Saved:
What does that word mean? On October 12, 2010, the first of 33 trapped Chilean miners was saved from a certain grave in the depths of the earth. To that man and his companions, to be saved meant rescue from death and destruction, deliverance from burial beneath a half mile of rock.
The biblical meaning of “saved” is the same: to keep safe and sound, to rescue from death and destruction. But, there is a critical difference between the salvation given to those Chilean miners and the salvation promised in the Bible. Jesus, our Savior, put it this way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Our miners have received the temporary salvation of their physical bodies; one day they will die and their bodies will return to the earth. But Jesus offers all who believe in Him eternal life. Yes, one day our physical bodies will also die. But if we believe in Jesus our spirits will live forever with God in heaven.
Do I really need to be saved?
John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. God sent His Son “that the world through Him might be saved.” If we don’t need salvation, then God sent His Son in vain. Let’s agree with God – we do need to be saved.
But from what are we being saved? John 3:18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”. Jesus came to save us from condemnation, a legal term meaning to be found guilty and sentenced by a judge; in this case, God is our judge.
What is our crime? Sin. God’s word states clearly that all have sinned (no exceptions) and that the wages of sin is death (no loopholes). Therefore, all deserve, really have earned, condemnation and a death penalty. That would be the ultimate result if we foolishly demanded a fair trial before God! However, God, in His mercy has provided another way. Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What is required of us? Again, agree with God. Like all men, we have sinned and the wages of sin is death. However, Jesus died for us, once for all, to pay the penalty for our sin. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
What must I do to be saved (from condemnation)?
Here is how the Apostle Paul and his friend Silas answered the question. Acts 16:30-31 “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said,”Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Their meaning is clear: put your belief, your trust, your hope for rescue on Jesus. Back to our miners for a moment. They had to believe in a rescue capsule to deliver their bodies from death. They had to trust that the capsule would carry them to safety on the earth above. For the salvation of our souls we must believe in Jesus. That He died on a cross for our sins. We must trust that Jesus is able to deliver us to eternal safety in heaven above. He is able: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Do you believe this?
Well…… Jesus, knowing our weakness and our doubt, provides help. One day a father came to Jesus begging him to heal his son.
Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe,* all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
If you doubt, cry out to Jesus. You are on sound biblical ground to do so: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph 2:8-9 Even our faith is a gift from God!
“Do you believe this?” Yes, there is a choice to be made. Will you take Jesus at His word, or will you look for some other way? The choice for the miners was very simple: take your chances on the rescue capsule or die! Jesus has also made the choice very simple for us. John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”. And the great news is that all, absolutely everyone, may come, none excluded!
Close the deal and pray this prayer!
Lord, like all men I am a sinner and the wages of my sin is death. I agree with Your word, that I deserve condemnation. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Father, thank you for sending Your only begotten Son to die for my sin. Jesus, thank you for dying to pay the price for my sin. Father, I thank You for the gift of faith. Lord Jesus, I believe on You to save me. Because I trust in You, I believe and I know that I have eternal life.I give you my life, come live in my heart, thank you for eternal life. Lord help me to live my life for you. In Jesus name I pray- Amen
If you just said this prayer please send me an e-mail – We would love to help you get started in your new walk with the Lord. Pastor Joe – jaldrete@ccfoley.com
