Salvation

We’re told that we’ve all have sinned and fallen short of what God has intended us to be -as detailed in his word, which is the Holy Bible (Ro 3:23; Jn 1:1-5).  To be clear, the word all excludes no one.  And falling short of God’s word is the definition of what sin is.  Being made in God’s spiritual image, we’re intended to be like God, who is holy, righteous, just, etc. (Ge 1:26-28; 1 Sam 2:2; Ro 3:22; 2 Th 1:6).  However, after the fall of man we’re all born into sin -meaning we have the propensity to sin, not that we were born with sin (Ge 3; Ps 51:5).  And the result of sin is death, and separation from God (Ro 6:23; Isa 59:2; Hab 1:13). 

There must be a sacrifice given for sin, in order to reconcile us to God, and Jesus Christ has made that sacrifice for us (Heb 9:22; Ro 4:25; 1 Jn 2:2: Heb 10:10-18).  He was qualified because he did what no one else did, lived a perfect life, free of sin (2 Co 5:21).  And not only did he lay down his life, but he was resurrected, meaning he has victory over sin, and the death that results from it (Ro 5:8; 1 Co 15:3-4, 54-57).  And through Christ we have the same power to overcome sin and death (Ro 5: 8-10; 6:6, 23; 1Pe 3:18). 

Since salvation has been offered, it is now for us to receive it by faith in Jesus Christ (Jn 1:12; 3:16-18; 5:13).  It is only by our belief in Jesus that we receive salvation, not by our works (Eph 2:8-9; Jn 5:24).  From sin, death, and separation to righteousness, life and reconciliation we are saved (Jn 20:31; Ro 3:21-22).  People differ on what’s required for salvation:  whether, or not, it is a one time deal or the reception of salvation must be perpetual, and whether, or not, baptism, or a confession in speech, are absolutely necessary (It would be a shame if a man couldn’t be saved because he was mute, or there was a drought.) (Jn 3:5; 17:3; Ro 10:9-13).  But the one thing that all scripture, regarding salvation, has in common is belief in Jesus Christ (Lk 23:39-43; Jn 14:6).  God, being just will only hold us responsible for what we know or have been given the opportunity to know (Ro 1:20; Rev 3:20).  

All My Fountains Are In You

The Lord provides for us all, but how much more when we trust in him.  As a result of his faith, Abraham came to know God as his provider after he obediently and faithfully laid his only son on an alter of sacrifice, and was supplied with a ram in a bush (Gen 22:1-13).  Abraham had earlier asserted that ‘God himself will provide the lamb’, and he was later able to confirm that the Lord would, no doubt, provide (calling him Yahweh-yireh or Jehovah-jireh in Hebrew; Gen 22: 8, 14).  Surely God has rewarded Abraham for his faith, and blessed him with (spiritual) descendants as numerous as stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore (Gen 22:17-18; Gal 3:29).  Although we may not be Father Abraham, similar blessing are available to those who trust in God.   

We need to constantly be reminded that nothing is impossible for God.  Forget the former things; don’t dwell on the past.  Watch God do a new thing (Isa 43:19-19)!  The Lord is a provider in the desert, in the wasteland.  He gives drink to his people, his chosen, the people he formed for himself that they may proclaim his praise (Isa 43:20-21)!  So, go ahead and praise him in advance having faith that he will provide for you!  (That is, if you are his own.)

God is the source, and everything else is merely a resource.  Trust in the source!  David recognized God as the source of all life by referring to him as his fountain (Ps 36:9; 87:7).  Jesus speaks about the futility of worrying, reminding us that the Lord feeds the birds that do not reap or store, dresses lilies better than Solomon ever was, and even provides for the pagan.  But we are to seek God’s kingdom first, and everything else is guaranteed to fall into place (Mt 6:25-34).   Believe, trust, hope in his sustaining and powerful word (Heb 1:3).

Learning to Flee

It’s good to see when you’re maturing spiritually.  And I’ve noticed that I’m more likely to flee from sin than I was before, not that I was so eager to do wrong.  But I do know that I’m abiding in the Word more, and that my walk is being affected.  I’m becoming more sensitive to sin, and as a result take more measures to avoid situations where I know I’m likely to fall into it.

The Bible is very clear in telling us to flee, or run, from sin (the love of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, idolatry, and generally speaking, evil desires [1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 1 Tim. 6:3-11; 2 Tim 2:22]).  Don’t walk, swagger, or waddle, but RUN!  Christ spoke of the seriousness of the consequences that result from not running from Satan’s temptations, saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10).

But we can be encouraged knowing that we aren’t only to flee from potential danger, but to flee to assured safety in God’s word.  We’re told to ‘pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart’ (2 Tim. 2:22).  Look at that! We have company in this walk too!  And in John 10:10 Christ tells of the desires of the Accuser, but continues, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. 

God is denying us nothing but death, theft and destruction.  He is allowing us the opportunity to have LIFE!