Humans, we have a problem; a big problem.
We are plagued with disease, ailments, wars and rumors of wars, pestilences, natural and man-made disasters and the list goes on and on.
But, even with this itemized list, these all fall under one umbrella - sin. From the dawn of human history, we have seen the effects of this plague chronicled in The Bible (with the sin of Cain to the evil forces in the Book of Revelation). Sin is rampant and deadly; some times it hides under a cloak of pleasure and innocence, but it's effects are often long-lasting and debilitating.
With all this talk of death and destruction, one may think this is the final lot of man, but it is not. We have hope, and that hope is found in One Man. Our sin problem is only for a period of time. Christ Jesus came to die, to destroy him who has power of death; that is the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Yes, we have salvation and access to everlasting life through Jesus and His awesome sacrifice on Calvary's cross. This is very good news.
I looked up 'salvation' in the Strong's Bible Concordance and found that it is from the root word yasha (or yeshuah) which means deliverance, prosperity, security and victory. This is the root for a couple of names in the Bible including Joshua (which means The LORD is salvation) and Jesus (Savior).
As I was thinking about the antidote for sin, I was thinking about what salvation can and cannot do. Salvation can bring freedom from guilt and sin. It is available at any time to any and everyone, and it can bring joy to the recipient.
Salvation cannot be purchased. Because it is a free gift (free for us, but it wasn't free for the One who sacrificed His life), it cannot be bought or sold. From the poorest soul to the richest; all can come to Christ and obtain it. There are many out there who try to bribe, scheme and seduce masses into purchasing materials that they promise can bring salvation (one example can be found in the Belief of Indulgences).
Salvation also cannot be transferred. No parent or loved one can 'transfer' the blessings of 'being saved' to another. Each person much have his/her own saving relationship with Jesus; there is no sharing in this belief. God is not interested in a polygamous marriage relationship with a bunch of us, HE wants a monogamous one with each one of us.
But how does one have a relationship with the Savior? The same way one has a relationship with another human being. You get to know the person, you spend time with that person, you (hopefully) grow to love that person and in turn, you then want to do things to please that person.
So what are you waiting for? The Sabbath is approaching, this is the best day to spend quality time with Him, who is Our Salvation.
I looked up 'salvation' in the Strong's Bible Concordance and found that it is from the root word yasha (or yeshuah) which means deliverance, prosperity, security and victory. This is the root for a couple of names in the Bible including Joshua (which means The LORD is salvation) and Jesus (Savior).
As I was thinking about the antidote for sin, I was thinking about what salvation can and cannot do. Salvation can bring freedom from guilt and sin. It is available at any time to any and everyone, and it can bring joy to the recipient.
Salvation cannot be purchased. Because it is a free gift (free for us, but it wasn't free for the One who sacrificed His life), it cannot be bought or sold. From the poorest soul to the richest; all can come to Christ and obtain it. There are many out there who try to bribe, scheme and seduce masses into purchasing materials that they promise can bring salvation (one example can be found in the Belief of Indulgences).
Salvation also cannot be transferred. No parent or loved one can 'transfer' the blessings of 'being saved' to another. Each person much have his/her own saving relationship with Jesus; there is no sharing in this belief. God is not interested in a polygamous marriage relationship with a bunch of us, HE wants a monogamous one with each one of us.
But how does one have a relationship with the Savior? The same way one has a relationship with another human being. You get to know the person, you spend time with that person, you (hopefully) grow to love that person and in turn, you then want to do things to please that person.
So what are you waiting for? The Sabbath is approaching, this is the best day to spend quality time with Him, who is Our Salvation.
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