The Things that Accompany Salvation 1

Hebrew 6:1-9, Romans 8:1-4

Message No. 0744 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

Writing to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul (hope there is no debate about the writer of this epistle), mentioned that there needed to be a departure from discussions about the elementary principles of Christ, onto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. Instead, the apostle would like to see better things concerning the Hebrews, things that accompany salvation. One may ask, what are the things that accompany salvation? In the next few weeks, we will review some of the things that should be evident in the life of a saved child of God.

We can probably all agree that one of the first things that accompany salvation is Freedom from Guilt. As we all know, the principal reason why Christ came to save us is that we were guilty. We were guilty of sin, of unrighteousness, of disobedience and of all kinds of evil. If we weren’t guilty, there would have been no need for a Savior. We would have been perfect before God. But far from it, we were lost in our iniquities, we were separated from God and heading for destruction. In His mercies, God sent His only Son to die for us, because we would otherwise not be able to pay the price for our sins.

What does the death of Christ for us mean then? It means that, though we were guilty, Christ paid the price of sin for us, cleansing us and removing our guilty judgement in the process.  There is probably no passage in the Bible that captures our freedom from guilt more clearly than Romans chapter 8, verses 1 – 4, which state:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Before an individual gives his or her life to Christ, there is most likely a heavy burden of guilt emanating from the life of sin and disobedience that the person has lived. If this guilt is absent, then repentance can not be evident, and without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. The person that has no guilt of sin cannot be saved, else, one might ask, saved from what?

The laws of most countries permit presidents or governors to pardon offenders who have been convicted of their sins and who may even be in prisons as a result of such convictions. If they did not receive this pardon, though they finish serving their prison sentences, they are still guilty in the eyes of the world and would most certainly be constrained as to what they can do and the privileges they can enjoy after their prison sentences. Some might find it impossible to find gainful employment because employers would still be looking at them as convicted felons. However, when they are pardoned, every sense of guilt is removed, and no employer can use their offences against them.

It's the same approach that is used in Christianity. When you are saved, there is a burden that is lifted off your shoulders. God no longer holds anything against you, and the book of remembrance is wiped off concerning your sins. There is no condemnation for you, the moment you receive forgiveness from God based on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you saved yet? Have you given your life to Christ or are you still carrying the load of sin? In Matthew 11:28, Jesus beckons “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What better time to give your life to Christ than this season of Christmas. He paid the price for you, why should you carry your guilt any further? If you accept this offer, then I encourage you to pray the prayer in the box below, and join a Bible based church near you. You will begin to experience the things that accompany salvation. Merry Christmas to all our readers, and may God bless you all.

PLEASE ACT NOW:

If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:

Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!

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