Speaking of Salvation...

“Is it not arrogance or narrow-mindedness to claim that there is only one way of salvation or that the way we follow is the right way? I think not. After all, do we fault a pilot for being narrow-minded when he follows the instrument panel [while] landing in a rainstorm? No, we want him to remain narrowly focused!”  -Billy Graham

The concept of salvation seems to make many people stop and scratch their heads in bewilderment. Honestly, churches, and even other Christians, sometimes tend to make salvation more difficult to understand than it really is. Part of this uncertainty might be due to the use of unfamiliar words. especially to those outside the church, when referring to salvation.

Maybe you've heard some of these: "saved," "blood bought," "blood washed," "born again," "redeemed," and so on, and so forth. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with these terms/phrases, but for those who don't know what they mean they can be a little overwhelming. Surprisingly, there truly isn't anything confusing, mysterious, or difficult to understand about salvation. God has set it up so that anyone can comprehend it!

Let's begin by looking at what "salvation" means. It means "the act of saving from harm." As you know, this could apply to a variety of things we might encounter during the course of our daily lives. We might be saved physically, financially, emotionally, mentally, and, well, you get the idea. But for our purpose today, let's apply "salvation" as it pertains to our spiritual needs.

As mentioned above, there are many types of salvation, but these are not permanent. When a person experiences the salvation of his, or her soul they have experienced something eternal that never fades or can be snatched away. Now, while you sit and let this all soak in just a bit, I'd like to share a few features of God's salvation with you.

Salvation, as we have been talking about, doesn't come through the church, the denomination, or any family associations. It cannot be acquired by doing good deeds or clean living. Salvation is obtained by way of God's plan of salvation.

What plan are we talking about? Good question! God's plan is an exclusive one (John 14:6). This verse hammers home the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way we can take that will bring us to Him. Look at it this way. If a person must have a million dollars to be called a millionaire; then by the same token he must have Christ to be called a Christian (1 John 5:12).

We can't get to Heaven just because we belong to a particular denomination. Nor do we get to go because we are exceptionally good people, or have done incredibly good things. It doesn't work like that. The only sure way to Heaven is by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, and Jesus alone (Acts 4:12).

Scripture: Matthew 7:21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Mark 16:15-16

Prayer: Holy Father, may today be a day blessed by your presence, and all of the goodness and grace that you so lovingly share. Amen  

God bless you!

Amber