Are You Saved

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Short Summary

The discourse examines the concept of salvation from a biblical perspective, challenging common Christian misconceptions by exploring who needs to be saved, what salvation truly means, why it is necessary, how it is achieved, where it takes place, and when it occurs. It emphasizes that salvation is secured for all humanity through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, but ongoing faithfulness and obedience are required to attain eternal life, distinguishing between salvation now for Christians and future salvation for the rest of humanity on earth. The message encourages thoughtful witnessing by clarifying these points and highlighting the hope of resurrection and restoration rather than eternal torment.

Long Summary

Detailed Summary of the Discourse: “Are You Saved?”

Introduction and Purpose
– The discourse addresses a common question: “Are you saved?” and explores how Christians should respond.
– It highlights confusion among Christians regarding the concept of salvation.
– The approach systematically covers the six key questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How related to salvation.
– It examines biblical examples, definitions of key terms, and misconceptions about salvation prevalent in mainstream Christianity.

Biblical Example: Paul, Silas, and the Jailer (Acts 16:30-33)
– Paul and Silas were imprisoned and miraculously freed by an earthquake.
– The jailer, fearing punishment, nearly took his own life but was stopped by Paul.
– The jailer asks, “What must I do to be saved?”
– Salvation (Strong’s #4982) means to save, deliver, or protect.
– Paul and Silas reply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
– The jailer responds by caring for Paul and Silas and is baptized with his household.
– The discourse points out that belief and baptism are only the beginning; the jailer’s question “What must I do?” implies further action is necessary.

Is Belief Alone Enough?
– John 3:16 is often cited to support “believe only” salvation: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
– James 2:19 notes that even demons believe in God yet are not saved.
– Matthew 8:29 describes demon-possessed men recognizing Jesus but not being saved.
– The Greek word for believe involves being persuaded and having confidence—deeper than mere acknowledgment.
– This challenges simplistic “faith only” salvation views.

Clarifying the Question “Are You Saved?”
– Suggest responding with questions like “Saved from what?” to reveal personal understanding.
– Highlights many misconceptions:
– Salvation requires baptism, communion, denominational membership, belief in the Trinity, or belief in Christianity exclusively.
– Some believe those born before Jesus or who never heard of Jesus are lost.
– These false beliefs cause fear, confusion, and division.
– 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) describes Satan as blinding minds to the gospel.
– 1 Peter 4:17 reminds that judgment begins with God’s household.
– Salvation includes being saved from ignorance, blindness, destruction, and the grave (Acts 2:40).

Who Needs to Be Saved?
– Everyone—all men, women, and children—due to Adam’s sin (original sin).
– All are born in sin and under the penalty of death.
– Emphasizes the injustice of eternal torment and introduces the ransom concept.
– The rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) sought eternal life but turned away because of the cost.
– Justification by faith is the starting point, not the end.
– Salvation is universal in potential, but requires personal response.

Why Do We Need to Be Saved?
– Humanity is out of harmony with God because of Adam’s disobedience.
– Jesus is the advocate and mediator between God and humans.
– Two salvations exist: one for the faithful Christian now, another for the rest of humanity in the future kingdom.
– Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:21) quotes Joel 2, explaining salvation for both groups.
– Salvation involves repentance, baptism “in” the name of Jesus (Strong’s #1909 indicating relationship), and receiving the Holy Spirit.
– Salvation is a process of coming into harmony with God.

How Are We Saved?
– Salvation is already secured for all through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.
– Key verses:
– 1 Timothy 2:4-6 — God desires all to be saved; Jesus is the one mediator who gave himself as ransom for all.
– 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
– 1 John 2:2 — Jesus is propitiation not only for believers but for the whole world.
– Luke 2:10 — Jesus is Savior “to all people.”
– The ransom is a “redemption price” satisfying divine justice.
– Brother Russell explains the ransom offers every man an individual trial for everlasting life but does not guarantee eternal life.

Where Are We Saved?
– Salvation takes place both in heaven and on earth.
– Faithful Christians go to heaven (Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 20:6).
– The majority of humanity will be resurrected on earth to learn righteousness and live forever (Revelation 21:3-4; Isaiah 11:9).
– The Abrahamic promise (Genesis 22:16-18) symbolizes blessings to the faithful both “as the stars of heaven” and “as the sand on the seashore.”
– The kingdom of God will be established on earth with Jerusalem as capital.
– Salvation on earth involves mental, emotional, and spiritual healing and obedience to God’s ways.

When Are We Saved?
– Salvation occurs in two phases:
1. The “called out” believers are saved now by accepting Jesus’ merit (no longer condemned by Adam’s sin).
2. The rest of humanity is saved after resurrection at the judgment day (Romans 8:21-23).
– Armageddon and binding of Satan (Revelation 20) precede the earthly salvation.
– Psalm 98 describes the time when God’s salvation and righteousness will be openly displayed to all nations.

Additional Biblical Examples
– Cornelius and household (Acts 10:42-48) demonstrate salvation for Gentiles and reaffirm Jesus as savior and judge of all.
– Salvation is not limited to the present life but extends to all who believe “on” Jesus, now and in the future.
– The phrase “day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2) refers to the gospel age for the called, while the rest of humanity awaits resurrection and opportunity.

Seventh Question: Are There Those Who Will Not Have Eternal Life?
– Hebrews 6:4-6 warns about those who fall away after enlightenment, who face no resurrection.
– Others who reject righteousness after resurrection face the “second death,” meaning total destruction, not eternal torment.
– God respects human free will.
– Emphasizes that belief alone is insufficient; faithful sacrifice and loyalty are required (1 Peter 1:10; Philippians 3:13-14).
– “Once saved, always saved” is refuted on the basis of needing ongoing loyalty.

Definitions of Key Terms
– Eternal (Strong’s #166): Everlasting, perpetual, without end.
– Immortality: Incorruptible, deathless state promised to faithful followers (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
– Eternal life applies to the earth’s renewed inhabitants; immortality applies to the faithful church in heaven.

Summary and Encouragement
– Everyone is saved by Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, which provides opportunity for eternal life.
– Salvation is free but requires personal response and lifelong faithfulness.
– Salvation is in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12).
– The world’s cry for salvation (“Save me Jesus”) reflects a deep need for freedom from sin and death.
– Believers now during the Gospel Age are privileged to walk the narrow way.
– The discourse encourages thoughtful, scriptural responses to “Are you saved?” helping clarify biblical salvation.

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Key Bible Verses Cited:

– Acts 16:30-33 — The jailer’s question and response.
– Acts 16:31 — “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
– John 3:16 — God’s love and promise of eternal life.
– James 2:19 — “Even the demons believe and tremble.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) — Satan blinds minds.
– 1 Peter 4:17 — Judgment begins with God’s household.
– Acts 2:21, 37-38 — Peter’s Pentecost sermon on repentance, baptism, and receiving the Spirit.
– 1 Timothy 2:4-6 — God desires all to be saved; Jesus as mediator and ransom.
– 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
– 1 John 2:2 — Jesus as propitiation for the whole world.
– Revelation 20:6 — The first resurrection and reign with Christ.
– Revelation 21:3-4 — God dwelling with men; no more death or pain.
– Romans 8:21-23 — Creation waits for revealing of sons of God.
– Hebrews 12:23 — Church of the firstborn.
– Acts 10:42-48 — Salvation extended to Gentiles.
– 2 Corinthians 6:2 — “Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
– Hebrews 6:4-6 — Warning against falling away.
– 1 Peter 1:10 — Diligence in faith.
– Philippians 3:13-14 — Pressing toward the goal.
– Acts 4:12 — Salvation only in Jesus.
– Psalm 98 — God’s salvation made known to all nations.

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This comprehensive summary captures the discourse’s key points, biblical references, and theological clarifications about salvation, aiming to equip believers to answer “Are you saved?” with biblical depth and clarity.

Transcript

Are you saved? How often have you been asked this question? How should we witness to someone who asks us this? There’s a lot of confusion among Christians concerning this topic. Let’s begin by outlining what we will cover in today’s comments.

We’ll address several questions to challenge mainstream Christianity’s belief about being saved, including the questions who, what, where, when, why and how. We will look at different examples in the Bible that shows us what being saved truly means. We will also explore various definitions of keywords that will be helpful in our discussion, and we will identify many preconceived notions of about being saved that do not harmonize with biblical teaching. So let’s dig into our subject of Are you saved by first considering the well known story of Paul and Silas found in Acts 16:30 33 in this account, Paul and Silas are imprisoned after being beaten, but they experience a miraculous escape when an earthquake loose the their chains. The jailer, fearing punishment for their escape, is on the verge of taking his own life.

However, Paul intervenes and stops him. In this moment of desperation, the jailer asks, what must I do to be saved? The words save and saved is Strong’s number 4,982 and it means to save, deliver or protect. Now Paul and Silas responded by sharing the word of the Lord and the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. Acts 16:31 and they said, believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.

Well, the jailer’s immediate reaction was to show compassion by washing the wounds of Paul and Silas. He then demonstrated his faith in Jesus by being baptized along with his entire household. The text in Acts 16 can make it sound like all you need to do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you’ll be saved. Later we will define what the word on means and it sounds so simple, but it is. But is just believing enough?

Many of our Christian friends overlook an important aspect of the jailer’s question. He asked, what must I do? So believing on Jesus and believing on Jesus and being baptized is only the beginning. Further action is required. More on that later.

Let’s read another familiar scripture often used erroneously to teach that just believing in Jesus is enough. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Well, the erroneous thought is that they think they just need to believe in Jesus and they will go to heaven. We’ll look at examples that challenge the idea that merely believing is enough. James 2:19 tells us, you believe that there is one God.

You do. Well, even the demons believe and tremble, and we see another example in Matthew 8:29 which describes the reactions of two demon possessed men who encounter Jesus. They cry out, what have you to do with us, Son of God? The question we need to ask is because these demons believe in Jesus, are they saved?

The Greek English lexicon defines the word believe as to think, to be true, to be persuaded and play place. Confidence in knowing and believing in Jesus is deeper than it sounds on the surface. No wonder so many Christians are confused about this subject. Well, let’s go to our first of six questions and answer the what when speaking to a Christian who asks, are you saved? How should we respond?

A good approach is to follow up with a question and what that would be is what might. We might ask them, what do you mean by saved? Saved from what? Asking this question reveals their understanding of what being saved means to them. If their concern is to be saved from, say, hellfire, this allows us to witness an explanation of what the grave or hell truly is.

What could be some other misconceptions from different Christian perspectives. If you don’t believe in Jesus during this lifetime, your soul will be lost forever. Some parents and grandparents have feared their children or grandchildren are lost without baptism. Some Christian groups believe that without taking communion you have no future. Another false idea is that without membership into certain Christian denominations, you are lost.

Here’s a big one. If you don’t believe in the Trinity, you are lost. How about if you believe in any religion other than Christianity, you are lost. If you don’t believe in God, you are lost. Some believe if you are Jewish and you don’t believe in Jesus, you’re not saved.

If you were born and died before Jesus sacrifice, you have no hope. Or lastly, if you never heard the name of Jesus, you are lost. How sad it is that these false theories instill fear and confusion in people. From the perspective of mainstream Christianity, nearly one third of the world’s population identifies as Christian. In Contrast, they believe 2/3 are considered lost or not saved or worse.

No wonder there is a lot of hatred toward Christians in the world. These are literal threats to any that don’t align with their thinking. Satan has blinded their minds. 2nd Corinthians 2:4 in the new living translation, Satan, who is the God of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the good News.

They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ well. As a result they have turned the world against themselves. Therefore, Armageddon will bring an end to their false Christian systems and the lies they promote. Peter wrote in 1st Peter 4:17 that judgment begins with the house of the Lord. But thank God, the kingdom will ultimately show them the light.

We read from Brother Russell in reprint 4516, volume and volume five, page 468, that we are also saved from ignorance, blindness, deafness, destruction, and from the grave. End quote. Acts 2:40 includes, we are saved from this crooked generation. So what are we saved from? We’re saved from the Adamic condemnation that no person can remove or expiate on their own.

Without Jesus there is no hope, no future. Next we’re going to go to the who. Again, a Christian may ask, are you saved? And we might ask, who needs to be saved? They might reply, well, everyone, this gives us an opportunity to go back to the beginning and explain that due to Adam’s disobedience, we are born in sin and shapened in iniquity.

As a result, all of the human fallen condition is in sin and death, and with death being the penalty for sin, the opposite of life is death, which we know we need to impress that concept on many of our Christian friends. Brethren, this gives us another opportunity to discuss God’s justice which disproves the concept of eternal torment in hell. Or it can lead our witness in different directions. Like the ransom.

Just questioning their question may cause them to reevaluate their understanding. Let’s look at another example. When Jesus was asked a question, mark 10, 17, 22, a rich young ruler approached Jesus and said, what must I do to inherit eternal life? It’s important to note that he didn’t ask to be saved. Well, soon Jesus would pay the price that would save him from Adamic condemnation for his future life.

Verse 21 says, Look. Looking at him, Jesus felt love for him and said to him, one thing you lack. Go and sell all of your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and come follow me. However, the young ruler went away, sad because the cost was too great. It would require him to give up everything he had.

If traditional theology were correct, this would have been an ideal moment for Jesus to teach his followers that this man whom he loved was would face eternal torment for his unwillingness to believe and not be saved. But thankfully, that’s not the case. I love going back to listen to some of our brethren from the past. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what Brother Gene Burns had to say on this topic. When we accept Christ.

We are saved from condemnation of death and receive justification of faith. That doesn’t mean glory, honor and immortality are ours. This justification of faith gives us an opportunity to enter the race. It’s the starting point in considering Brother Gene’s comment. Let’s remember that Adam wasn’t guaranteed eternal life either.

He had to pass the test of obedience. He didn’t have the right to everlasting life. He had an opportunity to live forever if he had obeyed God. Isn’t it wonderful that Brother Gene has been brought up more than once this weekend? So who needs to be saved?

Every man, woman and child who has ever been born, and yes, even the rich young ruler. We were all born in sin and shapened in iniquity. No one is exempt. Everyone will be saved Based on the ransom Number three, Our third question the why Again, Someone may ask, are you saved?

We might respond with why do we need to be saved? It’s important to listen to their answer to determine how to proceed. We could explain that due to Adam’s disobedience, humanity is no longer in harmony and favor with God. Jesus is the world’s conduit to being acceptable to God. For the faithful Christian who follows in Jesus footsteps, Jesus is described as our advocate and in the future, Jesus is described as the mediator between God and men.

Based on this, we can share about there being two salvations now, brethren, I know you know all the things that I’m sharing with you, but maybe this will provoke you to think of ways to that you can witness to someone if they ask you, are you saved? Next, let’s look at Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, found in Acts 2:21. After the eleven apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter addressed the crowd with salvation. He quoted a prophecy from Joel 2:28 32 discussing salvation for two distinct groups. The first group, mentioned in Acts 2:17, refers to God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh, which will occur in the kingdom on earth.

The prophecy then focuses on God’s bondservants, male and female, referring to everyone who becomes a follower of Christ. It states that in those days God will pour forth His Spirit to those who are called, and they will prophesy. Here Peter explains that in this moment, this part of the prophecy has been fulfilled. Next, the prophecy mentions great wonders. Hearing the Gospel in their own languages, everyone present must have been amazed.

Verse 21 declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Peter stated that God raised Jesus from the dead and they were all witnesses to this event. In verse 37, the people who observed and heard these miracles asked what shall we do? Peter teaches us a three step process. One Repent, realize we are all sinners.

We all fall short. 2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, be buried into his death and receive newness of life and three we are begotten by the Holy Spirit. It’s important to note that that when Peter said be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the word in carries a more significant thought than we realize. It is Strong’s number 1909, meaning upon or into as in a relationship.

This shows that simply believing I believe in the name of Jesus is not a magic phrase that guarantees salvation. Instead it signifies a genuine commitment to Christ. Note this word in and it’s also translated on in other several places. Believe on the Lord Jesus Just like we spoke about earlier with the jailer in Acts 16:21. So it’s that personal relationship into Christ.

So why do we need to be saved? All humanity has already been saved by Jesus. Ransom sacrifice but answering the call to follow Christ gives us the blessing of getting back into harmony with the Creator so we can please and serve Him.

Now let’s go to the how. Once again we may ask, we may be asked, are you saved? And we’ll see how are we saved? Pause for their explanation and then we can continue with we believe the Scriptures teach that salvation is already secured for all mankind. Brethren, this opens up the door to explain the beautiful concept of the ransom.

Then we could ask how do we know this? Because that’s what the Bible says. First Timothy 2, 4:6 says God desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. The dialogue says exact knowledge. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

We can explain that the word ransom in Greek is antilutron, which means a redemption price. Jesus Sacrifice satisfied justice a perfect man Adam for a perfect man Jesus. Then ask, have you ever heard that the sacrifice of Jesus saved all mankind? They may respond, no, I thought you had to believe to be saved. Now let’s consider other verses that harmonize with the concept of the ransom that we could share with them.

First Corinthians 15:22 for as an Adam all die, so so in Christ shall all be made alive. First John 2:2 Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world, and first Timothy 4:10 who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe and Luke 2:10 the angel said, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all all people a Savior. Christ the Lord. Brethren, I know we all love to share the good news about the ransom we are witnessing.

Asking a simple question could be the opening we need to share the true Gospel. Here is how Brother Russell described the ransom in volume one, page 150, quote he gave himself a ransom a corresponding price for all, in order that he might bless all and give to every man an individual trial for life. The ransom for all was the basis of God’s plan and will be fully carried out in God’s due time and will bring to faithful believers the blessings of release from the Adamic condemnation and an opportunity to return to the rights and liberties of sons of God as enjoyed before the sin and curse. The ransom for all given by the man Christ Jesus does not give or guarantee everlasting life or blessing to any man, but it does guarantee to every man another opportunity or trial for life. Everlasting life.

End quote.

Next, in Luke 10:25 37, there’s an account of a lawyer who asked Jesus about eternal life. The lawyer asked, teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? In response, Jesus asks him, what is written in the law and how does it read to you? The lawyer answered by quoting the commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. From the perspective of traditional theology, the answer seems off.

Why didn’t Jesus say, believe in me and you’ll be saved? However, Jesus response is accurate for both the church during the Gospel age and for humanity in the future. Kingdom on Earth later we’ll define eternal and everlasting as an important element in being saved. So how are we saved? By the ransom price of Jesus.

The name Jesus means Jehovah saves. Let’s read Acts 4:12 and there is salvation in no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

So far we’ve looked at the what, the who, the why and the how. Now we’ll consider the where are you saved? We could respond with where does this same take place? It’s important when witnessing to wait for the response before continuing. Then we could say, remember what Jesus said in the Lord’s Prayer.

Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. This describes that the faithful Christians go to heaven and the rest of mankind will be resurrected on the earth. The promise God gave to Abraham is the foundation for salvation, and in Genesis 22:16 18, Abraham is promised from God if he was obedient. Israel was given the privilege of blessing the world through Isaac.

And we know that represents Jesus. So Abraham was about to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. But God stayed Abraham’s hand, and God then tells Abraham that because he was willing to do this, he will multiply his seed in two ways, as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. It was very important for Jesus to confirm this promise in the Lord’s Prayer.

We can continue with our witness by discussing the stars of heaven first. Of course, faithful, dedicated Christians go to heaven. Hebrews 12:23 talks about the church of the firstborn, and we can Also quote Revelation 20:6. Blessed and holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection.

Over these the second death has no power. But they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. Now that we know the church is resurrected first in heaven, let’s look at the sand on the seashore. The second resurrection. Remember thy kingdom come on earth comes after the heavens are established with Christ and the church as it is in heaven.

Revelation 21:3 4 describes the sand, the earthly kingdom. Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and he will dwell among them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be among them, and he will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

And there will be no longer any death. There will no longer be any mourning or crying or pain. The first things have passed away. After reading this. We may say that the Adamic curse of sin and death has been removed in this renewed earth, allowing humanity to learn how to be in harmony with God.

The prophecy in Isaiah 11:9 tells us that the earth will be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. Brethren, I love what brother Russell said in the sermon book on page 429. The grand outcome of the ransom sacrifice will be the kingdom of God on earth.

Brethren, what a wonderful opening. We are given to share the two salvations if we take the opportunity. Hopefully. These suggestions throughout are just reminders of how we how many ways we may address this question about being saved. We may go on and share what the kingdom on earth looks like by asking this question.

What is required when the world is returned to life after their resurrection? They may say, I don’t know what. Then we may say, well, honoring Jehovah, the God of all things, honoring the co creator Jesus for his perfect ransom. Sacrifice recognizing the saints and their experiences that align with humanity. These experiences they’re required to accept leadership of the heroes of faith known as the ancient worthies who will guide all people.

Mankind must acknowledge Israel as God’s chosen people. With Jerusalem as the world’s capital, mental and emotional healing will take place for everyone. Those who are willing will learn righteousness. Obedience to God’s way will be required for everlasting life. Humanity will forgive others and ask for forgiveness for past mistakes.

Love will spread over society.

Where does the salvation take place? Either in heaven or on the new earth as it pleases God stated in Revelation 21:1.

Lets go to our sixth question. When, if we are asked, are you saved? You might try this question in return. When are we supposed to be saved? Wait for their answer and continue.

Then we might begin with we believe that the Bible teaches that since Jesus resurrection and ascension and after Pentecost, Christians are saved by accepting Jesus merit. We are no longer under the condemnation of death inherited from Adam. Our sins are forgiven and we become new creatures in Christ Jesus. However, this does not guarantee everlasting life. It takes a lifetime to demonstrate our loyalty to God.

Then we could go on and say from a literal standpoint, the church is saved by being raised from the dead at the last Trump in 1 Corinthians 15:52. Now for the rest of the world. Romans 8:21 23 describes their grief as they are waiting for something better than this life, not knowing what it is. Romans 8 says, for the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God, that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole world groans and travails in pain together.

Until now humanity remains under the bondage of corruption, meaning Adamic condemnation, until they are resurrected on this earth in the day of judgment. At that time they will learn righteousness. Now the literal time for humanity’s salvation will be after Armageddon, when governments and false religions will be which are under Satan’s control will come to an end. Satan will be bound, as it says in Revelation 23, until the thousand years are fulfilled. It will take all that time to rehabilitate mankind.

Psalm 98:pictures what the earth at that time will look like. Let’s take a look at some select verses. Jehovah hath made known his salvation. His righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations. He hath remembered his loving kindness and faithfulness.

Toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise before the King, Jehovah, the world and they that dwell therein. For he cometh to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

This is the time for humanity to demonstrate their loyalty to God in order to attain everlasting life. Brethren, sharing this witness of God’s timing for salvation may encourage someone to seek more of what the Bible teaches next. Let’s go on to the story of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert found in Acts chapter 10. We begin with Peter witnessing to Cornelius and his household.

And he says in verses 42 to 43 and he charged us to preach unto the people and to testify that he who was ordained of God to be the judge of the living and the dead to him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter witnessed to Cornelius’s household, he reaffirmed that Jesus is the savior of all mankind and will judge the living and the dead. That’s all people who have ever lived. Now verse 43 is key. The prophet spoke of this over and over again.

That all the families of the earth would be blessed, which is in harmony with the Abrahamic promise. What does verse 43 say? Everyone who believes on Jesus onto Jesus now and later will be saved and receive forgiveness of sins and have an opportunity to prove their love and loyalty to Jesus. Christians now during the Gospel age and the rest of the world during the mediatorial phase of the kingdom. This is confirmed in Philippians 2, 10 and 11.

That in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven and things on earth, and things under the earth, meaning those who will be raised from the dead and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. What happened Next? In Acts 10:44, 48, Peter was speaking and the Holy Spirit came upon all the Gentiles that heard. The Jewish believers were amazed to see the Holy Spirit given to them. They heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God.

Peter then asked if anyone could prevent them from baptizing. Since they had received the Holy Spirit. He ordered them to baptize in the name into the name of Jesus Christ. The belief of traditional theology says salvation is limited to the here and now. But that’s unfair.

What about all those who never heard the name of Jesus? The phrase this is a day of salvation as recorded in 2 Corinthians 6:2 is really the confusing point for many Christians. Many translations say this is the day of salvation. So it depends which translation you use. But we’ll read it from the New American.

He says, at a favorable time I listened to you, and on a day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a favorable time. Behold, now is a day of salvation, and Paul is quoting from the prophecy in Isaiah 49. 8 and going back to that prophecy, most translations translate it properly with a Thus says the Lord, in a favorable time I have answered you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.

I will keep you and give you for a covenant of the people, to restore the land and to make the inherit and make them inherit the desolate heritages. Well, when we read in 2nd Corinthians 6:2, the word the shows up a lot and this sounds like it’s talking about salvation for everyone here and now. No wonder our Christian friends are so confused. When you go to the context of the prophecy, it’s referring to those whom the Lord has made a special covenant. These developing during the gospel age as footstep followers in Isaiah.

But at the end of the verse this is a big point. It refers to mankind inheriting the desolate heritages on the earth. The early part of Isaiah 49. 8 describes a limited time that will come to an end. It describes the privilege we have of following in Jesus’s footsteps and sacrificing our earthly life rights.

During the gospel age, the world of mankind and the kingdom don’t have to be dead in Christ or sacrifice their earthly aims, hopes and ambitions because life on earth is their home. They will learn righteousness and prove loyalty to it if they want everlasting life. So when does this saving take place? In two phases? It takes place when the called out ones accept Jesus merit.

They are no longer under inherited sin and humanity is saved from Adamic sin after being resurrected from the dead. We covered our six questions, but let’s add a seventh number seven again. Brethren, if we’re asked whether we’re saved, we can take a different approach. We might start by asking the question, are there those that won’t have eternal life? Wait for their explanation and then answer.

We believe the Bible describes it like this. Yes, some won’t achieve everlasting life and it’s called the second death. Let’s examine this in two parts. First, there are those who once followed Christ. Hebrews 6:4:6 discusses the impossibility of restoring to repentance those who have had experienced spiritual enlightenment, tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit, but only to fall away.

By rejecting the Son of God, these individuals essentially crucify him again and subject him to public shame. After death, they have no resurrection. It’s important to note that though it’s not our place, brethren, to judge whether or not the Lord has accepted someone’s consecration and whether or not they will go into second death.

Second point concerning humanity those who refuse to conform to righteousness after they’ve been resurrected and after Christ and the Church have exhausted every possibility and possible resource, they will die the second death. Additionally, there will be individuals who go along with everything in God’s kingdom, but their hearts are not truly right. Those who fail the final test during Satan’s little season, as described in Revelation 20, lack sincerity towards God and Jesus. They fail to love the Lord, the God, their God, with all their heart, soul, strength and mind, and their neighbor as themselves. Ultimately, it is their choice.

God respects free will and does not interfere. In both scenarios, the end result is not torture or torment. Rather, it is exactly what the term indicates, the second death meaning total destruction. Another discussion about salvation we could choose when witnessing is the difference between eternal life and immortal life, highlighting the differences between the two. Here’s where we define the word eternal.

It’s Strong’s number 166. It means everlasting, perpetual and without end, never ceasing. Another unique aspect of everlasting life on earth in God’s kingdom is that humanity will need to depend on God for food, shelter, natural resources to sustain eternal life. Our God is the source of every good and perfect gift. So what is immortality promised to the faithful followers of Jesus?

Immortality means incorruptible, perpetual, undecaying so simply means deathless. Immortality for the Church is found in 1 Corinthians 15:53,54. Again, there are those that won’t have eternal life for those who had God’s spirit and favor later become enemies of God. Secondly, all those who were resurrected on the earth who rebel against godliness and would prefer not to live in a perfect society.

Belief alone is not enough. A sacrificial life is required to put effort into proving our loyalty as those in Christ. First Peter 1:10 says, we need to give diligence to make our calling and election sure, for if we do these things, we shall never fail. It takes work Philippians 3:13 and 14 reaching forward and pressing on to the mark. It takes action to prove faithfulness.

Once you’re once saved, always saved. Doesn’t work when we have to prove loyalty.

Let’s in summary, everyone is saved because of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. Salvation is free and it gives all the opportunity to eternal life. Brethren, we love these verses which read Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind but which we must be saved.

The world wants to be saved so much. On our trip to convention we would see billboards along the way saying Save me Jesus or Forgive me Jesus, save my soul. They may not understand the who, what, where, when, why and how, but they clamor for freedom from the sin filled world and their broken bodies.

Dear brethren, there is a special salvation for those who believe now during the Gospel Age. We are so privileged and blessed to be invited to walk in the narrow way and to have our eyes open. Thank you Jesus and thank you Heavenly Father.

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