“Will Be Saved” Is Not Always “Have Been Saved”
Tuesday, December 19
Romans 10:9-11 (NIV)
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Devotion
Following Jesus often has perplexing moments if we presume that the miracle of new creation and personal regeneration always occurs instantaneously. Like all miracles and answered prayer, the biggest miracle we can personally experience comes in God's timing, not ours.
If we meet the conditions of trust, confession, and surrender, the outcome is assured: “You will be saved.” But like when Jesus makes mud from spit to heal a man born blind as he washes in the pool of Siloam, (John 9) salvation is sometimes a process. Jesus is not confined by our favorite salvation recipe or our doctrines of justification and sanctification. Jesus is the way.
The path of salvation in the book of Romans, often called the Romans Road, only points to the way: Jesus. When we doubt because we don't yet see the good fruit of regeneration, we need to stay the course – keep following Jesus, keep crying out to him, keep letting him wash us in the pure water of his word. Instead of asking, “Why don't I feel anything?” or “Why hasn't God transformed me yet?” a better question is “How wholehearted is my trust and confession?” Ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess with my mouth today that Jesus is Lord. I truly believe that You raised him from the dead, and according to Your Word, because I believe, I am saved. I thank You for the most loving gift of salvation. I long for more of You in my everyday life. I ask that You transform me to walk as Jesus walked, wholly devoted to You. Help me to put my whole heart into walking according to Your will. Please carry out a good work within me that will draw others to You. As I put forth effort to draw near to You, I know You will take my hand and lead me. I give all praise, honor and glory to You. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Do you long to always know the presence of God and His leading? Did you know that He longs to be close to you as well? He is like a parent who is anxiously awaiting your visit. Set aside time for Him every day. Talk to Him as you would those close to you, then listen for His response as He imparts His love and wisdom into you. He truly is awaiting you to draw near.
Resources:
- Be encouraged to have faith and draw near to God, as you listen to the message, “God’s Law of Attraction.”
- Draw close to God through Bible Study and fellowship with fellow believers, by joining a Small Group today.