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Scripturally Based Answers For life's Questions
Answer - ARE YOU SAVED?
This is a term that is often used amongst Christians, but what does it mean? Saved from what?
In the English language, we have the word “will” and then we have the word “shall”. They have a similar meaning, but both must be understood properly for a person to use them correctly. For example, if you would invite me to your house and name a specific time, I could say, I “will” be there, or, I “shall” be there. “Will” is a for sure, guaranteed thing. “I will be there” means no matter what, I will be there. But, “I shall be there” is conditional. If everything will work out for me, then I will be there. This is the word that God uses to describe “being saved.” Those who call on the Lord “shall” be saved, or in other words, those who call on the Lord, having already met the conditions, “will” be saved.
First of all, saved from what? I have heard people say, “I was drowning, and the Lord saved me,” or, “I was in an accident and the Lord saved me.” Yes, that is being saved, but that is not what God is referring to when He speaks of being saved. He is talking about saving people from eternal damnation in hell. He says in
He speaks of the characteristics of the natural person. Sinners.
CLICK-Revelation 20:14, 15. The penalty for sin, any sin but especially inherited sin, is death in hell.
Death and hell are connected in that they are the ultimate and complete separation from God, which is the penalty for sin. It is where people go because of their sin within them. So, where does a person get saved from? Death and hell. To be saved from hell just simply means one will no longer have to go there, and to be saved from death is being saved from the death of the soul, not the physical body, for the Lord will give people who are saved a new body.
Secondly, saved from sin. CLICK-John 1:29 speaks of Jesus, and it says, “Behold the Lamb of God, which take away the sin of the world.”
There are different aspects of sin. There is the penalty of sin, which is death. There is the power of sin, which is the control that sin has in people’s lives; people are not able to stop sinning—this is especially seen in addiction and abuse. And finally, there is the presence of sin. To be saved is to be saved from all three, but first the penalty—Jesus took the punishment in our stead and saved us from it. Then there is the power—having Him in one’s life saves one from the power of sin. Through Jesus, a person can go on and live a life of forgiveness and holiness, overcoming the power of sin. And then there is the presence of sin. Sin is in the entire world, so even saved people will be in the presence of sin in that sense, but the presence of sin is no longer in their soul. And untamable, they will be saved from the presence of sin altogether. When redemption is fully completed, sin will be completely gone and the saved will never see sin again, but the unsaved will be in death, completely immersed in it. To be saved is to be saved from sin.
Thirdly, saved from self. CLICK-Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh luster against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
The flesh is the natural nature, the natural nature one is born with. Why do people not flock to God? Why does not every person run after Him?
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
There is not one individual person on earth that has a natural longing to know God, or a natural desire to spend time with Him. Generally, people come to Him because they fear death and hell, but not because they have a longing for Him or really want to know Him. But, because He is merciful, when they do come to Him, they are saved from their old nature and given a new nature.
The apostle Paul described it this way,
“When we were enemies” is referring to us being enemies of God. Most people would say, “I don’t hate God,” but let me ask you—how have you sought after Him or responded to how He has been seeking after you? I am not asking if you are religious or if you are actively practicing your religion. That is a separate conversation. I am asking about your personal connection and relationship with God. If you do know Him, it is because you have responded to Him loving you and extending His mercy toward you. He is the one that initiates reconciliation. We must be saved from ourselves, our sinful nature.
First, the Lord requires repentance.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”—II Peter 3:9.
Repentance causes a person to turn from all he was, trusting in Jesus for his salvation and then looking to God alone.
There must be a total respect and proper view of God before one can receive salvation from Him. Repentance removes false views of Him and leaves an open door for a person to come to Him. Romans 2:4 says, “Despises thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leader thee to repentance?” When people see that they are not good, but God is, it causes them to respect Him and then trust Him. Repentance is required for salvation to take place.
Secondly, the Lord requires belief.
It is required that one believes in God, not only that He exists, but that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. It is also required that one believes in Jesus Christ. Not just believing in His existence but depending on Him completely for one’s salvation. It says “…in him...” meaning one must fully and completely depend on Him, and for that to happen one must forsake all other beliefs.
Lastly, you must call on Him. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believed unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believed on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When we meet the conditions, the “shall” turns into a “will.” There are many that call but do not get saved. One could just simply say, “God save me” and if the belief is right, it is that simple. Those who realize what they need saving from and have their belief right are only a prayer away from salvation. For them, calling on the Lord will bring salvation, and it is a sure thing. They "will" be saved, but those who just want to call without repentance and wholly trusting Christ for hope are wasting their call.
If you have repented and do believe, please ask the Lord to save you.
If this has been a help and a blessing, please share it with your friends and acquaintances.
¿WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS?
