DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE GOD? (PART 7, FINAL PART)
TEXT:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; ..." (Romans chapter 1 verse 16, King James Version)
Yes, the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. Here, the point worth emphasizing is that the Gospel doesn't save unconditionally. Belief is a condition! You must believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved.
"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." (John chapter 3 verse 16).
In the relationship between God and man, salvation is of the essence. When we consider the enormity of the cost of securing it together with the cost of missing out on it, "we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." (Hebrews chapter 2 verse 1) While It cost God His only Begotten Son, eternal damnation is the price to pay for missing out on it.
With this in mind, coupled with the fact that salvation is God's loving gift to mankind (John chapter 3 verse 16), how come that many are not saved? The simple reason is UNBELIEF; and satan is mostly to blame.
Satan, the Bible says, has "blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2nd Corinthians chapter 4 verses 3 and 4). It is your responsibility therefore to "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts chapter 2 verse 40). You do this by believing in Jesus in order to secure your translation from satan's kingdom and influence to that of God and His Christ!
What will help a man to decide for Christ and be saved is simple obedience to God! The Bible says,
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," (Acts chapter 16 verse 31). This is God's command to man, the obedience to which results in salvation.
Of a truth, some fundamental aspects of the Christian faith are paradoxical in nature, and if not approached by simple faith, they can hinder one from believing the Gospel.
For instance, many can't understand how according to Romans chapter 10 verses 9 and 10, the mere confession of faith in Christ can bring them salvation. Again, they can't understand why they should not have to do something to earn salvation (see Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8). This is so because we know that men are generally more inclined to work than putting reliance on someone else's efforts. Thus, to very many, the idea of the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus is incomprehensible (see 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verses 14 and 15). How can Someone else die in my place, they ask?
Understanding how a man is saved is a matter that is beyond man's comprehension; and indeed, it shouldn't at all be our concern. It has been said that God doesn't owe us an explanation or reason for everything he asks us to do. As far as God is concerned, understanding can wait, but obedience can't. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience, it is said, unlocks understanding!
Didn't the Gospel of John say that "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."? (John chapter 3 verse 36). By faith therefore, believe God's testimony regarding Jesus Christ His Son, receive Him into your life today and you will be saved!
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for saving me because I believe and I have received Jesus Christ into my life.