Re-Examining Salvation
February 5, 2022
I have a new book coming out this spring. The setting is the campus of a bible college and the characters are students in the same theology class. One of the homework assignments is to read through the Book of Hebrews three times and really soak in it, like you would soak in a hot bath or dwell over a warm cup of tea. So this month, I am doing the same. I encourage you to do it as well. This morning, I was reading Hebrews 2:9:
But we are able to see Jesus, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honor because of His having suffered death, in order that by the grace (unmerited favor) of God [to us sinners] He might experience death for every individual person.
It struck me that before Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, man had no hope of a life after death. The depth of man’s state of desperation before Jesus doesn’t even compute in my brain. I have been a believer for so long that life after death is just a given for me. The Son of God (Jesus) took on human flesh, died, and went to hell for me so I do not have to die, EVER! Further in Hebrews 2:
14 Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives. 16 For, as we all know, He [Christ] did not take hold of angels [the fallen angels, to give them a helping and delivering hand], but He did take hold of [the fallen] descendants of Abraham [to reach out to them a helping and delivering hand].
God loves humans, more than any other created thing. So much so that He entered into a covenant with humans, first with the Hebrews through their father Abraham (Genesis 15:12-21) where He sealed the (Old) Covenant with the blood of animals. Then, He entered into a new covenant with us who believe. Jesus sealed this New Covenant with His own blood. He did this for a purpose! Jesus instituted our salvation, not just so our sins would be forgiven, but also to deliver mankind from eternal death. This is a BIG DEAL!
You can’t be saved if you don’t believe in your salvation or your Savior. Salvation is so easy to obtain. Just say a few words! And, the benefits of that salvation are huge and sweeping. I have heard the benefits of salvation referred to as the “salvation package.” One of these benefits is found in Hebrews 2:18 as it relates to Jesus.
For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].
If you are a believer, you can cry out to Jesus for help and He will RUN to your aid and give you strength. What a great benefit! Put Jesus on speed dial right now! When you are in trouble or feeling oppressed, go to Him first! Amen!