The Question Of Salvation: What Question?
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:19-20 (NKJV)
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'
Matthew 19:25 (NKJV)
For many, the question of salvation is NOT a question. Christians believe with sprinkling, immersion, confession, or surrender to Jesus, we’re saved by faith to everlasting life. The comfort of this faith exceeds measure. It brings peace beyond our understanding.
But for others (like me), questions remain. 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!' (Mark 9:24). While I’m ceaselessly grateful to Jesus, I lived 51 years on the outside. I won’t take any risks. Still… if I’m a Spirit-filled believer, where's the risk? Can salvation actually be lost?
In this light, consider two words: faith and works.
Jesus said, 'Your faith has saved you. Go in peace' (Luke 7:50).
Because 'Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him' (Hebrews 11:6).
Surely, faith is CRUCIAL for salvation. But what about works? Can Christians have one without the other?
Paul says, 'By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Also, 'To him who does not work but believes on Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness' (Romans 4:5).
What about the sinner saved on the cross? 'He said to him, 'Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise' ' (Luke 23:43). What works did he have?
James says, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works' (James 2:18).
Jesus warns, 'Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in Heaven will enter' (Matthew 7:21).
In Bible debates, I study Jesus: 'The Mediator' (Hebrews 9:15): 'The Author and Finisher of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2). As 'The Beginning and the End' (Revelation 22:13), He doesn’t just pose every big question. He also provides every right answer.
'To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 13:11).
How? Jesus made Himself an open Book: 'The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us' (John 1:14). Then He offered us an invitation: 'Come, follow Me' (Matthew 4:19).
We are wise if we do.
The Question Of Salvation: What Question? (Part 1)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.