Faith and Salvation
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake…
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 ESV
God, our Savior, Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins did so FOR us. He was the ultimate sacrifice so people no longer had to perform animal sacrifices for God. Also in dying for our sins we are taught that salvation comes from our faith in God through Jesus Christ. When we give our life to Him we are baptized in the Holy Spirit giving us salvation so we no longer have to have water baptism for our salvation. Baptism is still an act of obedience, a physical and public declaration of our faith and commitment to God our Father.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11 ESV
“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.”
Acts 10:44–48 ESV
Know that God is not going anywhere, and He is always there for you. Therefore, step out and fight the battles before us. Read the Word of God, equip yourself, watch for those who will try to deceive you with false teachings. Keep your eyes open for when Satan tries to interfere with your life by sending demons into your life, through other people. In Jesus name, rebuke those demons.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV
Jesus Christ, Son of the Father in Heaven, creator of the heavens and the earth, I surrender myself as a soldier in your name. Strengthen me with your wisdom and knowledge of your Word. Show me your will for me lead me. Guide me to fulfill your desires for me. I want my desires to be the same as your desires for me. Open the doors for me to show me the way.
Thank you, Lord, for being powerful, loving, forgiving, merciful, and gracious.
In Jesus’ Holy and Precious Name, Amen.