Non-Negotiables: Salvation
The Gospel (The Good News) is this:
We are a fallen creation, born with a sinful nature
We, by this nature, need reconciliation to God
Jesus Christ, the son of God, became incarnate, and lived a sinless life
He gave himself as the payment for redemption
Because of HIS life, HIS death and HIS resurrection, redemption has been paid for
It then becomes our option (because of free will) to, either:
Live in the reality of this redemption in our lives to eternal life with God - heaven.
Deny the reality of this redemption in our lives to eternal separation from God - hell.
We would call this being "Saved"
So the question today is: "What does it mean to be "SAVED"?
Here's what Romans 10:9-13 says:
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 10:9–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
We can deduct then, that all I have to do to be saved is:
Believe it, and say it
confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
EASY! - Right?
With this reality, then salvation is an extravagant gift
John 3:16 comes to life! God SO loved that he GAVE his son!
If that is so, how do we handle something like Matthew 7:
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 7:21–23). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
In other words, Jesus said that it is possible to say the right words and do the right things, and never have a saving relationship with him.
I want to bring to attention the MAJOR theological divide that exists here:
It's the idea of Free Grace vs Lordship Salvation
Free Grace - in it's absolute form says: If you believe it, and confess it - it's done. Forever. Period.
Lordship Salvation - in it's absolute form says: There is no salvation apart from Lordship. If he's not Lord then he's not savior.
If you are not actively following Jesus - you're not actively saved.
Lordship Salvation would cite: Philippians 2:
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 2:12–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
So, get to work, right!?
Here’s the free Grace rebuttle:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV): 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Lordship Salvation would say, “But what about...”
Romans 6:15 (ESV): 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
And....
2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV): 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
These two ideas are constantly pulling in opposite directions:
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CAR THAT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT?
Our nature is like that, it is constantly pulling to one side!
Pulling toward Free Grace:
I said the prayer!
I believed it!
I took care of it a long time ago - It was free! It was easy! I haven’t had to worry about it since!
Pulling toward Lordship Salvation:
Is always asking: "What have you done today?"
It is always giving "angry eyes"
It is pulling toward the idea that we can do enough to be saved - prideful and arrogant
The dangers in our local culture is not that of paganism, atheism, or even agnosticism.
The dangers in our local culture are those of apathy and religion. Which are extreme expressions of free grace and Lordship Salvation!
Apathy puts our will at the center of worship
Religion puts our work at the center of worship
True Christianity puts Jesus Christ at the center of our worship!
As we talk about what we believe - This is my non-negotiable:
We want to be a church that wants more of Jesus!
What does it mean to be saved?
It means, His grace was free and He's the Lord of my life
It means that it isn't so free that I take him off the throne of my heart
It means that I couldn't earn it if I wanted to
Salvation means that my life is oriented toward Christ and I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to make me more like Him.
