What Does It Mean To Be Saved? (Part I)

Date: 4/27/2011
Speaker: Pastor Johnny Moore

     What does it mean to be saved? Ask five people and you will probably hear five different answers. Some may respond by saying:  “Just believing in God”; “Doing good to others”; “Going to church”; “Paying your tithes” or “Witnessing to others”. While all of these are good things, none of them alone cause a person to be saved. The only place to find the truth about this subject of salvation is to read God’s book, the Bible, the Word of God.

     In Acts 16, we find the story of Paul and Silas being thrown into prison (vs. 25). As they began to sing praises to God, God sent an earthquake causing the prison doors to open, and the prisoners’ chains to fall off. When the jailor realized what had happened, he became afraid, and prepared to kill himself. Paul then called out to him, assuring him that no one had escaped. Verses 29-30 say, “He sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. He brought them out, and said, sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The word “saved” is interesting. It means “to save, heal, cure, preserve, to keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.” In primitive cultures it was simply translated “to give new life” and “to cause to have a new heart.”

In Romans 1:16, Paul uses the word “salvation.” He said, “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” This word, salvation, means “deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, and general well-being.” Though these two words are different, their definitions are the same. These definitions are literally telling us that “salvation,” “being saved,” is a present day possession with a greater realization in the future. Being “saved” is much more than just a “ticket to heaven.” Thank God for heaven! It is a real place. Jesus is soon to return for His children, and we will live with Him forever in heaven. But, being “saved” also helps us while living in this present world. It provides joy in the midst of weakness, and comfort in a time of storms.

Yes, salvation is a present day reality and you can experience it. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Paul answered the jailor’s question with these words, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”

 

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