Hebraic Musing - What Should it Mean When We Claim to be “Saved”?
When do we claim
to have been “Saved”? Traditionally,
when we answer the altar call or have that memorable moment when we profess our
faith in Jesus as our Lord. When do we
receive our Salvation? “Salvation”
is defined as the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire
situation. In religion and theology, salvation
generally refers to the deliverance of the soul from consequences of sin. But does that happen while we are living in
this world? Or does it happen after life
in this world?
So we are actually
Saved only after we die and are accepted into God’s eternal presence;
at that time our name will be found in the “Book of Life” so we will not have
to face the “White Throne Judgement.” Meanwhile,
we have received a promise of salvation through repentance and
faith. This means turning away from
sinful ways (repentance) and turning to Jesus
Christ (as our Lord) in faith. Jesus then
forgives our sins and sets us on a path to life with Him. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the
Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NIV
What happens when
we accept Jesus as our Lord?
At that moment we receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance so we are no
longer trapped in sin. “But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you....” Acts 1:8 You experience peace, hope, and/or joy when you
know the H.S. has spoken to your heart and mind that something is true. “You, however, are controlled not by the
sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And
if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Romans 8:9 NIV “Having believed,
you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit
guaranteeing our inheritance....”
Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV We are deemed
Justified, Righteous and Sanctified...
What does it mean
to be Justified? God moves a willing person from the state of
sin to the state of grace; or as some say - “Just as if it never happened.”
When we accept the
Lordship of Jesus we are Sanctified. By definition, we are set apart for the use
intended by our Creator. We are made Holy,
something that can only be done by God. The
process of Sanctification comes about by (1) rigorous study of the God’s
Word, (2) serious & regular prayer and (3) growth in obedience to God. Sanctification assumes continuous
growth in our relationship with God, guided by the Holy Spirit.
In Summary: What is the process that begins in us
the moment we “accept Jesus as our Lord”? It seems that we have a promise of Salvation;
and we receive the gifts & fruit of the Holy Spirit to draw us ever closer
to the Lord; while we appreciate that we’ve been Justified and deemed Righteous
by Almighty God; then we enjoy being Sanctified by following and enjoying
the Holy Spirit’s guidance for our ongoing life; while we are relying on
a promise with confirmation from the Holy Spirit!
Sing this familiar
hymn with the above definition(s) in mind:
♫ Blessed
assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh,
what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God. Born
of his Spirit, washed in His blood. ♫
Points to Ponder
Considering the
casual way in which the word “Saved” is used by professing Christians,
is it safe to simply say, “Once Saved, Always Saved”?
Regarding your
relationship with Jesus, are you a “Professor” or a “Possessor”?
(How many claim to be “Christians” but are only “Professors”?)
We would be
“Damned fools” to pass up the “Joy of our salvation”!
♫ This is my story; this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long. ♫
Yosef a.k.a. Joe
Brusherd October
25, 2022
Author:
“Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring
the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage” Weekly “Hebraic Musings” InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com
Note – Inspired by Earnest Archer’s
persistent questioning. Thank you for
helping us understand the word “Salvation.”
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