What Does It Mean To Be Saved? Ephesians 2:8-9

Stand with me, hold up your Bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

What Does It Mean to Be Saved?

Introduction

Today, we will delve into a topic that defines the very foundation of our faith: what it means to be saved.

Salvation is not merely a word or a religious ritual—it is the greatest expression of God’s love and the ultimate transformation of our lives.

Let’s read from Ephesians 2:8-9:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

1. The Meaning of Salvation

To be saved means to be rescued and redeemed by God through Jesus Christ.

Sin entered the world and broke our relationship with God, leaving us spiritually dead and without hope. But salvation restores us—it brings us from death to life, from darkness to light.

Picture yourself trapped in a burning building, surrounded by flames with no escape.

Suddenly, a firefighter breaks through the inferno, carries you to safety, and saves your life.

Salvation is even greater than that—it’s not just about saving us from danger but restoring us to the fullness of life God intended.

Jesus Christ is that rescuer. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, He made a way for us to be reconciled to God.

Salvation is not something we can achieve through our efforts; it is a free gift of God’s grace.

2. The Assurance of Salvation

Being saved means being secure in God’s promises. Through salvation, we receive forgiveness for our sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

When we place our faith in Jesus, we can be confident that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God.

Consider the life of Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of the Holocaust.

Despite unimaginable suffering, she experienced the peace and assurance of salvation. She once said, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

This is the kind of confidence we have in Christ—a salvation that sustains us even in life’s darkest moments.

3. The Transforming Power of Salvation

Salvation doesn’t just change our destiny—it transforms our identity.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

When you are saved:

Your past is forgiven: No matter what you’ve done, God wipes your slate clean.

Your present is redeemed: You now have purpose and peace in Christ.

Your future is secured: You are no longer bound by fear of death, for eternity with God awaits.

I once met a man who spent years struggling with addiction. He felt unworthy and hopeless. But one night, he cried out to God, asking for salvation.

From that moment on, his life began to change. He found freedom from his addiction, restoration in his family, and a passion for sharing his testimony.

That is the power of salvation—God doesn’t just save us; He makes us new.

4. The Call to Live as the Saved

Salvation isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. When we are saved, we are called to live as witnesses of God’s grace.

Live for Christ: Let your life reflect His love and truth.

Grow in Faith: Stay rooted in His Word and prayer.

Share the Gospel: Bring the message of hope to those who are still lost.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

5. Invitation to Be Saved

Now I want to speak to you personally.

Perhaps you’re here today, and you’ve never made the decision to accept Christ as your Savior.

Maybe you feel like you’ve strayed too far, sinned too much, or waited too long.

Let me tell you: God’s grace is greater than your sin, and His love is stronger than your doubt.