The Salvation of God

Salvation is not gained from understanding what happened in Israel 2,000 years ago. It is not gained just by understanding that Jesus – on the cross – paid the punishment that we all deserve (Ephesians 1:7). When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment of all – He responded that you must “love the Lord your God with all your heart.” You must first come to know God, in order to authentically love Him. Upon learning about salvation, people who respond by standing back and observing – even admiring the salvation that God provides – do not gain that salvation for themselves.

Once a person really understands what God has done for them – the gift of salvation that He wants to give to you – the authentic response is usually profound. A believing response is to want to know more – there is a hunger to better know God. There often is a desire to understand what God has to say – to understand God’s word – to understand the Bible. This can be seen by believers congregating together, spending time together in fellowship or in a church setting. If these things have not been a part of your response to hearing about God’s salvation – that is greatly concerning.

But it is not too late! If you have come to believe that Jesus paid the penalty that you deserve – for sin – the death penalty paid on the cross, then it is time to act on that understanding. It is time to move forward. It is time to seek out fellowship with other believers. Being a member of the body of Christ is a group activity – it is not done alone. It is similar to a human body – when the legs exercise – the heart is meant to benefit. The parts of the human body also rely on each other.

In like manner when another believer speaks – the ears of those who hear are meant to benefit (Ephesians 4:29). This means that not only are you meant to have a love-relationship with God – but also to receive love from other believers. And once you have received the greatest form of love – love based on a firm covenant – then you will be ready to fulfill God’s greatest command – able to love anyone.

One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?”

Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)