Our FATHER's Way Of Salvation

[WISDOM]

Once YOU understand what the results of sin are, YOU have a foundation for understanding SALVATION. A sinful man in his/her fallen state can never fellowship with our FATHER, unless he/she accepts the gift of salvation through personal faith in the finished work of HIS SON and our LORD/SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.

Now, our FATHER could have wiped the slate clean after the act of disobedience performed in the Garden of Eden and acted as though sin NEVER happened. However, as simple and ideal as this solution might appear, it is not consistent with GOD's nature. For HIM to allow man in the fallen state to enter into HIS presence would require the compromise of HIS Holiness. Holiness not only means that our FATHER cannot sin; it also means that HE cannot ignore sin!

The idea of HIM overlooking sin may seem attractive, but it would make our FATHER indulgent, permissive, and in the long run, of no benefit to us. HIS way of salvation began with the atonement of CHRIST on the Cross (Isaiah 59:2...John 3:16;14:6....Romans 5:8). The word "Atonement" means "Reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18/Romans 11:15). Therefore, the basic idea behind the word (atonement) is to reconcile a difference, or to bring together two who HAD BEEN SEPARATED. Because of the atoning work of our SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST on the Cross of Calvary, reconciliation between GOD and mankind is possible.

The New Testament also uses the word "Ransom" to describe CHRIST's atonement. A ransom is paid so that someone who is held captive may be freed. When JESUS died on the Cross, HE paid the ransom so that YOU and I could be released from the bondage of sin. HIS Blood atonement was a RANSOM for our release. HIS death is mentioned 175 times in the NT!! And yet....most people today do not like to talk about it because blood and crucifixion are "too morbid" for the modern mind (Like "Freddy vs Jason" isn't!!!). Yet....without the Cross there is no Gospel, no forgiveness of sin.

Many people I talk to and llisten to think od salvation ONLY in the terms of redemption from sin or rescue from Hell. However, a careful study of salvation from a biblical perspective willl reveal it involves Regeneration. This is the first stage of salvation and it is instantaneous. It is what we call "Conversion". It occurs IMMEDIATELY upon receiving JESUS CHRIST as SAVIOUR. The word "Repent" is a translation of the Greek word, "METANOEO", which means a change of mind, heart AND attitude. It is a change of mind with respect to sin and brings a change in lifestyle. It is an inward experience which manifests itself in an outward change in one's behavior. YOU change from hating or just ignoring GOD to loving HIM and turning YOUR LIFE (don't worry about anybody else) COMPLETELY over to HIM!

True repentance is ALWAYS accompanied by FAITH in our LORD/SAVIOUR. Faith, which is always involved in repentance, is more than INTELLECTUAL belief, for the demons believe intellectually ALSO (James 2:19). In the NT the Greek word, "PISTIS" is translated faith. It means a FIRM PERSUASION, a CONVICTION based upon hearing. It is BELIEVING something to the extent that it CHANGES YOUR LIFE.

As far as salvation is concerned, the amount or degree of your faith IS NOT nearly as important as the object of your faith! The kind of faith that accompanies salvation IS NOT a book, or a church, or a creed, BUT in a PERSON....JESUS CHRIST (Acts 20:21). Repentance MUST BE toward the LORD JESUS CHRIST, because HE is the ONE WHO died for our sins.

The purpose of our FATHER's way of salvation is to redeem mankind from the depraved state that is the result of sin. Then HE sanctifies us. The word sanctification comes from the Greek word, "HAGIAZO", which means "to separate" or "set apart". The word "holy" also comes from this same Greek word. You see....repentance and faith begin the salvation process, and sanctification CONTINUES it, ending in a glorious consummation in the very presence of JESUS CHRIST! *BIG Smile*

Glorification refers to COMPLETE salvation, which will ONLY be realized in Heaven. Now, this does not mean that we ARE NOT saved until we get to Heaven (that's NOT what I'm saying here). I believe eternal salvation begins the moment you/I turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith. That person grows in knowledge and grace ALL THROUGH his/her physical life, culminating with his/her GLORIFICATION in Heaven!

And what a glorious day that WILL be!!

[traveller]

Amen WISDOM, that WILL be a glorious day.

The word "Repent" is a translation of the Greek word, "METANOEO", which means a change of mind, heart AND attitude. It is a change of mind with respect to sin and brings a change in lifestyle. It is an inward experience which manifests itself in an outward change in one's behavior. YOU change from hating or just ignoring GOD to loving HIM and turning YOUR LIFE (don't worry about anybody else) COMPLETELY over to HIM!

Those that want to see signs and wonders need look no further than a changed heart. What a miracle that is! I know that it was in me.

You always post good things Brother. Thank you

[wordsower]

Thank you Wisdom, glad to see some light on the board amidst all of the other gospels going around here.

Where ya been brother?