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Salvation only in Christ

 

The apostle Paul stated that God has “…blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3). I love easy math. If all spiritual blessings are in Christ, then it is right to conclude that there are no spiritual blessings found outside of Christ.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul identified one of these spiritual blessings. He wrote, “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10). Returning once again to easy math, we can safely conclude that if salvation is in Christ, there is no salvation to be found outside of Christ.

This lesson is taught throughout Scripture by various illustrations. For example, salvation was found in the ark that Noah built. Right before the flood waters came upon the earth, the Scriptures records, “So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16). Inside the ark was safety. Outside the ark was death and destruction.

Salvation was also found in the home of Rahab. The two spies told her, “So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him.” (Joshua 2:19) Salvation was only for those found in the home of Rahab. Outside her home was certain death and destruction.

Likewise, it is the same for mankind today. Salvation is only found in Christ. Outside of Christ there is certain death and destruction. Paul stated, “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed for heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

The question is, “How does one enter Christ for the salvation of his soul?” Paul provides the answer. He wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27).

Until one has been baptized into Christ, they have yet to be clothed with Christ. They may have placed their faith in Jesus and made the decision to die to sin and live for God. While salvation cannot be accomplished apart from these steps, it is imperative that we follow through with all God has commanded before our soul is properly secured in Christ. Once our soul is in Christ, we can be confident of our salvation (1 John 5:13) and know that our eternal future is secure.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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