Saved??

Truths from I Peter…

4:1, God suffered in flesh for others.

3:18, It was the just dying for unjust – it was One perfect, faithful and true dying for sinners, rebels, prideful, and enemies.

3:22, Jesus died, rose and is now exalted to God and exercising all power.

3:12, There are but two groups of people.  In which group are you by God’s standard?

So, a most important question for every single person, “Are you in?”  “Are you truly saved?”

1:9, Salvation is by faith!

II Corinthians 13:5-6, It is critical to examine one’s self to know for sure that one has genuine faith and is thus truly saved.

So, what are the truths embraced in saving faith?

1:18-21

1. v 18, not saved by things/money, doings, or traditions
2. v 19, salvation is in the work of Jesus on a cross of torture and death
3. v 19b, Jesus was sinless and obedient – well pleasing to God
4. v 20, Jesus’ death was God’s plan from the beginning

            Ephesians 1:3, God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world

            Revelation 13:8, names written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world

            Hebrews 10:5, a body was prepared for the mission to do God’s will

5. v 20, Jesus was manifest – made visible – Merry Christmas!

(Jesus came to His own, John 1:11 – He was NOT A REFUGEE!)

6. v 20c, “for you” – Jesus came on mission to save some
7. v 21, salvation is only through Jesus – John 14:6, “I am the way!”
8.  v 21, faith believes in God who is triune, creator, sustainer and sovereign meaning that He even rules over pain, loss, death and Satan!
9. v 21b, God accepted Jesus’ work and declared so by His resurrection to glory

1:21c, such is the basis for faith and hope

Saving Faith embraces all nine points – do you?  Are you saved?

And Saving Faith shows in Hope and Love.

Hope – True Faith accepts God’s ways in life now and anticipates the next life.

1:7, Faith accepts trials, fires, pain and loss as God works.

God allows, limits and uses the “negative” for His glory and in His program in part so that saving faith is known both by the one saved and by others.

If saved, the God who conquered death also conquers fear, demons, angers and troubles.

If saved, there is a look past this life to the time of death.  Saving Faith anticipates:

1. Praise – “Well Done”
2. Honor – a crown
3. Glory – “Enter rest!” Enter eternal bliss, love, joy, peace, beauty and rich purpose.

Faith is eagerly waiting for Him, Hebrews 9:28.

Faith is preparing daily to see Jesus, I John 3:2-3.

Love – True Faith LOVES Jesus and it is known!

1:8, Faith greatly loves Jesus even though not seen.  One truly saved is amazed, ponders upon, is taken by, thinks on, dreams of and often, and boldly talks of Jesus.

Loving Jesus means there is a great desire to please, to serve and to honor Jesus.

Saving Faith has a great joy, even an overflowing joy in God and Jesus.

So, are you saved?  Are you of a Faith that saves?