William H. Smith January 28, 2002

1204 Christmas Tree Lane about 900 words

Pearce, Az. 85625

303-36-7671

(520) 826-1029

Saved

By

William H. Smith

Saved, isn’t that what everyone wants? Many claim to be atheists or agnostic, either they don’t believe there is a supreme being, or they say the religion the Christians claim is not provable. Therefore the planet earth, the planets surrounding earth, the sun, the stars, and the universe is nothing more than an accident. If it is nothing more than an accident then the life found on earth is nothing more than an accident, this would make all life meaningless. To destroy this life wouldn’t be a crime. To destroy life is a crime, this was established by the Bible, God’s world, and all the law today is stemmed from God’s law.

To be saved is to have everlasting life, in the presence of God, with Jesus Christ. Not to be saved is to have a everlasting torment, which is a separation from God. All things will never end, they will simply take a different form. The ultimate would be to have an everlasting relationship with God.

What does the Bible say about being saved? In the book of Matthew we find some answers; chapter 10:22, Jesus says, “And ye shall be hated of all for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Christians will be persecuted, tormented, and even killed for their beliefs, but if they will only endure the hardships, and stay steadfast in Christ they will be saved.

Mathew 19:23-26, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”. Jesus’ disciples heard, and they were amazed, saying, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus then said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”. The way is straight and narrow, but not impossible, you have only to believe. To believe far outreaches the ability of some humans to fathom, so they choose to disbelieve that any possibility of salvation is possible, as it is outlined in the Bible.

Matthew 24: 13,22, Jesus says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”. “And except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened”. Here we find if the ones saved will endure until the end they will be saved, this is rejecting the temptations of Satan. We find that the days of tribulations will be shortened to save even the saved ones, else they would turn towards Satan’s promises.

Let us go now to Mark and find understanding from his writings, Mark writes much of what Matthew has written, but with this exception. Mark 16:16. Jesus says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. This statement by Jesus makes it quite clear that we must believe and be baptized to be saved. By jumping ahead to John chapter three we find that we must also be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit. To be saved would be the first and only choice, the alternative would be unthinkable. If everything was to be put into a nut shell, Mark 16:16, would need the most inspection.

As we turn to Luke we find a woman who is a sinner, and who was saved by the word of Jesus Christ, not by grace as we are today. Luke 7:50, Jesus is speaking to the sinful woman, “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace”. Here Jesus uses his power to save the sinful woman, as he did the thief on the cross, that was crucified next to him. Today we are saved through grace by faith in Him.

John, first a disciple of John the Baptist, and then an Apostle of Jesus Christ. John was a bold outspoken Apostle for Jesus Christ, and was described as the disciple that Jesus loved. Jesus is describing that another is bearing witness of him. God had conferred upon Jesus the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, and proclaimed him to be his son. John 5:34, Jesus states, “But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved”. Jesus is making a statement that his authority is from God, not from himself. His mission is to save as many souls as want to be saved. John 10:7-9, Jesus speaks this parable, “Verily, verily, I say

unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out , and find pasture. Jesus is making it clear in this parable that he is the way to salvation, if we come to him we will be saved.

To be saved is a straight and narrow road, but a simple path to follow. After your salvation hold steadfast to your convictions.

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