Salvation: December 18, 2013

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18, 2013.

SALVATION

DEFINITION:

Deliverance from the power and the penalty of sin; redemption; deliverance from danger or a difficulty.

SCRIPTURE:

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Acts 16:3.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

As we prepare for Christmas just one week from today we are beginning today a short series on four gifts given to us because Jesus came to this earth as a babe in Bethlehem’s manger. These gifts are: Salvation; Eternity (eternal life); Intercession (a mediator between God and man); Holy Spirit.

Many non-believers do not understand us when we mention the word salvation. Have you asked someone if they are saved? Many times the answer will be, from what? Also when life is going well for an unbeliever they see no reason to “be saved.”

What many unbelievers do not understand is that without “being saved” they face eternal separation from God because of their sin. The believer understands what he is being saved from. The believer knows that he has sinned. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. The believer also understands that there is a penalty for sin which is death. Romans 6:33 states that “the wages of sin is death.”

Salvation is a gift that only God can give. He has given this gift to us through His Son Jesus Christ. This salvation is for everyone but for several generations now, here in America, many just do not feel a need for God and the salvation He offers. Many have decided they have no need for God in their lives because they are getting along on their own. God has been taken out of our schools, in the decision making of our government and judicial systems.

For several generations now in our family we have believed that receiving salvation (accepting Jesus as our Savior) is the most important decision one can make in life. Our parents and grandparents made this a priority in our lives and we have made it a priority to our children and grandchildren.

Jesus began His ministry on earth by first preaching the marvelous message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) He never gave us an option. His message was simple, clear and concise --- REPENT! There is no other way to heaven. We must repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior.

What a gift God gave us in salvation. It is more than great. The scripture says that it is so great because:

1.    It was from God and through Jesus Christ, His Son. It was the giving of His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our sins. John 3:16.

2.    It came at a great cost. Jesus gave His life for us.

3.    It is complete and for all time. I Peter 3:18 reads that “Jesus died for our sins once and for all.”

4.    And finally, it is the only way to God and eternity. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.”

What a wonderful gift God gave us. Take the time this Christmas season to meditate and think on all the gifts that God has given you.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 15:4.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

PRAYER:

Our family, at this Christmas season, is so grateful for the gift of salvation that You have given us. Thank You for the price You paid for us by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. May we never forget that we celebrate Christmas to remember and honor Your birth. Thank You for coming into this world to give us Your precious gift of salvation.