Salvation, Gotta Have It...

Salvation is like the reset button for your life. It is a new start much like the old reset button on video games. It is defined as being rescued from damnation or destruction. When you see that definition, you should be able to see that this is a very important topic.

Before you can be rescued, you have to realize you need help. Imagine that you saw someone swimming and thought they were drowning. Think about what would happen if you tried to pull them out of the water, if they didn't think they were drowning. The swimmer would think you had lost your mind!

Now, imagine that same situation except the swimmer knows he/she is drowning. Instead of thinking you are crazy, they will be very grateful!

So, here is why you need help (why you are drowning). GOD created the world and each one of us. HE gave us a set of rules to live by which are known as the ten commandments. These commandments are found in Exodus chapter 20:

1. You shall have no other god before me.

2. You shall not make an idol.

3. You shall not misuse the name of GOD.

4. You shall keep the sabbath holy.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not lie.

10. You shall not covet your neighbors' possessions.

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we have all broken at least one of those rules. GODs' Word says that as far as HE is concerned, if you have broken one of them you have broken all of them. The breaking of the rules is called sin. GOD said the penalty for sin is death. Because of that sin, we require salvation (rescue). GOD TAKES THIS VERY SERIOUSLY!

Therefore, HE sent His Son to keep the rules for us. His name is JESUS and He came to this earth and took our place. He lived without breaking any of those rules. Then, He went and paid the price (which we already said was death) for our not being able to keep the rules. That act of dying in our place, is referred to as atonement for sins and is a gift from GOD. He was sacrificed (crucified) and buried in a tomb. GOD raised Him from the dead and He went into heaven. For that reason, we have the hope of eternal life in heaven. But, there are a few reasonable requirements to receive that gift.

The next requirement for salvation is to repent. That is admitting that we have sinned, turning away from that sin and choosing to obey. We are also given a promise that we will be given a gift to help us obey.

That gift is referred to as the HOLY SPIRIT. We receive that gift after we take the first step in obedience. That first step is called baptism.

Then, just as JESUS rose from the tomb, you rise from the water. This symbolizes being raised from the dead just like GOD raised Jesus.

When we come back up two things happen. First, we are a new creation. We come back up and receive the title of children of GOD. Second, we receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit who becomes our "life coach".

We welcome our newest sisters in Christ, Monet and Brigette from Alabama. We rejoice with the angels in heaven over their decisions to make Jesus the lord of their lives.