Matthew 18:35
Some might make an argument here for losing one’s salvation. They may say that, if we are forgiven, and then fail to forgive others, we can lose our eternal salvation. This is not the case. Even a casual reading of the first epistle that John wrote would make it quite clear to anyone that those who do not love others are not saved, nor have they been saved. This lack of forgiveness is an evident token of perdition. It simply proves that a person was never saved to begin with.
As with the servant in Jesus’ parable, the price for our forgiveness has been paid. Pardon full and free is granted. It is not, however, always accepted. The servant in the story was pardoned quite surely. But he was not saved. The pardon, and knowledge of it, did not change him. In the same way, Jesus’ offering for us, and our knowledge of it, though it can save us, doesn’t save us. Acceptance of that offering, and belief that it is the power of Almighty God unto salvation, enabling us to have the righteousness of Christ in our heart and life, that is what saves. The fact that Jesus’ offering has secured eternal salvation for all who may partake has never changed and never will. What does change is our response. As Jesus says, many are called, few chosen. Only those who respond in faith shall receive the pardon and the salvation it brings to us.
Bible Reading: Mark 7:1-8:38
Scripture Memory: 1 John 5:6 “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation. You give us all that we need. You know our hearts. You have always known them. From eternity You have known the evil within us. Yet, from eternity You have had a plan for our salvation. It is for Your glory that You have done this. You are worthy of all the praise for making a way open for us to be saved. You do not withhold Your love from any. Nobody can say they didn’t get a fair chance. You have chosen our path. You have established our ways. You know all the possibilities. You know all the eventualities. You are so wise and pure! Thank You for salvation through Your Son! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman who just recently lost her husband. Pray for a family enduring much loss in recent weeks. Pray for a man who has been too sick to attend church.
Journal Entry #14022