“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
The majority of Americans claim some form of Christianity. Yet, less than two percent view their lives and the world through the lens of Scripture. So, most people are counting on going to Heaven when they die but they do not believe what the Bible says about how to get there. Nor do their lives reflect the life of Christ. Current cultural thinking can’t change God’s character or our nature, which means that salvation is unchanged.
First, salvation is still found exclusively in Jesus. In today’s cultural climate, saying that Jesus is the only way to Heaven will quickly get you labeled as narrow-minded and intolerant. But Jesus is very clear in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Also, salvation is still an act of grace and faith. Ephesians 2:8 says plainly, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Jesus illustrated this with the woman who washed his feet with her tears. After graciously forgiving her sins, He said, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). Genuinely possessing the saving faith of Jesus Christ compels us to profess that faith openly (Romans 10:9-10).
And salvation still has transforming power. Second Corinthians 5:17 describes this transformation as being a new creation in Christ. Faith in Christ Jesus not only changes who we are, it also changes what we do and why we do it. All the things that are prominent in the life of Christ should be prominent in our lives—obedience, forgiveness, service, kindness, compassion, and sacrifice. Salvation is the life of Jesus in the life of the believer. The Lord then empowers us to accomplish His work through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
So, if you profess to be a Christian, how does your faith match up to what Scripture says about salvation? Biblical salvation is so much more than avoiding Hell and getting into Heaven, although that’s pretty important. Salvation is Jesus coming out of Heaven and getting into us. Believing Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins is a starting place, not just a holding place until we die. Cultural trends regarding spirituality will come and go, but salvation is unchanged, and it always will be.
Read the previous devotion in this series: Forgiveness is Unchanged
Read the next devotion in this series: The Lord’s Promise to Return is Unchanged