Christian Tabernacle Ministries
18940 Johnson Rd
Lincoln DE,19960 Real Life Devotionals
302-422-6471 November 2009
What is Salvation?
This is a tough subject to tackle in a relatively short devotional, or is it? While eating breakfast with Pastor John and Derrick the other morning this exact subject came up. While discussing this subject it was brought up that many people, saved and unsaved, make this issue far more complicated than it is. The decision to accept Christ as our savior is a BIG decision but probably not as complicated as we make it out to be. There is so much information out there. Just do a Google search on it and hundreds of answers will populate. In reading some of the answers that come up, it is no wonder there is much confusion about this.
What many of the Google answers don't contain is that we should go to the Bible for the truth. Imagine that, actually going to the word of God to let God explain this to us! In doing so, one verse, yes one verse breaks down the tangled mess we have made of Salvation. We see it all the time on TV, at many sporting events, someone is holding up a sign that reads simply "John 3:16". This verse reads "“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV). The background on this verse is as follows:
1. The believer knows that the Son that God sent was Jesus Christ
2. The believer knows Jesus was born, was crucified, to pay the penalty for our sins, and then 3 days later rose again
3. The believer places his faith in Jesus Christ alone and in doing so will have eternal life
Can the gift of salvation that God offers be as simple as that belief? What about Baptism? What about repentance? What about good works? What about _________________? (Fill in the blank) Acts Chapter 16 answers this question pretty candidly. Paul and Silas had been thrown into prison for removing an evil spirit from a slave girl. During the night there was a tremendous earthquake that opened all the doors to the prison. The jailer, assuming all the prisoners had escaped, was about to kill his self out of shame and fear when Paul called out "Don't harm yourself we are all here". In Acts 16:30 the jailer asks Paul and Silas, "Sirs what must I do to be saved?". The answer is in the next verse, Acts 16-31, they replied "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved". To further explain the simplicity of salvation I will refer to the Gospel of Luke. While Jesus and the two criminals were hanging on the cross a conversation developed between them. One criminal was hurling insults at Jesus while the other one recognizes Jesus is truly God. Verses 40 and 41 read “But the other criminal rebuked him, "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Now that the criminal’s belief Jesus is God is established what follows will clearly show how faith in Jesus Christ alone is the way to salvation. Verse 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. Verse 43, Jesus answered him “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Jesus promised him salvation as the criminal was hanging on the cross dying! There was no time for good works, baptism, or whatever else we care to try and add to salvation.
Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. He accomplished something none of us are capable of, living on this earth the perfect child of God. He suffered tremendously and for us to add ANYTHING to the Gift (Salvation) that is offered to every person living on this Earth just does not line up with the word of God.
Many people "believe there is a God". Many people believe Jesus Christ, was born, died on the cross and rose again. Many people believe that God in the form of the Holy Spirit guides us through life at present, but the question is does that make them a Christian, are they saved? In short, no. Those people believe in just the historical facts about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. To obtain the gift of Salvation YOU must make those historical facts become personal. YOU must tell God you know he died for YOU, YOUR sins and rose again to be able to offer you the gift only he can give. You must tell God you want to accept his gift and want to let God be the priority in your life. Most people say a simple prayer to God to let him know all of these things. Some people are a little uncomfortable in doing this and I would urge you to see a Pastor or another Christian, (who believes these things) you are comfortable with.
If you should have any questions about salvation Please see Pastor John, an Elder, or Church Member. Don't let fear stand in your way on this issue, take action TODAY. For other questions, comments or special prayer requests please call or e-mail me.
In Christ
Lou Pisapia
302-531-7507
louispisapia@aol.com
Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. He accomplished something none of us are capable of, living on this earth the perfect child of God. He suffered tremendously and for us to add ANYTHING to the Gift (Salvation) that is offered to every person living on this Earth just does not line up with the word of God.
Many people "believe there is a God". Many people believe Jesus Christ, was born, died on the cross and rose again. Many people believe that God in the form of the Holy Spirit guides us through life at present, but the question is does that make them a Christian, are they saved? In short, no. Those people believe in just the historical facts about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. To obtain the gift of Salvation YOU must make those historical facts become personal. YOU must tell God you know he died for YOU, YOUR sins and rose again to be able to offer you the gift only he can give. You must tell God you want to accept his gift and want to let God be the priority in your life. Most people say a simple prayer to God to let him know all of these things. Some people are a little uncomfortable in doing this and I would urge you to see a Pastor or another Christian, (who believes these things) you are comfortable with.
If you should have any questions about salvation Please see Pastor John, an Elder, or Church Member. Don't let fear stand in your way on this issue, take action TODAY. For other questions, comments or special prayer requests please call or e-mail me.
In Christ
Lou Pisapia
302-531-7507
louispisapia@aol.com
