How to Save a Life
Understanding the Journey to Salvation
In every church, you might find three types of people: believers, unbelievers, and make-believers. This insight often resonates deeply. It brings to light our longing that everyone who walks through the doors of our church would not only seek knowledge but also experience a personal relationship with the Lord. At Life Springs Church, we strive to create a context where it’s natural for people to encounter Christ. Our passion is that no one leaves unchanged.
Even during Jesus’s time on Earth, despite performing miraculous signs and preaching with authority, many still rejected Him. This truth can be disheartening, yet it reinforces our commitment to share the Gospel fervently. Our ultimate desire is for every individual who enters our community to meet the Lord.
The Reality of Salvation
In Matthew 7:21-23, we find a sobering reminder: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” This passage emphasizes that it’s not enough to just profess faith; genuine faith leads to action and obedience. Jesus goes on to say that many will claim to have prophesied in His name, yet He will respond, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” These words should cause us to pause and reflect on our own faith.
Reflecting on my own journey, I can recall moments of doubt and confusion before truly knowing the Lord. I remember a friend who, in despair, believed he had sold his soul to the devil. I reassured him of Christ’s redemptive power, yet I, too, was unaware of the depth of my faith. My experiences, like those of many, were intertwined with moments of ignorance and misunderstanding.
Personal Encounters with God
At the age of 19, I had a life-altering encounter with the Lord. It was as if a bright light shone upon my life, revealing the reality of my actions and their impact on others. This moment of clarity led me to my knees, surrendering my life to Christ. I realized that knowing about Jesus was vastly different from knowing Him personally.
This transformation taught me that many people can claim Jesus as their Savior while still living for themselves. True salvation comes when we acknowledge Him as Lord. It’s not just about believing a set of doctrines; it’s about a relationship that changes us from the inside out.
Understanding Salvation
Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven; it involves a radical shift from one kingdom to another. It’s about moving from a life centered on self and sin to one filled with the Spirit and purpose. When you truly know the Lord, it becomes evident in your life. It’s a journey filled with revelations and deep realizations of what it means to live for Him.
As I dove deeper into scripture, passages like Galatians 5:19-21 stood out to me. Here, Paul warns us about the works of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness…” These words served as a mirror reflecting my own life choices. It became clear that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This realization was heavy, yet necessary.
Exploring 1 John
To further understand the essence of salvation, I turned to the book of 1 John. This epistle emphasizes fellowship with God and the transformative power of knowing Him. John writes, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the word of life…” (1 John 1:1). Here, John speaks of a tangible relationship with Christ, not just a theoretical understanding.
John’s message resonates deeply with our longing for connection. He emphasizes that our fellowship with one another is rooted in our fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This connection is crucial, as it brings joy and fulfillment to our lives. The world is craving joy, and it is found in a relationship with God.
Walking in the Light
John continues by stating, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). This is a stark reminder that our actions should reflect our faith. Walking in the light means living transparently, allowing the truth of God’s Word to guide our steps.
We often break fellowship with God due to sin and condemnation. Instead of running to Him when we falter, we withdraw in shame. Yet, John reassures us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This promise invites us to maintain our relationship with Him, regardless of our failures.
Living Out Our Faith
In 1 John 2:3-6, we learn how to ascertain our relationship with God: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” True knowledge of God is evidenced by our obedience to His Word. This obedience is not born out of obligation but flows from a heart transformed by love.
As we grow in our faith, we should desire to reflect Christ’s love to others. The fruit of knowing Him is love, and it compels us to live righteously. Our faith should not be a mere label but a lived experience that influences every aspect of our lives.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
In our journey of faith, we must also recognize the role of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These qualities should be evident in our lives as we walk in the Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot hope to live out our faith effectively.
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event; it’s a continual process. Much like a sailboat needs wind to move, we need the Holy Spirit to propel us forward in our walk with Christ. When we are filled, we experience freedom and empowerment to love and serve others.
Transforming the World Around Us
As believers, we have a mission to transform the world around us. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and to bring forth righteousness. Our calling is to share this message of hope and salvation, planting seeds of righteousness in the hearts of those around us. Every life touched by the Gospel can contribute to the greater garden of God on Earth.
In this current cultural landscape, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negativity and despair. However, the statistics show a hopeful revival among conservative evangelical Christians. While secular churches may be declining, the birth rate among believers is increasing. This indicates that God is at work, raising up a generation that will proclaim His truth and love.
Conclusion: The Call to Action
As we reflect on our own lives, we must ask ourselves: Are we genuinely living for Christ? Are we sharing the hope we have with others? If you find yourself struggling with doubt or feeling distant from God, remember that He welcomes you back with open arms. Today is the day to recommit your life to Him.
In closing, if you do not know the Lord or if you’ve been walking in the flesh rather than the Spirit, I invite you to come forward for prayer. Let’s seek His face together and allow the wind of the Spirit to blow through our lives, transforming us and those around us.
Photo by John Price on Unsplash
Let us be the light in the darkness, sharing the message of salvation and hope with a world in desperate need. Together, we can save lives.
