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Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2024/05/19/church-doctrines-what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved/

Church Doctrines: What Does it Mean to be Saved?

POSTED ON MAY 19, 2024 BY BETH ANDREWS

During a conversation with the Jewish ruling authorities, Jesus made an odd statement. He said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). The Jews immediately countered him saying they had never been slaves so why would Jesus say they needed to be “set free?” (v. 33).

Jesus pointed out that “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (v. 34). And Paul said everyone sins (Rom 3:23), All men are slaves to sin – it is our nature – our very human DNA. We are helpless to push back against our evil master. Unless. Unless we have been “set free from sin” (Rom 6:18) through faith in Jesus Christ. Then, Paul said, we are “slaves to righteousness leading to holiness” (Rom 6:18) We are “set free from sin.” So why do we – as born-again believers – still bear the guilt of our sin?

We’re like ex-prisoners who refuse to accept release. Perhaps it seems more pious to continue to mourn our sin, but in truth, it is implying that Christ’s work on the cross is insufficient. What sin have you committed that is greater than the blood of Jesus? What failure exceeds the power of God to forgive and restore? Are you listening to the enemy read off your list of pardoned crimes – or will you listen instead to the sweet voice of Jesus say “Forgiven!”?

Charles Spurgeon says, “We stand in the sight of God accepted, as though we had never been guilty.” Paul said, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). If you have repented of your sins and received Jesus as your Savior, you are no longer guilty. That abortion? Not guilty! That affair? Not guilty! That time you stole something? Not guilty!

That season of addiction? Not guilty! Whatever that thing is that weighs you down with shame – in Christ Jesus, you are declared by God “Not guilty!” And you are set free from the burden and the penalty of your sin. That’s what it means to be saved.

It’s time to come out of the prison of guilt and shame. It is time to take off that orange jumpsuit and put on the snow-white robe of the redeemed. Beloved, it’s time to get out and get on with your new life in Christ.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

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