What is Salvation?

I remember a time in my life when I had no clue what salvation meant.

I'd hear people talk about it here and there but since I wasn't an active "believer" (I knew of God, but didn't know Him) the word would sort of fly right over my head.

When people talked about being saved or being born again, I would think "well, I believe in God and I'm young...I can worry about all of those religious details later in life."  So I went about my business, never reading the Bible, never praying, never going to church, and never acknowledging God in any way.

Thankfully, God knew exactly what I needed and how to open my eyes, ears, and heart to Him.  The method He allowed to be my "training ground" was one many in this world - perhaps even you - are familiar with.

Suffering.

When life seems unbearable, when our heart has been shattered, or our life as we once knew it has come crashing down around us leaving us broken and weary, we start searching for hope.  Anything that will remove our pain and replace it with joy.

I think by nature, we are designed to crave inner joy.  And joy comes only through a relationship with our Creator.

The Bible describes this idea as "thirsting" for a drink of living water (John 4:10).  God is always at work, seeking us, wherever we are and in whatever season of life we're facing.  He desires a relationship with us. I wonder if deep down, whether we recognize it or not (no matter our state of belief or non-belief), we also feel pulled to or desire a relationship with Him.

What is Salvation?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines salvation as a deliverance from the power and effects of sin.

The Holy Bible teaches us that salvation is something for all people (Luke 24:47), it's both spiritual and physical (Luke 9:2), an act of total forgiveness (Luke 23:34), a gift from God (John 3:8), and something God planned from the very beginning (1 Peter 1:20).

I'm sure you've heard of the Trinity.

God the Father became a man in Jesus so Jesus could die for our sins.  Jesus the Son offered salvation to all people when he rose from the dead.  When he ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth but he promised to send The Holy Spirit so his spiritual presence would still be here among mankind guiding us through this life on earth.

Jesus promises us the gift of eternal life with Him in heaven!

The Bible teaches us (Romans 10:9)...

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Salvation is to believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead.  Then, speak the words your heart believes.  It's that simple.

With that, let me say, professing you believe these things does not mean you are expected to have all the answers and no questions going forward.  There are many Christians in this world (myself included) that still have questions about their faith.

But it is just that...having faith in something you cannot see, but hope for with eager expectation.  (I encourage you to read the 4 gospels of the Bible {Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John} for a better understanding of Jesus' life and purpose.)

Before you think you aren't worthy of God's love, forgiveness, and mercy know this - nobody is worthy.  Nobody is sinless.  That's the cool part!  God offers salvation to everyone, regardless of individual circumstances.

If you are hurting, disappointed, at your wits end, and feeling like you just can't go on, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Allow Him to be a high priority in each and every day of your life.  Even if you aren't experiencing the feelings I mentioned, don't click away and think this message isn't for you.  It's really a very important turning-point decision.

Will you see immediate results in that everything will change for the better overnight?

Maybe.  Maybe not.  That's for God to determine.  His timing is perfect and always has a purpose.  Plus, God doesn't promise us a life free from trouble, but He does promise to work all things for the good of those who love Him.

Over time as you develop a deeper, more trusting relationship with The Lord, you will notice an inner peace about things in your life.  You will see greater blessings as your eyes are opened and are more willing to take notice.

I know in my life I've seen the hand of God work miracles in situations that seemed hopeless to me.  God may not fix things for you in the way or at the time you would hope, but His miracles are many and are often better than we could ever dream of.

Why not start your day rejoicing in a new born relationship with The Lord?

Do you believe?

Then profess your faith this very moment.  Fall to your knees thanking God for forgiveness and for eternal life.

Did you profess your faith today?  Tell me about!  I'd love to hear your story of salvation.

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Rosann Cunningham

Writer / Speaker

Author of ChristianSuperMom and UnEmployed Faith (blog / eBook). Her writing inspiration comes from a strong desire to glorify God while sharing the heart of her journey through motherhood, marriage, life and faith. When not pouring her heart into her husband and daughters, she can be found enjoying her deepest personal passions - writing, reading, encouraging other women in their walk with the Lord, or jamming out to the latest Christian rock music for a long distance run.

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