The Truth About Salvation

The Truth About Salvation

by Michael Hinson 

A common theme that Christian churches can agree on is that everyone should pursue salvation and make Jesus their Lord. However, it is amazing what some people believe and teach about how to receive the precious gift of salvation. Therefore, I understand why some people are confused or may declare they might not want it. 

There are a thousand reasons not to pursue salvation. My favorite is what Gandhi said, “I would become a Christian if it were not for the Christians.”

It is not my intention to contradict any belief you have about why you would not want to receive salvation. If I did, another belief can just as easily take its place. I could give you many Scriptures that would paint a picture of Jesus, what He did for you and why He did it, and what will happen to you if you do nothing about it. I believe you already know enough about them to receive salvation. 

I could tell you of my years as a pastor when I was at the bedside of people as they were passing from this life. It was evident which ones had a relationship with Jesus and which ones did not. I have a sense you already know this in your heart whether you have ever thought about it before or not. I could paint a picture of Hell, the eternal resting place of those who do not accept their place in Christ but instead lived life their way. All of these would require a response on your part, but your motivation would be out of fear and this is not how Jesus wants you to come to the Father. Instead, I want to tell you the truth about salvation.

Salvation is the most amazing thing that can happen to a person’s life. Salvation is not a prayer, a commitment to a church or denomination, or even agreement with a belief system no matter how noble. It is a journey with Messiah Jesus into eternity. It is initiated by and maintained with your heart. It requires a decision of your will to surrender completely both who you currently have become and who you planned to become in exchange for the original plan of God for your life. God’s Spirit then inhabits your very being and becomes the director of your yielded heart. (2 Corinthians 1:22, Roman 8:14)

Your surrender and His presence are confirmed in a covenant between you and God, a New Covenant. Everything about your being and your purpose is reborn and because of that, it is often referred to as being born-again (John 3:3). Salvation is a lifestyle that starts the day you surrender your heart to the Father and continues daily as your soul matures. It is complete with the redemption of your spirit and soul into eternity with God. 

The freedom to ask God into your heart was purchased for you by the blood of Jesus over two thousand years ago. The son of God chose to die on a cross and agreed to take on himself the ungodly things that are in your heart right now that are not compatible with the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19). Jesus did this to redeem you from what would be a failed life to the one you should be living. If it were not for this action and God were to come in our hearts, His very presences without these ungodly things removed, (washed away) would be more than our hearts could bear and we would die.

Without God in our hearts, we would not be able to complete our original purpose. We would have to follow God some other way such as following a list of written commands like men did in the Old Testament (before Jesus). (Acts 13:38-39)  Since Jesus did this He is the mediator of this New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15) and He is the one we call on for salvation. (Romans 10:13)  Salvation is an eternal experience with treasures beyond imaginings. I highly recommend it. The Bible speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” NKJV

How do you receive salvation? You call upon Jesus who will take away your sins and surrender yourself totally to God from your heart. Your old life will be over and a new life will begin. If you have made a decision in your heart to give your life to the Lord then repeat this prayer from your heart:

“Father, I (state your full name) surrender 100% of my heart to You from this day forth. Jesus, I choose to walk away from my old life and I offer to You those things (sins) that would keep my heart from being fully occupied by your Spirit. I ask You to forgive me for living contrary to Your purposes and forgive me for the sins I have committed. I will live for You from this day forth. Jesus, You will be Lord of my Life. As my first act of surrender, I choose to forgive anyone who has sinned against me while I was living contrary to You and I ask You to bless them, in Jesus name. Father, I thank You for Your salvation. Amen.”

If you said this from your heart, you have just entered into a Covenant with God and you are now responsible to Him as He directs your heart. He did not take control of your heart; you still have control of that. He will lead you from your heart when you yield to His Spirit. So start following the leading of your heart and not your head. Do not confuse your heart with your feeling because we are not to be led by our emotions either. His Spirit will guide you and you are in for the adventure of a lifetime.

There are three things you should do for you to empower your relationship with Him. In order for two people to understand each other, they have to communicate. Talk with God. Take the time to talk with Him on a regular basis and be willing to listen for His reply in your heart. It is called prayer and you should do it all the time.

Secondly, get to know Him. One of the best ways to do this is to read the Bible. Everything about His character and nature is in there and you will find Him much easier to understand the more you know about His characteristics. He is quite amazing and His wonders never cease. If you have never read it before, start with Matthew or John. You may have read it before but when He is in your heart, the Bible comes alive in ways unimaginable. 

Finally, you are part of a family, the family of God. Find a good church that teaches the Word of God and attend regularly. He is now in your heart and will lead you to one that feels like home, but it may not happen if you do not look. 

Let me say personally that I know the purposes of God are great in your life and that you will touch the lives of many people. Welcome, you are loved!
 

Michael Hinson has distinctive and revolutionary teachings that simplify every aspect of the Word of God. His instruction lays the foundation for a change of thinking (repentance) and ultimately healing in spirit, soul and body. His revelations on the nature and character of God lead people into a new reality of the life that Jesus bought for them.

Michael is known for his powerful gifts of healing and a strong gift of discernment. However, he is best known for his ability to bring healing to, and ignite flames in the hearts of people in need. His love for God’s Word and His people are united together in a ministry that truly reflects the Heart of God.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.