Salvation
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
After our celebration of Christ's resurrection many of us are revived and ready to recommit ourselves to our Christian 'walk'. We go to church each Easter and hear the message, in our minds saying "we should come more often". Deep down we know our lives are missing something. Sorry, religion ain't it. Otherwise we wouldn't stop going again in a couple of weeks, only to return again at Christmas.
We need to look hard at our faith and our personal salvation. Now alot of people get mad if you question their faith. "I've been going to church all my life, of course I'm saved." or " it's none of your dang business when I got saved; that's between me and GOD." I'm not here to offend anyone. Just hear me out.
Being a member of a church or even regular attendance does not mean you are saved. Look around you. Probably over half the people in your church are not saved. Most are there for other reasons. They've been attending since they were kids; they want to raise their kids in church; they have friends at church; they like to listen to the choir; they feel obligated; yada yada yada. It's a social function, like being in a club. Some are even completely sincere, but think going to church is being saved, they simply don't know that there is alot more.
First of all, if you can't honestly remember a time when you actively made a decision to follow Christ, you probably need to consider it now. If you have never specifically asked Him into your life, go for it. Jesus said if you call on his name, he is faithful to respond. There is more, alot more. Right there in your own church. When Jesus comes into your heart you'll know it. Every thing will change. If you're not sure He's there, ask him in. See what happens. Those boring sermons you've been sleeping through will take on the excitement of the World Series. You'll want to talk about your faith. You'll get excited when someone asks you to tell them about your salvation.
When Jesus comes into your heart and fills you with the Holy Spirit you will be born again, a new creation. There will be no question of your salvation, of His forgiveness. You will know that you are saved and you will never forget that point in your life. It's like turning on a light in a dark room, you can remember the darkness but it is passed away and all you see is the Light. Sure there are still some shadows and dark corners left behind. That is the 'walk'. We spend our lives opening up all those dark places so the light may shine in. But we live in the light.
If you are unsure of your salvation, or can't remember a time when you gave your life to Jesus, I pray you will do it now. Cry out to Him, He will hear. Come as you are. You don't need to do anything first. We are saved by His grace not by our on worthiness. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. GOD loves you right now, right where you are, saved or unsaved. He loves you and wants you to come to Him. It is GOD's will that all be saved.
If you want Jesus in your life or have just asked Him in drop me a note. Call your Pastor if you have one. Get in a Christian chat room and talk about it. There are alot of wonderful people there who would love to hear about your salvation. The important thing is to share, and to find fellow Born Again Believers to fellowship with. Believe me, when the Holy Spirit fills you, you'll want to shout it from the roof tops.
Now for you old timers, here's the meat of that scripture.