Exploring Faith: Understanding Salvation Beyond the Bounds of Religion

I have never adhered to a specific religion because I believe God didn't intend for our faith to be limited to a set of beliefs created by others. To me, religion feels restrictive, like a box. They hand you this box of beliefs and tell you to stay within those bounds.

God desires us to be free to choose His ways. He desires us to comprehend His teachings and ways through relationship.

As a child my mother took me to a Church of God. During my pre-teen years she began attending a Baptist church, and later, a non-denominational one. I was also introduced to other religions through friends and family. When I was younger, it was hard to know what to believe. One believed this, and another believed that. One tells you your salvation is sealed until you make it to heaven, another believes you have to earn it, and yet another believes you have to be sanctified and not just saved, to make it heaven. I had no idea what to believe! At least not until I dedicated my life to the Lord and started studying the Bible for myself. I became firmly rooted in my faith. Since then, I have never been uncertain about my beliefs, and no one can challenge them because they are based on the truth of God's word. My beliefs are based on what God showed me, not what some religion told me to believe.

I've noted over the years, various religions often impose their own specific set of beliefs, and sometimes even rules they've made up, expecting you to adhere to what they consider to be truth or to be an honest way to live. I've noticed friends and family will believe certain things, thinking it's truth, but can't tell me one scripture their "truth" is based on.

Many people follow a religion just because that's how they were raised. They believe it because that's how Uncle so and so believes it. Unfortunately, there isn't always much truth behind how they were raised. The sad truth is, Uncle so and so can't get you to heaven and neither can a faith that was built on sinking sand.

For this reason, it's good to have your own understanding of scripture. Having a solid spiritual foundation is key, which you will only get through prayer and in-depth study of God's word (the Bible). With that said, in order to have a spiritual understanding of the Bible, one must first be saved. Without salvation, which brings a change and enlightenment to your spirit, it is impossible to fully understand scripture. The carnal mind doesn't understand spiritual things. The carnal mind understands carnal things. The depth of the Bible is only revealed to those who belong to God.

SHOCKING BELIEFS

Yesterday, I had a shocking conversation with a committed Catholic who said that salvation is nonsense and that being "saved" isn't mentioned in scripture. They have been deceived through religion that has taught them that the ability to go to Heaven is an unknown quantity.

I explained that if they truly believe this, they are destined for hell, according to scripture.

This conversation prompted me to write this article, as I'm amazed at how many people do not understand what the sacrifice of Jesus was for.

How tragic it would be to reach the end of one's life and discover that their good deeds went unrewarded because they didn't embrace salvation, which according to scripture, is the only path to Heaven.

The words of the most famous scripture in history make it plain-

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

He did not say, "Your good deeds are the way." Jesus is the only way to Heaven.

The scriptures reveal that salvation (or being "saved") is given in exchange for believing that Jesus' sacrifice was an exchange for our sin. He gave us His pure life in exchange for our weakness. He paved our path to Heaven and it is only through believing in that path that we can be saved. Heaven can only be our reward if we believe in HIs sacrifice as payment for our sins.

What Jesus has done was an exchange, or a sacrificial covenant. A sacrificial covenant is an agreement where one party sacrifices something valuable for the other's benefit. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life, establishing a sacrificial bond like no other. Salvation is a covenant offered to everyone who believes and accepts it. It is a free gift available to all humanity, but it is received only by those who exercise their faith to participate in this covenant.

Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." This means that Jesus consistently calls you to Himself. Only those who receive Him are saved.

Participation starts with faith in the covenant, not with good works. The rewards of the covenant are not earned as Jesus has already done everything for us. We now can enter His rest.

Initially, God the Father established specific laws that dictate how this earth functions and operates. I refer to this as "the government of harvest" because this world is governed by the principles of seed, time, and harvest, meaning whatever is sown will eventually be reaped.

God's judgment is determined by what is planted within the system of harvest. Initially, humanity introduced sin into this system, leading the harvest to yield negative outcomes. One of the outcomes was separation from God.

In order to redeem man back into God's family, Jesus had to sow Himself into the system as a sacrifice. Jesus paid the price we couldn't pay for ourselves because we weren't holy or spotless. We all have sinned.

Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. I am the good shepherd... The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:9-11

We can never be good enough to enter into Heaven on our own merit. All are considered sinners so that all can be saved (Romans 5:18). It was Jesus' sacrifice that brought us this free salvation.

Some believe in this statement, "I am a good person, and have lived a good life." But scripture says there is none good but God ( Matthew 19:17). No matter how good we think we are, all are still sinners who can only be saved by grace.

Some individuals struggle because their pride in their achievements blinds them to the fact that Jesus is the true hero in this earthly narrative.

No matter how much money you've made, how talented you are, how great your job is, how smart you are, or how many good deeds you've done, none of these will guarantee you entry into Heaven.

These are all good things but pales in comparison to what Jesus has done for us. It would be a tragedy to consider yourself a good person only to ultimately find yourself in the torment of hell. We will all spend eternity somewhere!

Jesus sowed His sinless life in exchange for ours for this very reason. It is only through faith in this gift of grace that man can be saved.

In the discussion I had with the Catholic person who doesn't believe in salvation, they argued that nobody can be certain of going to Heaven. I responded with, "I can! I am going to Heaven." I have no doubt that what I said to him is one hundred percent absolutely true.

With a shocked expression, they maintained that no one can have assurance of this. I firmly responded, "I am certain, and no one can take that away from me because it's firmly rooted into my heart that I am saved." I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit which was done by God's promise of sending us a comforter.

It isn't pride to say that you're going to Heaven, it is faith.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that Heaven is my destiny and I wish to explain why.

First of all, Heaven is for believers, not religious people.

People who put their faith in being religious are hoping for a reward that the Bible says is impossible. Rather than believing in the sacrifice of Jesus, they have faith in themselves. Many religions teach that individuals must earn their place in Heaven by being good and doing good deeds, but this is misguided information. No where in scripture does it teach this.

Catholics, specifically, are taught that salvation is a process, and according to their belief, being a good person is crucial for God to potentially reward them with Heaven. They believe that justification is not merely an event, but a lifelong journey of sacrificial living. While I agree that one must learn to shun sin and live a good life and even do good deeds, I do not agree that you can earn your way into Heaven.

Performing good deeds does not make you a Christian; even though the world may see you as a good person. Being a Christian only comes through salvation and allowing yourself to embody Christ-like qualities through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Many religious people frequently neglect the aspect of their faith that urges them to "consistently strive to live according to God's will."

Although they think they are adhering to God's will through good deeds and partaking of the sacraments, they still participate in cursing, excessive drinking, premarital sex, judging others, lying, and stealing, which is all sin. Their focus is not on these sins but rather on their good deeds but the Bible is clear that those who "practice" sin, will not have a place in Heaven. Heaven is for those who practice righteousness.

However, self-righteousness never paves a path to Heaven. Many live as they please, avoiding only the more significant sins, and believe that attending church, tithing, and participating in certain rituals make them good individuals who could possibly eventually get rewarded.

They overlook their own flaws and spend their lives judging those who live differently from what they consider to be "good behavior." They perceive themselves as "not so bad," yet they easily notice faults in others. Despite their good deeds, they fail to realize that such actions alone do not prevent one from going to hell, nor do they ensure entry into Heaven. They also do not realize that judging others is sin.

The belief that Heaven is a reward for leading a good life, performing good deeds, or participating in the sacraments is a misconception intended to encourage moral behavior, but it does not reflect how God truly operates.

According to the Bible, understanding scripture is not intended for those who are lost; it is meant for those who have been given the mind of Christ. Those who have been born again.

Without accepting the gift of salvation, one cannot truly grasp the meaning of scripture. It is like treasure hidden in the earth. The treasure map is only given to those whose faith is in the Lord Jesus' sacrifice, and not in themselves.

According to scripture, God doesn't make you earn His gifts through good deeds. God's gifts are free. I like the way the New Living translation says it in Romans 4:16-

"So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift (it isn't earned).

Jesus offered Himself as the atonement for sin, and we must to accept this sacrifice through faith. Compared to exercising faith, religion or good deeds are insignificant. None of us can achieve God's promises through our own righteousness, but by simply believing in Jesus, we can rely on His assurance and promise of salvation, not through works, but through faith.

I'm saying it over and over so that you will get that it's through FAITH that we are saved.

As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—not even one.

No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.

All have turned away; all have become useless.

No one does good, not a single one.”

“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.

Their tongues are filled with lies.”

“Snake venom drips from their lips.”

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

“They rush to commit murder.

Destruction and misery always follow them.

They don’t know where to find peace.”

“They have no fear of God at all.”

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are." Romans 3:9-20 NLT

Ephesians 2:8-9 "by grace you are saved"

Titus 3:5 Jesus "saved" us

Romans 3:28 we are justified by faith not by works

Romans chapter 4 Abraham's faith (not his good works) established him as righteous before God

Revelation 12:10

Now, with that said, I would like to address how often the Bible discusses salvation. Salvation is what many refer to as being saved. Salvation is discussed throughout the Old and New Testaments. 

Old Testament

Several Psalms refer to salvation belonging to the Lord. Isaiah speaks of God blotting out transgressions and redeeming his people, and Jeremiah calls upon the Lord for healing and salvation. Jonah 2:9 also proclaims that salvation belongs to the Lord. 

New Testament

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12 KJV

There is no other verse more common to man than John 3:16, which emphasizes God's love and the free gift of eternal life through faith in His Son. Other passages in John discuss being saved by entering through Jesus and obtaining eternal life by hearing and believing the message of the Gospel. The book of Acts declares that salvation is found in no other name but Jesus.

Saved people are not perfect people; they are forgiven people, not because we've earned it but because we have faith to partake of the covenant that was freely given to us.

Romans describes the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. It also mentions that Christ died for us while we were still sinners and that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Confessing Jesus and believing in His resurrection is tied to salvation. Good works come after this connection is made as a result of having your heart cleansed and your mind renewed.

It isn't all about what you do as much as it is all about what you believe.

1 Peter describes the result of faith as the salvation of souls, while 1 John equates having the Son with having life. Salvation, a divine gift, is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life.

A fundamental aspect of faith that often comes up in discussions about salvation and assurance is that if an individual does not possess a deep-seated assurance in their heart that they have been truly saved, it is often a strong indication that they may not have experienced that transformative moment of salvation yet.

This assurance is not merely a fleeting feeling or a superficial belief; rather, it is a profound conviction that stems from a personal relationship with God and a genuine understanding of His grace.

Without the gift of salvation, which manifests as the mind of Christ bringing knowledge of God's Word, the promise of eternal life and the assurance of Heaven can seem difficult to grasp and intangible, lacking the certainty that religious people often seek.

It is important to understand that salvation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey of faith, marked by continual growth, reflection, and a deepening relationship with Christ. In this aspect, the Catholic faith has it right. However, one cannot earn their way into Heaven, not even through good deeds and continual growth.

When one truly embraces salvation, they are granted a sense of peace and security that reassures them of their place in Heaven, promoting a joyful and confident faith.

However, with salvation comes the responsibility of nurturing that faith through prayer, scripture, and community.

It is through these practices that individuals can cultivate a stronger assurance in their hearts, reinforcing their belief in the promises of God.

This assurance serves as a beacon of hope, guiding believers through trials and uncertainties, and reminding them of the unwavering love and mercy that God extends to all who seek Him earnestly.

In essence, the journey of faith begins with the assurance of salvation. Being faithful to your religion, isn't the same as having faith in Jesus' sacrifice and being saved. Without believing the sacrifice of Jesus was for your sins, man cannot be saved.

I pray those reading this article will except Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I promise you there is nothing like the peace that He can give!

12 Scriptures that refer to being "saved" or "born again." (KJV)

1. John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

2. 1 Peter 1:23 – “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

3. John 3:7 – “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

4. Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

5. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

6. Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

7. Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

8. 1 John 3:9 – “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

9. Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

10. Colossians 3:9-10 – “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

11. 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

12. John 1:12-13 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”