Salvation 101, 6of6

~ The Benefits of the Right Choice ~

Point number one is that everyone is a sinner.  The second reality is that no one is capable of saving themselves.  Third, we saw that all sin has a penalty.  Then we pointed out that there are only two options to pay the penalty.  The fifth reality is that there are only two final destination options (hell or heaven).  This brings us to sixth important fact that there are extremes in the benefits / disadvantages of those two destinations. 

The Basic Reality  ~  All of life teaches that choices have consequences.  This is true not only in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm.  The Old Testament makes this clear, "Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Genesis 9:6a).  The New Testament states, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

“But I Can’t Have Faith In Something I Don’t Fully Understand!”  ~  Do you really believe that?  Have you ever driven across a massive bridge without understanding all of the mechanical and civil engineering aspects that were involved in its design?  Did you exercise faith in the designers and cross the bridge?  Have you ever flown in an airplane without a full understanding of aeronautics and thermodynamics?  You exercised faith in the designers and the production personnel of that airplane.  Many in our contemporary society believe all of life and the material universe is a product of evolution—now that takes a lot of faith!  The most intricate designs known to man had no designer!  Really?  The Bible clearly states that we were created by God and for God.  God loves us and wants us to love Him back. 

The Sixth Point About Salvation  ~  Just like the rest of life spiritual choices, or the lack of consciously making a choice, have consequences.  What so many do not understand is that there are benefits that come with salvation from Jesus Christ in regard to the past, the present, and the future. 

past:  When the penalty of your sin has been paid in full then you no longer need to have guilt.  “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).  Think about it… aren’t you glad He didn’t say the north is from the south?

present:  With guilt gone you have peace with God, a deep personal peace and joy, and wonderful fellowship with God and your new brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jesus said,

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). 

future:  As a Christian you are guaranteed a wonderful and never-ending future in heaven with the Creator.  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Additional Scripture  ~  God knew that as humans we would have doubts even after accepting His salvation.  So at the time of our decision to accept His great offer He gives us a deposit on our inheritance.  “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee [or the down payment] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11-14).

concluding thought  ~  This series of six posts has dealt with the most important issue all individuals face during their life on earth.  No decision is a decision to ignore God and end up in a place of never-ending torment.  If you are undecided and would like to know more you may contact me or click on this link to The Story of Jesus.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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