I had not really heard much talk about the end of the world, aka the Rapture, until this week. I guess I don't have any billboards here letting me know. I don't get too involved in all that because 1-In Matthew 24, Jesus clearly states that no one but the Father knows the day or the hour and 2-I am secure in my salvation.
So it's not the prediction that bothers me, it is the response I have been seeing to it. This post if for those of you who are not in the number 2 category.
How does one receive salvation? I say receive because you can't "get" it. It's a gift from God. It is a gift of forgiveness for EVERY sin you have committed. It is a gift of grace, undeserved favor, because we will never get it exactly right. Salvation is not a list of "don'ts" and "dos." The choices we make will be from an outpouring of love for Him after we spend time with Jesus in his Word and with other believers.
What starts as a decision culminates into a love relationship, that like any relationship takes time to develop. It takes time to fully embrace Jesus' love for us. It takes time fully give that back to him. It is a lifelong process. It is a lifetime of victories and shortcomings. No one is perfect, not one. That's why the Bible says "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."-Romans 8:1.
But since God didn't make us robots, he gave us free will, he wants us to choose Him. How do you do that? So it's not hard. Jesus doesn't ask from us more than we can give. It's as simple as confessing "Jesus I am a sinner. I have screwed up in so many ways." repenting "I am sorry. I want a new thing in my life. " and believing "I believe that you are the only one who can save me. Thank you that you loved me so much you died for me." And that's it. I am sure you will have more to say once you realize you are talking to the Living God. But that's all. Just confess, repent, and ask, then know that He has heard you and you are saved.
Sometimes we get caught in a lie of "Well you did that once but you screwed up so much it doesn't count." or "Did you really mean it when you prayed that in a "weak" moment?" My answer is yes. In Ephesians 1 it says we are SEALED in our salvation. It means we can't lose it. It can't be taken away from us. So if you have been saved but you are living a life with shame. You can go back to the Father. He knows your name. He remembers you and He loves you. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son He's running toward you right now if you would just look up. Confess it, ask for forgiveness and know that the slate is wiped clean. Receive His love and grace.
I am not going to say anymore because I don't want to overwhelm. If you have questions, I would be happy to try and answer them or I may forward them on to a more knowledgeable source. Email me at joyf72@gmail.com
Take care and have a blessed, secure day.
joy
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