The Gate of Salvation Is Open to All

"Since no man is excluded from calling upon God the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief."  - John Calvin

Judging from questions that I am asked, the subject of salvation can be a tough one to grapple with. Let me clarify this. I fear that some think that there is a user's manual out there laying out clear, specific steps or directions in which to follow. If only it were so.

Honestly, I can totally understand the lack of clarity. Salvation really shouldn't be so hard to understand. What if I told you that you could boil it down to one major component.  Perhaps then it would be easier or more comfortable to grasp hold of. So, what is it?

Simply this: faith. Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior is the only action needed for salvation, There are no step-by-step instructions to follow. I realize that this sounds too simplistic. Maybe you've been told or heard about certain rules or obligations to fulfill. It's not that at all.

Salvation has nothing to do with certain things we must do to earn it. I know what you're thinking. Shouldn't Christians be baptized, publicly confess Christ as Savior, turn away from sin, and commit their lives to obey God? "Yes" to all of the above. But understand that these things are not ways to salvation,

Instead, they are outcomes or products of salvation. The Bible is quite clear in telling us that all have sinned against God (Romans 3:23) And, because of our sin, we deserve to be eternally separated from God (Romans 6:23). Thus, because of our sin, we can't, in any way, earn salvation.

We are utterly incapable of paying our sin debt to God or purging ourselves from sin. Only God could take care of our salvation, and He did. Because of His love for us (John 3:16), God became human like us, and died in our place. Thus, Jesus Christ died for our sins.

By doing this, he took our deserved punishment so we wouldn't have to (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). God promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven to all who receive, by grace through faith, Jesus Christ as Savior (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; Acts 16:31). So, by his death, Jesus opened the door to salvation for anyone who will receive it from Him by faith.

Let's recap. To obtain salvation, God requires only one thing from us. There are no procedures to follow or complete. It's about receiving Christ as Savior and recognizing that He has done all of the work for you (1 Peter 2:24), Salvation is ours by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and fully trusting (have faith) in Him alone.

Scripture: Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12; Psalm 62:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Prayer: Dear Lord, as a result of You bearing my sins, it is by faith and with deep appreciation that I receive your gift of salvation and eternal life, amen.;

May God bless you!

Amber