What Salvation is Not.

I'm starting this blog on a negative note, but there's an urgent reason for it. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus Christ tells the crowd gathered to hear Him, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven." While many of you know that Christ came over 2,000 years ago to take away your sins (John 1:29), the scriptures also tell us that He will come again to judge the living and the dead upon His return (Matthew 25:31-46). Therefore, we must be assured of our eternal life in Christ. Unfortunately, many have deceived themselves into believing they are faithful followers but will be shocked to hear Christ declare at their judgment, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." To be saved, we must have a complete and accurate understanding of God's plan. Our eternity depends on it. With this premise in mind, let's explore how people confuse their faith by examining what the Bible says salvation is not.

Is salvation a past event in your life?

Many people who grew up in churches where the Bible and the gospel are faithfully preached can look back and identify the moment when they truly believed and made a profession of faith in Christ. This shared experience is common, however. I did not grow up in such a church. It was not until I found a good Bible-teaching church that I fully understood the gospel and gave my heart to the Lord. I owe my understanding of the gospel to a kind and faithful pastor who took the time to ensure I understood the message.

As my story exemplifies, some people may mistakenly believe they were saved based on a past event. In my case, I had raised my hand multiple times but did not truly understand the gospel until that pastor visited me. Those times I raised my hands did not necessarily define me as a Christian, nor did they prove that I was a true believer.

In this episode, we examine the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who made a profession of faith in Christ, was baptized, but turned out not to have a faith that saved him. His story serves as a warning against placing too much emphasis on a past event rather than having a genuine and ongoing relationship with Christ.

Living a Moral or Ethical Life

There are many reasons why people choose to live by an ethical code. It could be a sense of guilt, pride, or a conscious decision to live according to moral principles. However, it is essential to note that living a moral or ethical life does not guarantee salvation. The Bible clearly states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

In this episode, we also explore Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:16-26, which exemplifies the danger of believing that good works are the way to salvation and eternal life. Doing more good than bad in your life and hoping for the best is not salvation but gambling with your eternity. Although the Rich Young Ruler was eager to attain eternal life, he was unwilling to "give up all his own possessions" to follow Christ (Luke 14:33).

Is knowledge of the truth enough to save?

Many people saw all Christ was and did, yet they still would not believe in Him. They received first-hand knowledge of salvation but did not exhibit evidence of a transformed life delivered from sin and death. To avoid the dangers of falling away from faith, one must genuinely repent and believe, as warned in Hebrews 6:1-8. The evidence of a soul saved from the consequences of sin and death is a transformed life accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. Someone who learns the truth but does not accept it is rejecting God's claims and supposing Him a liar and is no different from those Christ warned in Matthew 12:30-32 to not blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

Knowing the truth is not enough. Even the demons believe and are not saved (James 2:14-26). The traitor Judas had the manifestation of God in his presence and saw all Christ was and did, yet he, like Simon the Magician and the Rich Young Ruler, chose to walk away. They chose death over life.

Religious Activity Does Not Equal Salvation

I grew up in the Catholic Church and remember many people, including my parents, going through the motions of being "religious." This approach is common in many faiths that teach you to do something to get right with God. Examples include attending church, getting baptized, praying, or lighting candles. This works-based approach appeals to human nature because we often think we are masters of our destinies. This false sense of security based on our human achievements leads many to believe that there are many ways to God. However, Jesus proclaimed, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). Israel went through all the motions to be religious, but they were unprepared to receive true salvation. They were deceived into believing that the road to redemption was through human achievement when God had already done everything necessary to deliver humanity from sin and death through the life of His only Son.

In the Bible, Jesus warns us that not everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ will enter the kingdom of heaven. He says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven" - Matthew 7:15-23. Simply calling oneself a Christian or doing good deeds is not enough to attain salvation. Salvation cannot be achieved through self-punishment, fasting, pain infliction, or meditation. While it is essential to live a good life, show love to others, perform acts of service, give to charity, and abstain from sin, these things alone cannot save us. Denying sin, claiming to be saved, or pretending to be saved will not bring us closer to God. Salvation cannot be earned through good deeds or simply being a good person. In reality, salvation is a gift from God that is freely given to those who accept it. It is not something that can be bought or earned through our efforts.

We can receive this gift by trusting in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. Only then can we truly experience salvation and eternal life with God in Heaven when we die. So let us not be deceived into thinking that our actions or good deeds can save us. Instead, let us put our faith in God and accept the gift of salvation that He offers us. If you are interested in true salvation through Jesus Christ and want to know what it means to be a Christian, click here for more information. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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