues. Because of the internal conflicts and contentions in the Christian community, we may forget that our main objective is to present Christ to the world and not our varying Christian religious preferences or persuasions. We have to get back to the basic requirements (if you will) for salvation which was presented to the world by Christ and His disciples.

Now, I want to be clear: religion can be beneficial and has its proper place as long as it establishes the adherents to what Jesus taught. Religion can never be a substitute for relationship, but it should bring order and a sense of order and stability to a vibrant, living faith in Christ. With that being said, what basic truths should the Christian community promote to see others get on the road to salvation.

1. The Call to Christ – The world accuses Christians of arrogance and ignorance when we state that there is only ONE way to God, Jesus Christ. God provided one way so that there would be no confusion as to how to enter into salvation. Christ stated, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). We have to stand, unwavering without compromise, that the road to salvation begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

2. The Call to Repentance – Christ preached repentance. It is written, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17). We come to Him by faith through repentance of sins. Many say that they serve Christ, but have not confessed and repented of sins. Hence, they do not know Him. He came for sin to deliver men from sins. We partake of His work of salvation as we confess our need for Him and repent of sins. Repentance brings the individual to a place to live a Christ-like lifestyle as they serve Him.

3. The Call to Community – We know that division, racism, and sexism have been dark blemishes on the gatherings of the Christian community. However, we cannot believe that coming together as Christ followers is not necessary. Jesus did not teach this, nor did the apostles. The writer of Hebrews urged the Christians to not stop gathering together, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). Coming to Christ involves fellowship with others who are a part of His body.

Well, there you have it. These are foundational for all that will travel on the road to salvation.

 

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Thank God for Salvation – 7 Assurances of Christ’s Salvation

April 11, 2010 — Roderick
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Salvation is God’s greatest gift to man which was provided to us by Christ Jesus. God sent Christ so that men would be saved from their sins and live in peace. The peace that comes with salvation is knowing that your salvation is assured and it will hold until the Day of Judgment.

ASSURANCE – confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; also : excessive self-confidence.

Christians need to remain confident, understanding that they can walk free from doubt or uncertainty in their walk with Christ. The word of God helps us to maintain assurance in our salvation. As the Christian lives accordingly, he never has to doubt his eternal destiny. In this post, we want to give seven signs and/or assurances (by the scriptures) of a Christian’s salvation.

1. Those who believe on Him are promised eternal life. Though one has to live a Christ-like life, it is his initial faith that places him on the path to eternal life.

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:28 (KJV)

2. Those who believe on Him become sons (and daughters) of God. In doing so, they become heirs of eternal life with Jesus Christ.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 (KJV)

3.Those who believe on Him are forgiven of their sins. We come to Christ through confession of sins and reception of His forgiveness and grace. This forgiveness and grace remains available to Christians in their walks with Christ.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

As long as the believer strives for godly living, God continually offer forgiveness to those who are sorrowful and will turn from them.

4. Those who receive Him are given the Holy Spirit as a sign of their eternal inheritance. The presence of the Holy Spirit is comparable to a down payment. God gives Christians a ‘deposit’ on the life that is to come.

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 (KJV)

5. Those who receive Him are able to live in godliness and not in the sins of their old nature. You can know that you are saved by your ability to recognize and resist sin in your life. In addition, you will see changes in your lifestyle.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor 5:17 (KJV)

6. Those who receive Him can expect to escape judgment as they respond to His work in their lives. It is true that Christians can sin. But, when one sins, he has to respond to correction and discipline. If he does this, he will not have to stand in fear of God’s judgment in the end.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened (corrected) of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor 11:31-32 (KJV)

7. Those that receive Him will be presented to God as faultless. We are made righteous by faith. In turn, we are to live in righteousness. However, we understand that our righteousness before God is as of nothing. This is why we receive Christ’s righteousness through faith in Him.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)

Well, there you have it. Continue to love Christ, who gave His life for us. If you would like more information on this subject, I have addressed it in my book, “The Once Saved Always Saved Controversy” at Amazon.

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