How can a sinner be saved from the judgment to come? Part 1
In Part 1 we will provide a biblical answer to the question. In Part 2 we will look at this verse through the eyes of a child.
Today’s Verse includes five components that simplify salvation to its most basic structure. First, “Come!” The person who comes to a new place is quite obviously leaving the old place. That is essentially what the Bible means by repentance (change of mind leading to a change in direction). The prodigal son’s repentance included leaving the hog pen (Luke 15). Symbolically, the hog pen represented his sinful life of rebellion against God. If the prodigal does not come, he will remain where he is. He cannot come unless he first leaves. Are you, dear sinner, ready to give up your own way and come to the cross? Have you reached the end of yourself?
Second, “whosoever” includes all of us. No one is unsavable. Christ died for all that all might receive forgiveness of sins (1 John 2:1-2). “All” includes the desperate criminal that was crucified with Jesus. “All” even included the other desperate criminal who railed against Jesus with his dying breath. Jesus died for him, too. He was savable but not saved.
Third, “wills” or “desires” expresses a commitment of the human will to the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:12 promises, “But as many as RECEIVED (act of the will) Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” People can’t be saved against their will. The song expresses this issue in these words, “Our Lord in pity lingers still, And wilt thou thus His love requite? Renounce at once thy stubborn will, Be saved, O tonight.” As for me, I went to church on Thursday, January 14, 1965 DESIRING to get saved…and I was!
The word “take” means that salvation must be appropriated by the sinner. Such an action as “receiving” (see above) or “taking” is not classified as a human work by the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2:8) but as an act of faith. The sinner takes or receives Christ in faith, believing that God’s way will work! The Old Testament counterpart is the act of the sinner applying the blood of the sacrificial Passover lamb (Exodus 12) to his doorpost (representative of his heart). Remember: It is not enough to know the Christ of the cross can save! It is only enough if the sinner applies or appropriates the blood to his soul! “Plunge in today and be made complete, Glory to His name!”
Last, “freely” is a grace word emphasizing “not of works which we have done but by the washing of regeneration (being born again) He has saved us.” Man adds nothing to salvation. Man can add nothing to the cross nor can he buy it. All man can do is plead or appropriate the sacrifice of Jesus as payment for his sin.
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17
Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He has pastored for nearly forty years in both bi-vocational and full-time roles. He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”
0 Comments