What is Salvation?

“Can I lose my salvation?” I have heard that question many times. Unfortunately, the premise of the question is wrong!

The question really treats salvation like its an object or possession that we have. However, that is not really a biblical approach to the whole idea of salvation. Salvation is not an end result of the sinner’s prayer (something else that never occurs in scripture) but a door into a relationship with God. Salvation is gained through faith and by the grace of God. It is being saved from the eternal consequences of sin and separation from God.

The Bible is very clear about what it means to be ‘saved’ and the life we are to subsequently live. Two aspects stand out.

Sacrifice

Jesus was explicit about what was required.

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27, 33 (ESV)

Jesus’ audience knew what he was talking about. Taking up your cross was an undertaking only for those about to die. This is a call to die to self in order to follow Jesus. Not only did Jesus’ death on the cross provide the sacrifice for our sin, it also set an example of how we are to live.

We are to give up our opinions, preferences, comfort, agendas, plans and everything else we have to follow him. It is essential that we give all we have and all we are to him for his purposes and glory.

We can only do this with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our expression of surrender empowers his work in our lives to make that surrender a possibility. And makes the daily walk of surrender one of peace and joy as we rely on God’s power and presence.

Obedience

Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin. When we believe in Jesus, we obey him. Our obedience is the fruit of our faith in him. This passage makes the parallel between believing and obedience clear.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (Emphasis added) John 3:36 (ESV)

Clearly, when we surrender our lives, the only option is to believe in Jesus and obey him as we follow. When Jesus called his disciples he frequently used these words: follow me. To follow is to go where he leads and do what he wants us to do. When we are disobedient, we are demonstrating that we don’t trust that what he says is the best thing for our lives.

Salvation

Salvation is not a ticket to heaven. It’s not something we lock away so we don’t lose it. It’s not something we worry about losing at all!

Salvation is the result of believing in Jesus and then repenting of our sin so we can follow him. God’s word is available to us to teach us the way that Jesus is leading us to grow spiritually and become mature in him. As we digest his word and pray and worship, he further guides us in our individual lives and in his church. He is faithful.

Your turn

Have you surrendered? Do you truly believe? Take the next step today as you follow Jesus. Every day he leads and guides us. It’s up to us to pay attention to him.