WATCHWORD:
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. 19 For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. 20-21 For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay —the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy. 22 For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. 23 And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die. 24 We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have—for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust that he will get it. 25 But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:18-25
Meditation:
Salvation?
Salvation? What is that? How would you define it? The basic meaning of salvation is “rescue,” that is being delivered from something. However, the Biblical definition is just a little different. Salvation is not just about being saved from something, but also being saved for something.
Okay, but that does cause us to wonder, what are we being saved from and what are we being saved for?
I’m a preacher’s kid. As an adult, before I accepted Christ as Savior, I thought I was being a Christian by being a good person. That was my whole focus. When I accepted Jesus, I thought I had done it all…I was a forever Christian. Then I led an adult Sunday School class on CS Lewis’, Case for Christ, and I realized that there was more. Cursillo kicked the door open a little wider, and the concept and practice of “Fourth Day” opened my eyes still further.
I think the answer to the question of what are we being saved from or for, rests in the little phrase, the righteousness of God. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he makes the statement “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:21) Note the words “might become,” which is there for us to accept, it is our decision.
There is a big difference between a person embracing a religion-based biblical discipline, and living the life that Christ has laid out for us. God did not create religions, those were all designed and created by humans and their understanding of the Bible. One hundred percent attendance in a church on Sunday, might be credited to you by the congregation or the pastor, but that is not what God is looking at. He is looking at our love for others and for ourselves.
Christ died for all of our sins on that cross, yet not everyone in the world is enjoying a loving relationship or intimacy with God. Why? Because not everyone has acted on the gift of righteousness that Christ offers. Yet, it is only the person who lives a life of the righteousness of God each day, boldly, without fear, shame, or guilt that enjoys intimacy with God.
We have been rescued from sin, and saved for the righteousness of God. That is Salvation! Hallelujah! Amen.
Special Notice:
The topic of the Watchword for Monday, July 24, entitled “Does God Curse Us?” was suggested by a subscriber to this network. I would encourage anyone to suggest a topic that could be explored from a Biblical standpoint and offered as a Meditation in an issue of Watchword. I must say that such suggestions are quire helpful, because there are times when my well is dry or my brain is drawing a blank! 😳. Thank you. Stan
Salvation Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and for answering my prayer.S
