What is God Saving Us From?
The title of this article, 'What is God Saving Us From?', is a profound question that encapsulates the broader theme of salvation in Christian theology. Throughout the Bible, God is described as a Savior who delivers us from various existential and spiritual ailments.
From Death to Life
According to Jesus, those who believe in His teachings and have faith in the One who sent Him have everlasting life. In John 5:24, He proclaims:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.”
This passage underscores the transition from a state of death to a state of eternal life. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are delivered from the overwhelming power and condemnation of death.
From Ourselves
God also saves us from the inherent wrath of His judgment that accompanies our sinful nature. Our saved state isn't merely about changing our end; it is about being transformed at the fundamental level.
Self-Transformation Through Faith
Scripture provides numerous examples of this transformation. For instance, Colossians 1:13 mentions being delivered from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God's love:
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…”
Furthermore, Romans 7:24-25 portrays the struggle of the spiritual battle within us:
“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”
This struggle speaks to the process of spiritual cleansing, through which we are set free from the grip of sin and granted the liberty to serve God with our minds.
Transformation and Growth
Growth and transformation are crucial aspects of this message. The Bible emphasizes that we are called to grow and mature in our faith. This is a continual process of being transformed by the word of God (Ephesians 4:24).
Rebellion and Deliverance
The Bible also refers to rebellion against God's will as a major source of distress and downfall. Acts 13:39 underscores that the gospel message of salvation involves a complete liberation from the old self:
“And hath made of none, [as it were] of [one] blood, all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; So that they should seek the Lord, [even] the God that is gracious and merciful, [even] him that poureth out his Spirit upon all flesh. “
This passage suggests that our quest for salvation involves a rejection of the old self, which has brought us into bondage and a dependence on God’s Spirit to guide us to true salvation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, God’s saving us is not just an abstract concept, but a concrete invitation for personal transformation and deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. Through the power of faith in Jesus Christ, we are not just saved but are transformed into beings who walk in the light of everlasting life.