Salvation Is a Big Deal

In salvation, the Bible makes it known that we became new creations in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (NASB) says, “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore, from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” New Christians need to know how once you believe in Jesus Christ, who died and resurrected to new life for us, did so to bring us into the life of God. Immediately upon our salvation, God transitioned us out from under darkness and into the kingdom of God. Our old way of being, thinking and acting—in darkness–is no longer where our identity lies. Our life and identity is now in God. Colossians 1:13-14 confirms this by stating, “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

There are two opposite kingdoms—a dark one (controlled by sin and evil) and the kingdom of the Son, Jesus Christ (controlled by light and love). This is where we were placed the moment we received Jesus Christ as our Savior.  I emphasize the immediacy because for a long time, many Christians have not known about this work Christ did for them in salvation. Even many of us older Christians have accepted Jesus as Savior but have been erroneously taught (or not taught at all) how placing faith in Christ gives us a new identity. We are instantaneously children of God, children of the light, and accepted in God’s beloved.  This is the reason why the scripture verse states above, “we no longer consider anyone from a fleshly perspective.” God’s kingdom is spiritual and does not operate as we do or this world. This is important to know because new Christians can boldly begin their Christian journey by immediately receiving this truth into their hearts, mind and spirits. They can “hit the ground running,” so to speak. They can confidently proclaim their acceptance by God into his supernatural kingdom. Imagine how one’s actions would immediately change if this was the new focus of one’s thinking? “I have been rescued from sin and evil and brought into God’s eternal light and love” Do not let anyone try to deduce you or kick you out of where God placed you in salvation. You are no longer darkness, but light in the Lord. Think this way; act this way. Hmmm! (Take a deep breath, exhale and smile!).  Salvation is a miracle indeed!

To learn more about this new life God has given you, I recommend reading the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which biblical scholars term the Synoptic Gospels. They are the only books in the Bible that reveals to us who Jesus is. Why do we want to do this? Well, Hebrews 1:1-4 (Study Bible) tells us why, “On many past occasions and ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.  But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So, He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.”  Our invisible God’s nature can be seen through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only One who accurately represents who God is. Jesus controls God’s kingdom and shows us God’s nature, what pleases God, and reveals God’s plan for humankind.  Therefore, He deserves our undivided attention this scripture is saying. Wow! These gospel narratives, written by the disciples (turned apostles) of Christ, are very important to read and study because in the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ is the One who connects us to God, is our new model, and the One we now follow, and no longer ourselves or this (dark) earthly way of doing things.  It is in these Synoptic Gospel books where Jesus’ life and public ministry is recorded and where we find out how God operates. Be encouraged and happy reading! 

If you have never heard about Jesus Christ or accepted Him into your heart, I invite you to do so now. The Apostle Paul told us in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, the “good news” about Jesus Christ. He said,

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve…”

Jesus did this for you my friend. Do you believe this? John 3:16-17, in the Bible says,

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” So, you see, out of a heart of love for you, God sent his Son to die for your sins to bring you to God!

God wants you to believe in faith in His Son Jesus, that He died, was buried and rose again to bring you to God and give you eternal life. Why not pray right now, where you are and receive Jesus Christ into your heart. Simply tell him you believe this and ask him into your heart. We would love to hear about your decision. Let us know you did!