UNDERSTANDING SALVATION
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 3:5
Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God
The best illustration of salvation is the record we have in Acts chapters 10 and 11.
We still have some who believed that good works was enough to enter God's kingdom. Some believed it was being under the law.
What they do not understand is that both are students of grace. For without grace, you can neither do good or conquer the law.
Matthew 5:20
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Paul by the Holy Spirit was able to explain to us that it was God's grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For 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.
Cornelius in Acts 10 was a man known by God and man, as an upright man. He was described thus:
Acts 10:2
a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
* a devout man(Devoted to religion or to religious feelings and duties; absorbed in religious exercises; given to devotion; pious; reverent; religious.)
* feared God
* he gave to the needy
* he prayed continually
We can relate him to many others Abraham, Job, Moses, Elijah and many more of our elders of old.
Yet something was still missing.
No wonder Jesus told the Jews who doubted:
John 8:56
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
Today we have denominations here and there who have created laws and dogmas surrounding salvation. However as Jesus said one thing is key *Faith*
And how does it come?
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Abraham could hear God, that is why He could believe *selah.
Mary, Martha's sister was listening to Jesus and He said she made the right choice.
Luke 10:41-42
And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
"But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
So, Peter and the six other brethren went to Caesarea, I wonder what was in their mind. I am sure Peter was not expecting a sudden outflow. He may have been thinking of how long it will take to teach this people, what element to use to manifest the Holy Spirit. What doctrine to profer . . .
BUT . . .
Acts 10:44
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Wow . . .
Even Peter was taken unawares . . .
What happened?
The people where ready and eager to receive.
Acts 10:24
And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Just as it was recorded.
John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name
Glory to God!
Not of works so that anyone should boast!
Many have created many things and have called it salvation.
There is a walking after salvation, a life in Christ for the time we have to stay on this earth. But salvation is purely of Faith.
Have you been saved? Are you in the Spirit? There is no salvation without the Holy Spirit.
No matter how much deliverance, keeping of the law, communion, or other legalistic thing we practice, we must be saved. Reborn of the Spirit.
May God reveal His truth in every place of worship.
May it be all about God, not man and not a sect.
May the word of God spread to the whole world, that many be saved.
May we be ready!
And we say!
Come Lord Jesus come!
Revelations 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
May God bless you richly today.
He calls us blessed.
Love
@the watcher
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