THE NATURE OF SALVATION
When many people thing of salvation, they think of the event at which they “got saved.” While salvation is not devoid of this event, this view is too limited in scope and tends to lead errors in how one perceives salvation. I believe that the best way to see salvation is as less as an event and more as a person: the Person of Christ. Christ said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:1-6)
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 John 5:11)
Knowing this aspect of salvation helps us to realize that salvation is not easily lost but is kept as long as we abide or remain in the One Who is our Salvation.
Thank You, God for Your unending love and mercy Who would stoop Yourself to patiently remain with and be faithful to me, a completely undeserving person. I love You, dear Lord.
How do you witness to lost people. Especially when so many profess Christianity but do not behave like Christians? What does one say that would make a difference to their lives? Isn’t this what it is all about is winning the lost no matter the cost? Isn’t this why Jesus suffered and died so that we might be free? How do you explain this to the people on the streets, at work and the grcocery store? They are dying and going to hell and we may be the only ones that can make a difference for them. How do we show love so that it really makes a difference?
Quite a list of questions there. I’ll give them my best shot.
Q1: How do you witness to lost people?
Different things are important to different people, so there’s no one solution to fit all. As a general rule, be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies in you, and speak the truth in love. (1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians 4:15)
Q2: Many profess Christianity but do not behave like Christians?
That is quite true. While Christ is the true Judge of the heart, we are able to discern much from observing the fruit of people’s lives. (Matthew 7:16) People who truly love Christ will want to please Him. (John 14:15) People who say that they are Christians but do not care whatsoever for the things of God and in following Him do not know Him.
Q3: What does one say that would make a difference to their lives?
The truth. There will be those want the truth and accept the truth and those who reject the truth. This has been true from the time of Christ and the apostles until now. If Christ does not force people to come to Him, neither can we. That is not to say that some people don’t require a little time and a lot of witness. We just have to pray, witness, and leave the rest to God.
Q4: Isn’t this what it is all about is winning the lost no matter the cost?
Since salvation is not an event, but a relationship with Christ, then what I’d have to say that what is most important is for people to have a relationship with Christ. There is a cost for following Christ and it takes some perseverence. I make this distinction because of the confusion that many have between the event of “getting saved” and what real salvation entails. Again, real salvation means remaining in the Source of Salvation.
Q5: Isn’t this why Jesus suffered and died so that we might be free?
Yes, Christ did die to set us free from sin, which is why we are not to continue in sin any longer. (Romans 6)
Q6: How do you explain this to the people on the streets, at work and the grocery store? How do we show love so that it really makes a difference?
Pray for them, be kind, show love, tell them the truth, and leave the rest to God. This is what God has called us to do.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the questions. God bless. Rachael