What Does It Mean To Be Saved? (Part II)
Date: 5/4/2011
Speaker: Pastor Johnny Moore
Salvation is truly a “present day reality!” It is an encounter with Almighty God that not only assures us of eternity in heaven, but also of victory today.
As we looked at Acts 16 last week, we found a man, searching for salvation. He came to Paul and Silas and said (vs. 30) “… What must I do to be saved?” By looking at this story, we see at least 4 things that are required to be saved. Let’s look…
#1—A Resignation of Personal Lordship: In verse 30, the jailor said, “What must I do to be saved?” He came to the realization that he could not save himself, and let me add, neither can you. You are not God, and cannot provide your own eternal salvation. Romans 3:10 says, “...There is none righteous, no not one…” Trying to save ourselves is like trying to get clean using dirty water and a dirty rag. It just doesn’t happen. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
#2—A Confession of Lordship of Jesus: In response to the jailor’s question, Paul answers (vs. 31), “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” In order to believe on Jesus, He must be your Lord. The word “believe” means “to trust in; be fully convinced of; to acknowledge; to rely on.” You see, believing on Jesus is much more than just knowledge of church doctrines or articles of faith. Believing on Jesus expresses a reliance upon, and includes a positive confession of the Lordship of Jesus. It is more than saying, “I believe in God.” James 2:19 says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Jesus said (John 14:1), “Ye believe in God? Believe also in me…” Romans 10:9-10 explains it well “… That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” While confession of sin is important, a confession of sin alone will not save. There must be a confession of Jesus as Lord.
Do you realize today that no matter how smart you are, you cannot save yourself? Do you understand that no matter how hard you work, you can never earn God’s salvation? Jesus Christ is mankind’s only Savior, and He has given Himself to you as a gift. Reach out and receive Him as your Lord today.
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