I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Luke 13:5
Over the last ten years I have been writing essays that stem from my studies of the bible and I noticed that I have neglected writing an essay on the salvation message. The words “unless you repent” plays an important part of each person’s salvation. Repenting is defined by having a change of mind with a change direction. It demands that we acknowledge God and turn from a life of sin to live according to God’s standards.
We are presented with life of permanence with God that not too many people understand. The bible tells us that - God was, God is, and God will come. In other words God is the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega in regards to life and his creation. In the beginning God created the heavens and Earth and when the end of this age comes to an end - a new age will begin. God will continue to rule in the ages to come and he has invited us to partake in his kingdom.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20
Man is an obstinate being that takes the environment God created for granted. Still we can understand that if God created the earth he has a plan for everything he created, man being the central focus of his plan. However man has a rebellious nature against authority and against anyone or anything that has the power to control their life. In other words, we have all gritted our teeth reluctant of doing things we did not think were right but were demanded of us.
We did what we wanted to do when we wanted to do it and we threw a conniption fit especially when our parents demanded we do what they demanded of us. It seems as if we want to be in charge of our life but there was always someone who had what you needed but compelled you do things their way before they had the grace to attend your needs. There lies the basic problem of human sin nature, the recognition of another person’s authority to compel specific responses from you.
Whenever you fail to meet the other person’s authority you are faced with consequences. We must recognize that the plan of Salvation originated from the supreme authority of God. At the same time there is a consequence as God has warned every one that his wrath is reserved for those who ignore his authority.
For those who seek the knowledge of salvation God sent John as a forerunner of Jesus Christ. His purpose was to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins (Luke 1:77). God’s plan of Salvation requires that you acknowledge that you have sinned and belief in Jesus Christ through faith to be saved. The bible says,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Jesus was sent to the human race to introduce God as a father concerned over the consequences of sin. To achieve God’s plan of Salvation God requires faith (Ephesians 2:8) in Jesus Christ to be saved.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
God’s plan of Salvation requires our personal attention for Jesus is the only way we can be accepted into eternal life. God’s plan of Salvation is also a covenant that accepts him as Lord over your life for as long as you live. Serving God is a matter of obedience through faith where we accept his plan and direct our lives accordingly.
Jesus chose to obey his father when his death on the cross was in his sight. His death on the cross he demonstrated the love of God (Romans 5:8) as the Lamb of God. At the same time a covenant with God meant the shedding the lamb’s blood had been fulfilled, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sin. (Hebrews 9:22).
Christians celebrate the shed blood of Jesus Christ in the communion table. For Jesus said,
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28
You are one of the many, for salvation is for anyone who wants to avoid the consequences of God’s wrath. Participating in the covenant demands a one on one encounter with Jesus Christ. You must believe in the person of Christ and ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13
Accepting Jesus into your life is only a beginning in your new life for it is a covenant with God who has a role that ensures eternal life. In this covenant God writes your name in the book of life. In addition, he gave us a promise to empower us that we should covet for he said,
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:27
From this day forward we walk by faith as a son of God with a desire to become more like Christ. The desire to be in charge of your life will be overcome with the desire to do things for God. In this new life we take charge of our life when we rule our life to glorify Christ as Lord and continue in our commitment to God.
The plan of salvation does not stop with saying Jesus is Lord. You cannot call Jesus Lord if you are not compelled to obey his commands through a love for him. The plan of salvation demands a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who will guide you into the truth. This relationship calls for you to keep in touch with Jesus through reading the inspired word of God and a practice of praying on a regular basis. Making time to pray and read God’s word openly demonstrates our commitment to God that he will honor.
September 30, 2013
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