Salvation Is A Package: Not A Pick And Choose Bazaar!
Matthew 25
KJV
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
In a conversation with a young sister, the issue of salvation came up, and this influenced this write-up. Some members believe that they are saved because they do or observe certain practices.
Practices such as regular church attendance, observance of the Lord’s supper, free will giving as against tithing, singing without the accompaniment of instruments and the like.
I was “ worried “ and disturbed in spirit by what I heard as the basis for our salvation! Beloved salvation is a package, it is like a soup. Its taste is the result of the inclusion of many ingredients!
The activities that make our salvation complete are in two categories, the inner and outer activities. What the lady mentioned above is the inner activities, without the outer salvation is not complete.
The inner activities are done regularly whether sincerely or otherwise, only God knows. Some attend church regularly, do take the Lord’s supper alright but are very wicked and evil in heart and mind.
Some break the bread, drink of the cup but harbor evil in their hearts against the next person sitting by her/him on the pew! Sundays are occasions where hypocrisy is on display!
Maybe it would be better to name Sunday, “Hypocrisy Day”. But out of reverence for the Lord, such a name may not be proper! .
We see it, we know it etc but we are unable to speak! And you are telling me that just by breaking the bread and drinking the wine one is saved?
Beloved , we came to this understanding because we have “ overhyped “ and “oversimplified” the following verses
John 6
KJV
54+ Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Truth be told these passages or practices are part of the salvation package and not a stand-alone! It is like baptism, if you are baptized and you do not lead a Christlike life will baptism alone save you?
You belong to the church with a biblical name yet your life/deeds etc do not reflect that of Christ! Will the church’s name alone save you?
Many have been misled into believing that there are some essentials which when done or observed salvation is guaranteed to them. Beloved, salvation is a package made up is many parts none is a stand-alone. All must be observed
Those who were questioned in the lesson text did you hear mention baptism or worship? They were questioned on the externals, benevolent acts!
Those who were condemned because they never practiced benevolence will surely protest their condemnation, they are like some of us who think salvation is about “ true worship” True worship is part of the package!
Listen to Paul concerning love as an example ;
1 Corinthians 13:2-3
NIV
[2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
[3] If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
It is our character outside the church building and that which we display in the building both put together make us acceptable in the Lord.
If you don’t make the grade/mark to Heaven please don’t say you were not told. Salvation is not a pick-and-choose buffet dinner. It is a package, you accept all or leave it!
Do not be deceived into believing that what is done on Sundays is all that is required. Now you know advise yourself!