Are You Saved?

ARE YOU SAVED?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 10:9-10

Supporting Texts: John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9

INTRODUCTION:

Salvation is the most important decision a person will ever make. It determines not just where we will spend eternity but also how we live our lives here on earth. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God, freely given through His Son, Jesus Christ. But many people live without certainty about whether they are truly saved. Today, we will examine what it means to be saved and why it is essential to be sure of your salvation.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

a) Salvation is deliverance from sin and its consequences

Sin separates us from God, but salvation through Jesus brings us back into fellowship with Him (Isaiah 59:2).

b) It means being born again

Salvation is a spiritual rebirth. When you are saved, you become a new creation in Christ (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) It means accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour

Salvation involves acknowledging Jesus as Lord and surrendering your life to His authority (Acts 16:31).

d) It leads to eternal life with God

Those who are saved are promised eternal life in heaven with God (John 3:16).

Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer

In Acts 16:30-31, the jailer asked Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

2. WHY DO YOU NEED TO BE SAVED?

a) Sin brings spiritual death

The Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

b) No one is righteous

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Without salvation, we are all lost in our sins (Romans 3:23).

c) Judgment is inevitable

Everyone will stand before God one day and be judged. Only those who are saved will escape eternal separation from God (Hebrews 9:27).

d) Jesus is the only way to salvation

Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

Biblical Example: Nicodemus

In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus came to Jesus to learn about salvation. Jesus explained that unless a person is born again, they cannot enter the kingdom of God.

3. HOW CAN YOU BE SAVED?

a) Recognise your need for a Saviour

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of God's forgiveness (Romans 3:10).

b) Repent of your sins

True salvation begins with repentance, turning away from your sinful ways (Acts 3:19).

c) Believe in Jesus Christ

Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again for your justification (Romans 10:9).

d) Confess Him as Lord and Saviour

Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:10).

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son

In Luke 15:11-24, the prodigal son realised his sinful state, repented, and returned to his father. His father received him with open arms, a picture of God's willingness to save us when we turn to Him.

4. THE BENEFITS OF BEING SAVED

a) Forgiveness of sins

When you are saved, God forgives all your sins and no longer holds them against you (1 John 1:9).

b) A new life in Christ

Salvation brings a new beginning; old things pass away, and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) Eternal life with God

Salvation guarantees you a place in heaven with God for eternity (John 14:2-3).

d) Peace with God and assurance of salvation

Being saved brings inner peace and the assurance that you are in right standing with God (Romans 5:1).

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus

In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, experienced salvation when he accepted Jesus. His life was transformed, and Jesus said, "Today, salvation has come to this house."

5. THE DANGER OF DELAYING YOUR SALVATION

a) Tomorrow is not guaranteed

The Bible warns that today is the day of salvation. We do not know what tomorrow holds (2 Corinthians 6:2).

b) A hardened heart

Continually rejecting Jesus' call can lead to a hardened heart, making it more difficult to respond later (Hebrews 3:7-8).

c) Risk of eternal separation from God

If you die without being saved, you risk eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41).

d) Miss out on God's purpose for your life

Salvation brings you into alignment with God's plan for your life. Without it, you will miss out on His blessings and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).

Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus

In Luke 16:19-31, the rich man ignored God's call during his life and found himself in eternal torment after death, separated from God forever.

CONCLUSION:

Are you saved? This is the most important question you can ask yourself. Jesus is calling you today to receive His free gift of salvation. Do not delay or ignore His call. If you confess Him as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Today, make the decision to open your heart to Jesus and receive eternal life.