I'd like to share what I've found from the historical recordings (New Testament) of those who walked with Christ shortly before and after His resurrection. Maybe, someone you come in contact with will have questions and hopefully today's post will bring some clarification as you discuss this with others.
What is being "saved"? What is salvation ? I hear people say that and what exactly does it mean?
The longer you live on this planet and you see the imperfect condition the world is in and the imperfect people that reside here, it comes to your attention that something has gone wrong here . What went wrong and is there a way to fix it?
I'll cover my upbringing and life experiences that led me to seek the truth and question various belief systems in another post but for now - just know that enough happened in my life to cause me to ask "what is going on, this ain't Walt Disney World, mustard stains, people get sick, food molds, wars are fought, children are orphaned, what is going on?" Why do people I am suppose to be able to trust lie? Why do weeds grow and cause ugliness and work in a beautiful flower garden? Why can't people just be kind and think about how others might feel? Why did my little dog die so sudden? Why did my Sister Teresa say dogs don't go to heaven? Why do people of faith still sin? What is going on here?
I guess I started asking myself these questions around 9 years of age (to the best of my memory). And now, 36 years later here is the result of my search for these answers: we live in a fallen world, due to the introduction of sin into the world (as recorded in Genesis). Humanity chose to eat of the one tree that God restricted man from eating of --the tree of the knowledge of good and evil --by eating of this restricted tree, humanity chose to define good and evil instead of allowing God to define good and evil (only God has the right to define good and evil - and only God's perspective is accurate --- God being the source of all that is GOOD).
As you study Scripture, you begin to see the foreshadowing and telling of a Savior that God is going to send to earth to save mankind from his sinful fallen ways/mindset. Throughout the Old Testament, if you choose to see it or study it -- Abraham/Isaac on the Mt of trusting God- being sent a sacrifice ( an innocent lamb) for man's sin that God Himself provided, the Jewish temple, the Passover and the prophets and much more pointed to the Christ - the Son of God - who would be the provision for the redemption of mankind - our salvation.
So much more could be said or discussed, but for this post, let's just move forward to the New Testament and share what Paul teaches regarding salvation.
Explaining Salvation
Penalty of Sin
1. If you ask me if I am saved, my answer will be "yes". I am saved by my faith in Christ; I have accepted his payment on the cross for the penalty of my sin. My sins are forgiven because of my faith in what Christ has done on my behalf. Christ paid the penalty of sin = my eternal salvation. It is finished! What Christ did for me is completed! A done deal!
Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9 " For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
On-going Power of Sin
2. If you ask me if I still sin, my answer will be "yes". How can this be you ask, aren't you saved? Yes, my eternal salvation is secure but I still live in this fallen world and daily I am in a war between my flesh and the Spirit of God in me guiding me into righteousness (His right way). Why is there a battle? Because of the ongoing power of sin in the world. Therefore, in the present, I am being saved - or you may hear people say I am being sanctified (the sanctification process). Sanctification means " to be set apart for sacred use, to make holy or pure".
In layman's terms: I am a work in progress. I am clay in the Potter's hands. Daily, if I humble myself and place myself in God's hands, His Holy Spirit will guide me and shape me and set me apart for His use, His glory.
Reference verses:
Romans 7: 24-25 " Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."
This is where we see Paul stating the on-going power of sin while still living in this world.
I am so very thankful for the sanctification process and God's patience in teaching me His right way and willingness to mold me daily into a vessel that progressively is reflecting more of the light of Christ.
Presence of Sin
3. There is still the presence of sin now -which equates to me being partially healed. Until I go home where my Father lives, where my Savior has prepared a place for me I am not fully healed. I will be made whole upon my being in the fullness of His presence when I am received home. I will wake up into my heavenly home and there will be no more tears, weaknesses gone, I will be healed and whole.
When I am in the presence of God in heaven, it is there that I will be able to see 100% from His perspective. It is there I will be completely whole.
Being made whole involves resolving all past hurts, forgiving all those who have hurt us, being rid of all negative emotions. When I see with His eyes -- then I will be know complete wholeness.
Revelations 21:4-5 " And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
Philipians 3:20 " But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body,by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
No more pain, no more tears. No more blindness. Saved from a fallen mindset, loved and changed by His Holy Spirit, given the gift of redemption by Christ. Thankful, thankful,thankful!!!
Share your thoughts by commenting. I would love to hear from you.
Blessings,
Jessica
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