Personal Salvation
When asked if she were saved, a young woman replied, “Well, I know that I am not going to be in Hell, anyway, because I see that the Lord Jesus paid my debt of sin when He died on the Cross.” She had just accepted Him as her own personal Saviour, but knew only a little of all that such a decision meant to her.
Yes, it is indeed true that such an one is delivered from Hell, according to John 3:16, for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Also, Romans 5:9 confirms this thought by stating that, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
If we think of sin as a debt, then the Son of God Himself settled that account forever by His suffering upon the Tree, as the young lady discovered. The word which Paul wrote to Philemon concerning Onesimus (verse 18), is virtually the language of the Man of Calvary on behalf of the guilty, penitent sinner, “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I will repay it.”
If we regard sin as a deep-dyed stain that has appeared indelible, 1 John 1:7 declares that the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s son, cleanseth us from all sin. There is not a spot or trace remaining to meet the eye of a holy God.
Moreover, sin is found to be a barrier which separates between the sinner and God, barring the way into the eternal glories of Heaven. The answer to this obstacle is found in Hebrews 9:26, where we are told that He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. “The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” says Isaiah 53:6, while New Testament confirmation of this is found in 1 Peter 2:24, where we are directed to the One Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree. How wonderful, and withal, how comforting to know that God, in His foreknowledge, removed all our sins from us and placed them upon His own Son. Then, by His suffering and death, Jesus put those sins away so that they will be remembered no more forever.
Ever keep in mind, young believer, that the whole work of salvation depends upon that which Another has done for you and not upon your own experiences or feelings. Your acceptance with God, and the forgiveness and pardon which you enjoy, are based entirely upon the worth of the sacrifice. God has been so well pleased with this that He has raised His Son again from the dead, giving Him a place at His own right hand in the eternal glory.
Always remember, too, that your assurance comes through unwavering belief in the Word of God. Do not try to follow the pattern of some other person’s experience but ever keep your faith resting upon the solid foundation of the Scripture of Truth. Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Joy, peace and hope are all the fruits of believing faith.
In John 1:12 we learn that as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name. Then, from Galatians 4:7, we find that, being sons, we are also heirs of God through Christ. Now, an added thought comes from 1 Peter 1:4, assuring us that ours is an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled, reserved in Heaven for us, who are kept by the power of God through faith.
To know the riches of this inheritance, and the fulness of the blessing of salvation, you must read your Bible carefully and with the prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. Thus you will uncover many priceless pearls and a wealth of exceeding great and precious promises.
You will be enlightened also as to your responsibility as a Christian. In 1 Corinthians 6:20, you will read, “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” In 1 Peter 2:9, we have brought before us that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (or, as the margin says, a purchased people); that we should show forth the praises (the virtues, or things worthy of praise) of Him Who hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. His purpose in saving us is summarized in Ephesians 1:12, “That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.”
Seeing He has purchased us with His own blood, thus bringing us into the divine family of eternal grace, we enjoy an abundance of privileges. However, let us never be content to receive all the blessings while giving Him nothing in return. Let us each one, from this day forward, seek to live our lives for His glory and, as we learn His will for us, determine to be obedient children. Such service will not be drudgery, as though we were slaves, but rather it will be delightful because of love for Him Who first loved us.