Salvation

Salvation is filled with hope and yet if we are without hope how real are our efforts. Does a man whom begs bread believe he will never receive help, I do not think so. He begs in hope that his belly may be filled. This is a common scenario that we can all relate to. Our days are filled with this type of reasoning. We work looking to receive a salary in order to survive and then some. If a man is stranded on a deserted Island he will look to put parameters in place for his rescue. He will stockpile wood just in case he needs to signal a ship or plane. He will also explore the Island looking for water and food supplies, these are common instincts that we all have in one form or another.

The problem we have is when we do not realise our predicament, if we believe all is well and we have no need for deliverance; we will carry out our daily activities as we did the days before. Tell someone at sea that the vessel they are on is about to sink and watch them grapple for anything that will assist to keep them nourished and afloat. But until then they will never have a need for that mindset. They will bask in the sun drinking their sun-downers as they enjoy their freedom. Deception allows us to believe a lie and then it will be too late. Miss out on a life-jacket or a lifebuoy and before long you will tire and drown if you are lucky, if not you may be eaten by sharks and the like. These are troubling thoughts but we have all entertained them. Why then do we not entertain more pressing issues like life after death? To be honest most have considered this reality, every time we attend a funeral that reality is questioned. But for most it will be too late. Judgement now awaits their eternal destiny.

I have heard great men of God speak of the “love of God” and how he loves everybody. I have thought long and hard on this perceived notion. “God has so loved”, that is clear from scripture... The Lord Jesus Christ is the life jacket and life raft, but there is a response needed from every individual if they are to be rescued. They must reach for the jacket or get in the vessel; if not they will perish!

Does God love everyone? God’s love is on offer for everyone, but unless you embrace His generosity you remain outside that covering. Can I prove this from scripture? "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18) – Can an individual be covered by God’s love if they do not believe in “HIM”? The answer is quite obvious, look! “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already”. Reject the free gift of God (Him) and you can never be covered by the love of God!

Ok what about this truth then; “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) – As sinners, God has shown us His love, “Christ died for us while we were still sinners”, and in other words we were not looking for salvation, as our sin had blinded us.  God loved His enemies, you and me. However the act of what Christ has accomplished on Calvary has happened, he died and rose again. We cannot live in that mindset that God is love, which He is and reject what is on offer, the sacrifice of His Son and claim to be covered by the love of God! That is false!      

I do not lie and speak the truth, no other religion, no other philosophy, nor will any other ideology other than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ be able to save you from what is to come. God will judge humanity for their sin and if you are not covered by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ you will be found guilty of your sin and be charged by the highest authority in the universe, God the Father will pass a sentence that will condemn you to hell, a place of torment for all eternity. These are the facts according to the scriptures.

Let’s face it who likes to consider such depressing realities? But then again who would ever welcome a ship sinking, especially if you are on it!

Salvation is on offer to everyone who will embrace it, these are the facts, but you must understand that you need to be saved from your sin; Jesus has paid the price and regardless of how far you have been deceived by the lures of sin God did love so that you may be saved. Will you embrace His mercy? I thank God for His mercy in my life and thank Him for His love for me as He sent his Son to die for my sin. I will and I am embracing that free gift with outstretched arms as I know without Christ’s gracious rescue I will end up in a place of torment for all eternity.

Do not be fooled into believing that without a proactive response from your side, believing in God’s provision, as you denounce any other religion that opposes Gods provision for salvation, in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ that it will be well with your soul in eternity, because it is a lie! And then it will be too late!

Today is the day of salvation and God’s abundant love is on offer for all who still breathe...  

Signing off

Tyrone