Are You Saved?

There are certain friends who I would love to ask this question. It seems like a fairly straightforward inquiry. Only three words that cut through the spiritual fog and right to the point. It seems that a short, one word, answer would quickly follow. Yes! No! Period. 

However, it seems that salvation, the Bible way, is a cloudy issue for some. To be saved, in their perception, means that some sort of work has to be achieved. Things like: baptism, giving of money or time, helping the poor or needy, all are considered as part of the salvation process. 

It is true that the many religions teach such things. There must be work. For why would God accept us without a decent effort at goodness? It doesn't make sense. We have to do our best or we don't get to go to heaven. Right? 

Let me first say that good works do play a part in salvation. However, they are not the aspect that saves. They are the results of Christ saving work showing itself in our life. Before salvation we can never do enough good to make amends for our sin. The Bible is clear that, "there is none righteous, no not one." "None" in that verse has a deep meaning. It means, "nobody, period". No one is going to get to heaven because of their goodness. Because there aren't any good people. 

To get into heaven a person has to be perfect. Only that. Just perfect. No sin. Ever! 

"How is that possible?", you might ask. It really isn't possible. We are sinners. We are not the "good guys". This is the reason that Jesus came. He was the only perfect man. When he laid down on that cross and shed his blood, he became the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He took our sin debt and paid its price. When he cried out "It is Finished!" he was saying, "the price is paid!" 

So, being "Saved" means to put your trust in what Jesus did. Confess your sin and inability to save yourself, and believe in Jesus to be your Savior. Are you saved?