Even in the post-Christian era in which we live, most Christians know John 3:16. It is the single most familiar verse in the Bible. Most Christians, however, are less familiar with John 3:17 which declares, "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him." In contemporary English this verse says "God dispatched Jesus on a rescue mission from heaven. His mission was to save sinners like us. There will come a time when He will judge the living and the dead but during this advent He comes to save not to judge."
So that begs the question, “what does it mean to be saved?” We use the term saved quite a lot, don’t we? We speak of the amount of money or time we’ve saved by which we mean profited. We read in the news about people being saved from floods, fires, wars, or hurricanes. This usage means rescued from harm. The New Testament word saved (Greek: sōzō) means “to cause someone to experience divine salvation (deliverance) from sin, spiritual death, and hell.” A second definition for saved is “to rescue from danger and to restore to a former state of safety and well-being.”
When Jesus went to the cross, He died to save sinners like you and me. We should have been the ones crucified for we are the ones who sinned. The Bible tells us that the soul that sins shall surely die (Ezekiel 18:4). Jesus was our substitute on the cross. He took our place and experienced death on our behalf so that if we believe in Him we will be saved and have everlasting life. Using the definitions for saved, Jesus delivered us from sin and eternal separation from God. He rescued us from hell and gave us new life.
Are you saved? I’m not asking if you’re religious or would say you’re a Christian. I’m asking is there a definite time in your life in which you cried out to God in prayer to save you. You realized you were spiritually lost and going to hell and you prayed for Him to rescue you and give you eternal life. Did you ever do that? If not, why not do it right now, this minute! Here’s a prayer that’s as simple as A-B-C. “Jesus I am a sinner. Your Word declares that:
A—All: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10). I know I’m a sinner. Please forgive me.
B—Believe: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is the Son of God who died for me.
C—Call: “Whoever will Call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Lord Jesus I call upon you. Save me!
If you prayed that prayer, the Bible says you are saved and are now in God’s family! That’s huge! Your eternal destiny has changed from hell to heaven. You now have your sins forgiven and new life. Finally, God has given you His Holy Spirit to live in you so you can live the Christian life. CONGRATULATIONS!
Praise God for His great salvation,
Irv