for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 MOUNCE
30 He brought them out of the prison and said, `Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' 31 They replied, `Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. All the people in your house must do the same.' Acts 16:30-31 WE
We have begun a new journey of discovery. We began the journey by discovering who the believer is in Christ. Then the Spirit impressed on me to focus more on the Lord Jesus Christ. We really can't know who we are if we don't know and understand who He is.
This brings us to the next discovery about Jesus. Jesus is the Savior. Jesus is the 2nd person in the Godhead. Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. In Him is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and we are complete in Him. This is not to get too "heavy" or "deep" theologically speaking.
Getting into real deep theology isn't where everyone lives in their daily lives. That is, how does deep theology really impact people in their daily lives? It is good to gain knowledge and understanding about God, but it should have practical effects in daily living.
So let me say there is one practical element of knowing about the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is actually beautiful when you ponder it. God Himself so loved you and me that He took on flesh, became a man, and paid the highest price. God left the boundless wonders of Heaven and dwelt among us in this fallen and fractured creation.
Jesus came to pay the price and be the Savior of all mankind. He willingly took the pain and bore the curse of Calvary to pay the price to redeem mankind.
A question may arise;
"Why do I need to be saved? What do I need to be saved from?"
The Cross speaks to us of the universal need for salvation. God revealed in His Word why we all need to be saved. Let me briefly address the foolishness of pseudo-grace, universalism, and inclusionism. They make claims using out-of-context and misapplied passages, and teach that no one was ever lost.
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled Colossians 1:21 NKJV
This passage is used to conclude that no one was really lost. That the lost state was really just a lost state of mind. The devil simply convinced mankind in the garden that they were lost, but it was all in their minds, in their imagination.
Calvary proves this nonsensical position false. If it were a mere mental block, God didn't need to come to earth as a man. Jesus didn't need to suffer and die a criminal's death. Look at the passage again and get a clearer image.
This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, Colossians 1:21 NLT
Mankind was lost and separated from God by their evil deeds and thoughts. Let's not take the amazing out of Grace. Grace is amazing because this loving and holy God stooped down to the level of wicked and lost mankind and paid the full price of redemption.
God is also just; He will not force Himself on anyone. The price He paid on the Cross was for all mankind. He saves from the uttermost to the guttermost. He saves rich and poor, fat and thin, tall and short. He offers salvation to all, but it is not automatic; a response is needed. He only asks that we believe and receive the free gift of forgiveness of all sins, eternal life, and Righteousness.
Since we know all mankind is lost and in need of a Savior, what then must we do to be saved? Traditional religion places obstacles in the path of the lost seeking salvation. They say you must first turn from all your sinning, then God will save you. They say you must also promise and commit to God that you will stop sinning, then God will save you.
That is a works-based salvation. Lordship salvation is the theological term for this performance-rooted message. This message is not good news. It places the burden back on the sinner seeking salvation instead of seeing Jesus taking all the burdens on that Cross.
The Good News of Jesus Christ is so much better. Jesus came to earth, and He walked among us. He demonstrated the Goodness of God before our eyes. He brought deliverance, provision, healing, and an abundant life.
Looking at our opening texts, we see all we need to do is call on the name of the Lord. All God is looking for is a spark of Faith. Just believe, and you will be saved. You will be forgiven of all your sins, past, present, and future. You will receive eternal life, and that life is secure eternally. You will receive the free gift of Righteousness. Right standing, acceptance, approval, no more condemnation or shame, but the ability to stand in the presence of God without fear or guilt or a sense of unworthiness or inferiority.
Discover Jesus, our Savior. This is the Good News, this is the best news. God so loved the world that He came and died and rose again for us all, and whosoever simply believes will freely receive eternal life. This is exciting news, spread and herald this good news for all to hear! God is not mad at you or anyone. Come receive this free gift
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