Salvation

Introduction

Before we talk go into any topics, we must discuss salvation

We are all sinners (Read Genesis Chapter 3 and Romans 6:23)

In Genesis Chapter 3 we learn that sin is our inheritance due to the transgressions of our earliest ancestors, Adam and Eve. Here, Satan appears as a snake “the serpent of old” (Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2) to get the couple, (Adam and Eve) to go against God by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. In fact, God commanded that Eve should not eat from this tree or she would die (Genesis 2:17). The snake then lied to her stating that if she eats from the tree that she will not die and God does not want her to eat from it because she will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil (Genesis 3:4-5). Unfortunately for us, Eve was deceived, listened to the snake and ate the fruit and then gave the fruit to Adam to eat (Genesis 3:6).

As a result, God admonishes them for eating the forbidden fruit and even curses them and all their future generations (Genesis 3:11-15). Some of these include increasing pain in childbirth (Genesis 3:16), curing the ground along with the fruits and vegetables that it bears, and He made Adam and Eve mere mortals (meaning they will perish and so will each generation after that) (Genesis 3:17-19). Finally, God then banishes them from the Garden of Eden for disobeying Him (Genesis 3:22)

In sum, humanity began like God and was created in His image, but since Eve pursued the desire to become like God and sinned, both Adam and Eve were cursed, expelled from the Garden and eternally separated from God. In effect, each generation thereafter were borne with a sinful nature and humans continue to be sinners and fall short of God’s Glory (Romans. 3:23) which can lead to physical death (soul being separated from the body) and spiritual death (where the soul is eternally separated from God) (Romans 6:23).

Who can Redeem Us? The Answer is Jesus! (Read Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 28:1-15; John 3:16-18, 1st Corinthians 15:4-6;

Though we are all sinners, Jesus Christ; the only begotten Son of God, borne of the Virgin Mary, who fulfilled all 613 of the laws in the Old Testament and was sinless (Matthew 5:17-18) voluntarily faced punishment for the sins of humankind (John 3:16-18). In other words, Jesus died on Calvary so that believers in Him (Christ) would have a righteous standing before God (2nd Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, if Christ had followed through with being sacrificed for us (believers), our righteousness would have to surpass that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, and we would never have a chance to get into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19-20).

In addition, we know that Jesus Christ is the answer because, 3 days after he was buried, he (The Messiah) rose again in accordance to the scriptures (1st Corinthians 15:4). In Matthew Chapter 28, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother who bore Jesus Christ), went to look at the tomb, a great earthquake occurred, and an angel came down from heaven and rolled away the stone on the tomb and stood on it. The Angel, then told the women that “Christ is risen.” Both women ran to tell the disciples and suddenly Jesus appears, and they worshipped him as the Messiah (Matthew 28:1-9). Also, over 500 people personally saw the risen Christ before He ascended into heaven (1st Corinthians 15:6).

In retrospect, this was provision of God, and if we do not accept it, we are left to pay the eternal consequence of eternal death as opposed to the gift of eternal life from God.

How is Salvation assured? (Read John 3: 3-7, John 3: 15-16, Romans 4:4-5, Romans 10:9-10)

First and foremost, you must be a born again (spiritually transformed and renewed) (John 3:3-7) Secondly, you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved from eternal death. Meaning that, the work of Christ is enough, and you must place full confidence and faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and you will be saved and given eternal life (John 3:15-16). Also, you cannot be saved by good works (Romans 4:4-5). Additionally, if you; acknowledge, openly confess with your mouth, and truly believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, and made acceptable by God (Romans 10:9-10).

In effect, a helpful prayer that you can use today is:

"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, [please] come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life." (http://www.sbc.net/knowjesus/theplan.asp, 5/26/2019)

If you sincerely prayed this prayer for the first time, welcome to the family of God. Please do not hesitate to; find a church that teaches the Bible (we will go into the different denominations and types of churches in another post) to talk with a Pastor. You can also talk to a Christian friend or even us. Let them or us know about your decision to become a born again Christian so you can receive some assistance and grow in the faith. Furthermore, let us know if you would like us to provide a deeper study on either YouTube or Periscope on this topic.

Our next topic will be focused on daily Repentance. God bless you all!