Salvation Today
As we close out our week looking at the salvation that God offers – remember, from sin’s punishment, sin’s power, and one day from sin’s presence – I want to share an illustration. Because maybe you’re thinking you’ll get into this salvation stuff tomorrow, or next week, or sometime soon. Perhaps this story will change your mind:
A steamship called the Central America, on a voyage from New York to San Francisco, sprung a leak in mid-ocean. A vessel seeing her signal of distress made its way to the troubled ship, and the captain of the rescue ship cried, “Let me take your passengers aboard now.” But it was night and the commander of the Central America feared to send his passengers away in the darkness; and, thinking they could keep afloat a while longer, replied, “Wait till morning.” About an hour and a half later the ship had sunk and all on board had perished, because they thought they could be saved better at another time.
What are you waiting for, friend? Paul wrote this to the Corinthians: “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1–2 NIV11)
Grasping God's Grace
Now is the time, Paul says. Today is the day.
God is longing to save every Onesimus listening today, or to rekindle the fire and joy of those already saved. And he is longing to do it today; not tomorrow, not Sunday, not next week. Today!
And so I want to pray with you today, and I simply ask that you listen to these words and offer them to God as your own prayer now:
Lord we see ourselves in Onesimus today. Slaves to sin… Running away… But today you have met us and captured our attention with your gracious offer of saving love.
We need your salvation Lord… Too long have we lived with shame and guilt, fearing your punishment. Too long have we lived powerless lives, dominated by sin. Too long have we wondered about our eternal fate.
But you offer us salvation from all of this if we take your hand and place our faith in You.
Surrendering to Jesus
We want to do that in this moment Lord. And so we state it now: Lord I believe in You. I believe in Your Son Jesus as MY Saviour. Nothing else can wash away my stains. Nothing else can empower me for holiness. Nothing else can secure my eternal life.
I trust in you and you alone Lord Jesus to save me now. Forgive me! Free me! Fill me with Your Spirit!
I believe that You have done this Lord. You are now number 1 in my life. And every day I will live in your grace and power.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
Thank You Jesus, our Saviour. Amen.
