Three Questions Regarding Salvation.
The humorous story is told of another baseball manger who
decided to play a rookie in right field one day. The regular fielder
wasn't happy about it and loudly makes it know from the bench
that it was a big mistake to play the kid.
As it turned out the rookie was so nervous that he messed up
big-time. He made a couple of errors and misjudged several other
fly balls that should have been called errors. Each time he messed
up, the veteran complained loudly from the bench.
Finally, late in the game the manager replaced the rookie with
the veteran, mostly to shut the veteran up. Not long after, the
veteran mishandled the first ball hit to him for an error. As
he came off the field at the end of the inning, everyone on the
bench got very quiet so they could hear what he would say.
The manager was waiting for the veteran, but before the manager
could address the man, the veteran ballplayer slammed his glove
down in disgust and said, "Skipper, that kid has right field
so messed up nobody can play it."
That is the way many feel about salvation. They are so mixed
up with regards to salvation that they wonder if they will ever
get it straight in their mind. Far too many pastors, teachers,
and theologians have caused the problem by failing to communicate
the wonder of the salvation in Christ that everyday person can
relate to.
The subject of salvation is one of the greatest themes that could
ever challenge the human mind, and confusion about it spells
disaster.
I admit that some words don't mean what they used to. Modern
technology is responsible for a lot of these changes in meaning.
For instance, if you stop a person on the street and ask what
windows are, the chances are good that the answer will relate
to a compute program instead of clear panes of glass that people
look through.
The world help is another example. It used to mean a cry of desperation
by someone in trouble. But today it just an option on a computer's
toolbar (although for some computer users, clicking on the help
icon still represents a cry of desperation by someone in trouble).
Here is another example: the words save or saved. To a twenty
first century mind, "save" is a command whereby data
in a computer file is preserved, and "saved" describes
the condition of the file after the command is performed. The
world may consider the spiritual meaning fo the word saved to
be a relic from a previous generation, but it is good biblical
word that we ought not to abandon.
The question of all time, for all people, is still the simple
question "AM I SAVED?"
This morning I want us to give consideration to three great questions
regarding salvation found in the eternal Word of God.
I. The INQUISITIVE question regarding salvation - Luke 13:22,23
Suddenly from the ranks of bystanders comes the question, "Are
there few that be saved?" It is likely that this question
was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the
smallness of the kingdom's beginning suggested it to him. The
Jews extended their exclusive spirit even to their ideals of a
world to come, so that they believed none but the chosen race
would behold its glories. The questioner wished Jesus to commit
himself to this narrow Jewish spirit, or else to take a position
which would subject him to the charge of being unpatriotic.
A question of curiosity, the answer to which can profit no man.
It was a question of idle curiosity. The answer to it would have
done little good. It was far more important for the man to secure
his own salvation, than to indulge in such idle inquiries and
vain speculations. This was one of those curious questions of
which some flatter themselves they are religious. It was a curious
question, a nice speculation, which he had lately been disputing
upon with his companions, and they all agreed to refer it to Christ.
Many are more inquisitive with regards as to who shall be saved,
and who shall not, than respecting what they shall do to be saved.
It is commonly asked, "May such and such be saved?"
What does it matter, whether few or many, if you are not one
of them? Jesus does not answer directly, but urges his questioner
to make sure that he is in the number, however large or small
it proves to be. This is much more important than doing some arithmetic
on those who are rescued fro eternal damnation.
The devil does not care if you discuss or debate Christianity
as long as you don't receive it.
II. The INCREDIBLE question regarding salvation - Matthew
19:16-25
In Matthew 19 we observe a rich young ruler come to Jesus, and
yet go away sorrowful. Upon the rich young man's departure the
Lord declared, "A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom
of heaven." Riches give a person entrance to most places
down here, but they do not open the gates of Heaven. Wealth translates
into power; power generates pride; and pride slams the gates of
heaven shut.
The Jews were accustomed to look upon the possession of riches
as an evidence of divine favor, and the heads of the apostles
were filled with visions of the riches and honors which they would
enjoy when Jesus set up his kingdom. No wonder, then, that they
were amazed to find that it was hard for a rich man to enter that
kingdom, and that, moreover and worse than all, riches appeared
to exclude from salvation itself: that even this virtuous rich
man could not have eternal life because he clung to his riches.
No common astonishment filled the disciples. Much astounding
truth they had already heard from their Master; but this exceeded
all, and they were exceedingly amazed. They had previously thought
that wealth was an
advantage: and now they judged that if those who had riches could
only be
saved with surpassing difficulty, poor working_men like themselves
could
have no hope whatever. They were ready to despair; and therefore
they put
to their Lord the very natural question, "Who then can be
saved?" Even
our Lord's disciples felt themselves bewildered by his plain utterance,
so
hard is it to get rid of prejudices in favor of wealth. If rich
men, with all their advantages, cannot? Who? "If a rich
man cannot be saved, what hope is there for the rest of us."
"Who then can be saved?" If the way to heaven is barred
to the rich man, who shall the poor pass therein. The difficulty
seemed to apply to everybody. All who are not rich are hoping
and struggling to become rich, and therefore fall under the same
category.
Jesus did not say that is impossible for a rich man to enter
God's kingdom, but HE did imply it was difficult. Humanly speaking
it is impossible for anyone to be saved, rich or poor; only God
can save a soul. God is the God of the impossible. None can enter
into the kingdom of God except by a marvel of grace. God is able
to save all men, whether rich or poor. Wealth is no aid to salvation
and poverty is no barrier to salvation.
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful is my Saviour's love for me.
I Am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given,
Wonderful things in the Bible I see;
This is the dearest - that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
A. Jesus can save those whom sin has disqualified
B. Jesus can save those whom sin has dissatisfied
C. Jesus can save those whom sin has disabled
D. Jesus can save those whom sin has defiled
E. Jesus can save those whom sin has darkened
F. Jesus can save those whom sin has deadened
III. The IMPERATIVE question of salvation - Acts 16:31
The question of the Philippian jailer is the greatest question
that has ever fallen from human lips. There can be no greater
question. It was the greatest question for the jailer. It is
the greatest for you and I as well. Never was a more important
question asked than this. This is the great question that we
should all asks.
A. It is a question that articulates humility - "What must
I do be saved?"
This question implies a need. It implies man has a great need.
Man is lost and doomed to hell. There is a need to be saved because
of sin. See Ecclesiastes 7:20. Man does not like to admit he
has a need, and yet no one gets saved who does not humble themselves
and admit their need.
In Shoreham, England, several years ago, a savings and loan
association celebrated their 40th anniversary. Some of the directors
decided it would be great to give away some great prizes and have
a beauty contest. So they did. Someone came up with the idea:
"Since it is our 40th anniversary, let us give the prizes
only to a lady who is over 40 years old." But they ran into
a problem. The ladies beautiful enough to win the contest would
admit they were 40 years old.
God has salvation that He wants to give away, but He will give
it to anybody who will not admit they have a need.
B. It is a question that asserts individuality - "What
must I do to be saved?"
Salvation is a personal thing. I can not make the decision for
you. Romans 14:12
C. It is a question that affirms availability - "What
must I do to be saved?
Salvation is available for and to all who come.
WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME!
D. It is a question that ascertains eternality - "What
must I do to be saved?"
Your eternal destiny depends on your being saved! Your rescue
from Hell depends on your being saved. Your rejoicing in Heaven
depends on your being saved.
Jesus is not the one who points the way. He is the way, the
only way to be saved.
Conclusion:
Give your quibbling about salvation and accept it today. Quit
your arguing about salvation and receive yours today.
Everything we have we got one of three ways: we either earned
it, tole it, or someone gave it to us. There is no other way to
get things.
Salvation cannot be stolen; it cannot be bought; it can only
be received as a gift.