SALVATION ... What is it and what are we saved from?

Salvation ….. What is salvation?

The Oxford dictionary defines salvation as the “preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin or loss.” And it goes on to say that salvation in theology as “deliverance from sin and it’s consequences.”

As Christians, we know that salvation is a gift, given by God. It’s by His Grace alone, through Faith alone in Christ alone.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28

But what is the consequence from which we are saved from?

The answer is; eternal damnation, or very simply put; we are destined to go to hell.

The Scriptures give us a glimpse of what is hell.

"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Matthew 25:41 KJV 2016

and,

"And the devil that deceived them was

cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,

where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10 KJV 1769

and,

"But the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters,

and all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the death." Revelation 21:8 KJV 2016

Heres's another one,

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15 KJV 1769

But wait, there's more,

"Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked miracles before him, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." Revelation 19:20

Like it or not, hell is a real place or everlasting torment. There is no soul sleep, purgatory or annihilation. The doctrine of hell is ignored by many “feel good” pastors. Many go to church to have their ears tickled and still many more think hell is a scare tactic. Well, I don’t know about you but I’m scared of hell. I want nothing to do with it and I don’t want my loved ones going there. In fact, I don’t want anyone there.

But the sad reality is that the vast majority of all that ever lived are going there.

Jesus said;

"Enter in through the narrow gate; because, the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in through it.", the gate is narrow and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Matthew 7:13-14

Tomorrow isn’t promised, so take this opportunity to admit you are a lost sinner in need of salvation before it's too late. The Bible gives us many a warning throughout the old and new testaments.

Believe in our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, who died on the cross for our sins. He was buried and He rose again on the 3rd day according to the Scriptures. He ascended to Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end!

Repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness.

In closing:

The doctrine of hell is real and needs to be heard. It mustn't be swept under because of our societies sensitivities. There are prominent evangelists that ignore this doctrine in order to keep attendance up. Their church's are pep rallies for Jesus. Nothing more than an emotional high to keep them "coming back". All they want to focus on is a loving Jesus that love us no matter what.

And although it's true that "God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son". Make no mistake about it. There will be a coming Day of our Lord and He will put an end to all this sin. And we will be judged rightfully. And we will be held to account. We have a debt to pay and Jesus paid that debt for us but if you reject this most wondrous of gifts, then you will pay for your sins. And there is absolutely nothing we can do to pay for our sins on our own.

So don't reject our Lord's offer of Salvation. "It is by His Grace we are saved".

Peace be with you and Glory be to our Lord. Amen.