True Salvation
True salvation in the Bible refers to the act of being delivered from sin and its consequences, resulting in a restored relationship with God. This concept is rooted in the understanding of humanity's fallen state due to sin, as articulated in Romans 3:23, which states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." True salvation is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The New Testament emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, not based on human works, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which declares, "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."Additionally, true salvation encompasses a transformation of life, where believers are called to live in accordance with God's will. This transformative aspect is evident in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." The assurance of salvation is also highlighted in Romans 10:9-10, which outlines the necessity of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. Ultimately, true salvation leads to eternal life (John 3:16), enabling believers to live in the hope and assurance of their identity in Christ, marked by a relationship characterized by love, obedience, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
True Salvation13
The Refuge of Lies
By Charles Finney0PSA 119:11ISA 28:17MAT 11:28JHN 8:32ROM 6:222CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:8JAS 1:221JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the futility of seeking refuge in lies, highlighting that true salvation must come from a genuine turning away from sin and towards God. He argues that many people cling to false hopes and self-righteousness, mistaking them for truth, while the only true refuge is found in Christ, which transforms the heart and leads to holiness. Finney warns that any belief system that does not save from sin is a 'refuge of lies' and will ultimately fail. He calls on sinners to abandon these deceptive refuges and seek the true salvation that only Jesus can provide, urging them to experience a real relationship with Him.
The Gospel of Satan
By A.W. Pink0GAL 1:6A.W. Pink warns against the deceptive nature of Satan's gospel, which closely imitates the true Gospel of Christ, leading many to believe they are saved while they are not. He emphasizes that this counterfeit gospel promotes salvation through works and human merit, rather than through faith and repentance in Christ. Pink highlights the danger of false teachings that minimize sin and neglect the need for true transformation and submission to God's authority. He calls for self-examination among believers to ensure they are not deceived by the subtle tactics of the enemy. Ultimately, Pink urges the necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ, marked by repentance and a desire for His lordship in our lives.
Wanting Jesus (Hearing His Voice, and Receiving "So Great salvation.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel1ACT 3:26EPH 4:13EPH 4:15PHP 2:12HEB 2:3Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of truly wanting Jesus and hearing His voice to experience the fullness of salvation. He critiques the superficiality of many who attend church without genuine transformation, urging believers to grow into the likeness of Christ rather than merely seeking blessings. Waldvogel warns against complacency in faith, highlighting that true salvation involves a deep, personal relationship with God that leads to holiness and righteousness. He calls for a revival of desire for Christ Himself, rather than the gifts He provides, stressing that many are deceived by their own spiritual complacency. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to awaken to the reality of their faith and the greatness of their salvation.
Hosanna!
By Phil Beach Jr.1737:11MAT 21:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the true meaning of 'Hosanna' during Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, clarifying that Jesus did not come to establish a political kingdom but to save humanity from sin and self. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their reasons for calling on Jesus, urging them to seek deliverance from their own sinful nature rather than external circumstances. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as King in our hearts and the necessity of clinging to the cross for true transformation. Beach Jr. calls for a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ, which involves dying to self and living through Him. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to embrace the true essence of salvation, which is found at the foot of the cross.
On Refuges of Lies
By Charles Finney0PSA 46:1ISA 28:17MAT 7:24JHN 8:32ROM 6:222CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:8JAS 1:221JN 1:9Charles Finney emphasizes the futility of seeking refuge in lies, highlighting that many people are aware of their sinfulness yet choose to hide behind false hopes rather than turning to God for true salvation. He argues that any belief system that does not lead to genuine transformation from sin is a 'refuge of lies' and ultimately worthless. Finney stresses that true salvation must produce holiness, love, and a deep connection with God, and warns against relying on outdated experiences or self-righteousness. He calls on sinners to abandon these deceptive refuges and seek the true refuge found in Christ, who alone can save from sin and provide everlasting life.
Experimental Salvation
By A.W. Pink0ISA 53:3JON 2:9MAT 13:20JHN 15:5ROM 5:6ROM 8:8EPH 2:8A.W. Pink emphasizes that true salvation is entirely the work of the Lord, planned by the Father, purchased by the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit. He warns that many in Christendom may believe they are saved while lacking a genuine experience of divine grace in their hearts. Pink distinguishes between intellectual belief and a heartfelt relationship with Christ, stressing that true faith and repentance are gifts from God, not mere human efforts. He highlights the necessity of God's sovereign grace in effecting salvation, as humans are incapable of achieving it on their own. Ultimately, Pink calls for self-examination to ensure one's faith is rooted in a true, transformative experience of God's grace.
Soundly Saved - Kirk's Hbks
By Kirk Cameron3.1K57:26PSA 19:7MRK 10:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example in biblical evangelism. He refers to the story of the Woman at the Well in John chapter 4 as a beautiful example of how Jesus engaged in conversation, starting with natural topics and transitioning to spiritual matters. The speaker also mentions the use of gospel tracts, specifically a million dollar bill, as a tool to initiate conversations about the gospel. He highlights the need to present the full gospel message, including God's holiness, sin, God's punishment, and the mercy and compassion of God demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
An Exclusive Attachment
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:24LUK 9:62JHN 14:6GAL 2:20PHP 3:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of a profound and exclusive attachment to Christ for true salvation, warning against the casual and painless approaches to soul winning that lack depth and understanding. He argues that many who superficially 'accept' Christ do so without a genuine commitment, equating it to accepting any other figure for convenience. Tozer insists that a true relationship with Jesus requires a revolutionary transformation where He becomes the central focus of one's life, demanding complete devotion and surrender.
The Nature of Christ's Salvation Misrepresented by the Present-Day "evangelist."
By A.W. Pink0MAT 1:21JHN 8:34ROM 6:232CO 5:17GAL 5:13EPH 2:1TIT 2:14HEB 9:281PE 2:241JN 1:9A.W. Pink emphasizes that the contemporary portrayal of Christ's salvation is fundamentally flawed, focusing on escaping hell rather than being liberated from sin. He argues that many desire to avoid eternal punishment without a genuine yearning for deliverance from their sinful nature and worldly desires. Pink highlights that true salvation is for those who recognize the gravity of their sin and seek freedom from its control, as indicated in Matthew 1:21, which states that Jesus saves His people from their sins. He warns that to save those who love sin would be to misrepresent Christ's holy nature and purpose.
A Salvation Message
By Joseph Carroll2641:08MAT 5:3Joseph Carroll emphasizes the profound teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the concept of blessedness that contradicts worldly values. He explains that true blessedness comes from being poor in spirit, mourning for one's sins, and exhibiting meekness, which leads to a reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency. Carroll challenges listeners to examine their lives for genuine hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, and purity of heart, asserting that these qualities are essential for true salvation. He warns against superficial Christianity and urges a complete renunciation of self to embrace the Lordship of Christ, highlighting the importance of being a new creation in Him. The sermon concludes with a call to respond to God's offer of salvation and to live a life that reflects true faith.
Partaker or Believer
By Major Ian Thomas1054:58ROM 10:8Major Ian Thomas explores the distinction between being a mere believer and a true partaker in the faith, emphasizing that faith is not just intellectual assent but an active engagement that allows God to work in our lives. He explains that faith comes from truly hearing the Word of God, which must be mixed with action to be effective. Thomas warns against the danger of being a believer at the 'petrol pump,' where one acknowledges the truth but fails to act on it, thus missing the transformative power of faith. He encourages listeners to invite Jesus into their lives, allowing Him to be their Redeemer and to share in the divine nature, thus experiencing the fullness of salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to mix their faith with the truth of the Gospel for a genuine relationship with Christ.
A Smooth Silken Way to Hell
By Thomas Brooks0MAT 7:21ROM 3:28GAL 2:16EPH 2:8PHP 3:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than merely performing religious duties. He illustrates that true acceptance, justification, and reconciliation with God come from a relationship with Christ, not from the reliance on our own works. Brooks warns that trusting in our duties can lead us astray, creating a deceptive path that ultimately leads to destruction. He encourages believers to deny self-reliance and instead find joy and fulfillment in Jesus alone.
O God!
By K.P. Yohannan0LUK 18:18ROM 14:23K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the futility of living by sight rather than by faith, using Mahatma Gandhi as an example of someone who, despite his adherence to the Sermon on the Mount, ultimately did not place his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. He illustrates that mere obedience to laws, like that of the rich young ruler, does not equate to true faith, as the Bible states that 'whatever is not from faith is sin.' Yohannan warns that many Christians today may be engaged in ministry that appears good but lacks the foundation of faith, which is essential for God's blessing. He calls for believers to ensure that their actions align with God's will and are rooted in faith, as this is the only way to function effectively in God's kingdom.