On the Day of Pentecost, Simon Peter stood up before a crowd of Jews from around the world and proclaimed a message that literally changed the lives of 3,000 men that day. It is also a message that has continued to reverberate down the halls of time and is as fresh today as it was 2,000 years ago when it was first delivered.
The message Peter preached that day was God's precious plan of salvation. In just a few verses, Peter was able, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to declare the message that can change the life of everyone who hears it and receives it. It is a message that has not changed, nor lost its power. It is a message that still brings hope to the hopeless, life to those dead in sin and forgiveness to those struggling under the burden of their sins (Acts 2:14-21).
Here is the scope of God's plan. Many things in life are exclusive. There are exclusive clubs, golf courses, restaurants, etc. Yet, when the God of the universe designed a plan of salvation, He made it perfectly inclusive! When we think of this plan of salvation, and I will give you the details concerning just what it is in a moment, we may wonder, "Who will this work for?" The answer is at once simple and striking. You see, in God's economy, anyone can be saved!
The truth of this matter is that "whosoever" can be saved! The Bible expands on this theme in a myriad of places. Some that are especially noteworthy are these: Revelation 22:17; John 3:16; John 6:37; John 7:37; Isaiah 55:1. These verses are sufficient to prove the case that God's plan of salvation is available to anyone who needs it. And, that includes everyone (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:10)...even you!
The question that must be posed to you today is this, "Have you availed yourself of this precious plan of salvation?" It is open for you. Are you open to it? Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? If not, please know that God's plan of salvation is precious because of its scope. It includes everyone under its canopy. It is precious for that reason.
Here is the simplicity of God's plan. As Peter continued to preach, he promised that those who would simply "call on the name of the Lord" would be saved! I don't know about you, but I not only want to know who it will work for, but I also want to know how it is accomplished. It is one thing to know that I can be saved, and another altogether to understand how I can be saved. Thankfully, the Bible tells us exactly how.
When Peter delivered his message, he stated that it was a simple as "calling on the name of the Lord." The Bible makes that clear in other passages as well, Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32. But, what does it mean to call on the Lord? Am I to stand around calling out on the Lord's name? No! This refers to the call of faith. To be saved, a person must be aware of some very important things.
1. They Must Know That They Are Sinners (Romans 3:23; John 6:44).
2. They Must Know That There Is A Price On Sin (Romans 6:23; Romans 5:12).
3. They Must Know That Jesus Paid That Price For Them (Romans 5:6-8).
4. They Must Understand The Truth Of The Gospel - (Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead), and they must be willing to confess that back to God (Romans 10:9-10).
5. They Must Be Willing To Ask The Lord To Save Their Soul - (Romans 10:13)
That may sound difficult, but Jesus Christ was able to sum up the Gospel for us in one, very easy to understand, passage, John 3:1-18. In these verses, Jesus tells us that salvation is obtained by simple belief. That is, we come to the place where we are willing to trust Jesus, and Jesus alone, for the salvation of our souls. We turn from good works, from religion, from church membership, and we realize that salvation is by grace and faith alone (Ephesian 2:8-9). In my mind, nothing could be easier!
Now, here is the substance of God's plan. Peter sums up the benefits of salvation in 3 words, "shall be saved." (Acts 2:21) But, what does it mean to be saved? Saved from what? Saved to what? What does saved mean anyway? Saved is one of those words that Christians use to describe that which they have received from the Lord. If you are lost, it may be a strange word to you. Let me try to clarify this for you.
The word "saved" literally means to "rescue from all harm and danger; to keep safe and sound: to deliver; to save. It is a word that is special to every child of God who has experienced salvation. When we say that we are saved, we are saying a mouthful. It may be helpful at this point for us to consider just what some of the benefits of salvation are for the saints of God.
Here is what being saved does for you:
1) Salvation brings deliverance from the wrath of God (John 3:36; Romans 5:9).
2) Salvation brings forgiveness of sins (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 4:32).
3) Salvation brings absolute security (John 10:28; Hebrews 7:25).
4) Salvation brings the promise of Heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:9).
5) Salvation brings about a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Finally, here is the stimulus of God's plan. In the words of Peter, this plan of salvation came about because a man maned Jesus Christ went to a cross, and died between Heaven and earth, to pay the sin debt of the entire world. He died for you on the cross and according to the Bible, He got up the third day and He still lives to save the lost today!
This is the crux of the Gospel. Its power lies in the fact that Jesus Christ shed His innocent blood to pay for sin. Then He arose from the dead to offer eternal life to all who will receive Him by faith. That is the Gospel, and that is what will save the human soul. That and nothing else (John 14:6).
My dear friends, you can believe anything you wish, but if you want to be saved, there is only one way to get it. And, it's available only through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. When you place your faith in His death, burial and resurrection, then and only then, can you be confident that you will be saved!
Prayer: Dear Father, please help me find my place in the world. A place that can make a difference. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Leanne
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