This article is written to let you know the way of salvation is the way of God. There is no other salvation without Jesus Christi. To be saved is to repent of your sins and believe in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. You can be saved by the grace of God and through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again from the dead.
The Salvation we are talking about in this article is not the deliverance from ordinary danger or suffering. We are talking about the salvation of God, which is the redemption of our souls from sins and eternal death in Hell by Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners. Jesus Christ offers all who repent and believe in Him now the salvation of soul from eternal death, and the redemption of the body when He returns to judge the world and reign with the saints forever and ever. Those who died in Christ will rise first from the dead and receive a spiritual, glorious and immortal body to meet the Lord in the space. Those Christians who are still alive will be transformed into the glorious and spiritual body to be with the Lord.
Christianity is neither superstition nor science. Superstition is based on false and unfounded beliefs and fears. Science is limited by human and empirical and tentative knowledge at a time and place. Christianity is the revealed religion. Only God makes revelation of the ultimate truth and wisdom. Revelation cannot be achieved by human discovery or wisdom. Christianity is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was God who became Man to reveal God and spiritual things to human beings.
1. The Church of Jesus Christ is the pillar of truth.
2. The Roman Catholic Church is historically false, full of heresies and wrong doctrines and superstitions.
3. Science cannot provide ultimate truth and wisdom because science at best is human tentative knowledge at a given time and place.
4. Human philosophies cannot provide ultimate truth and wisdom because they are limited human thoughts confined to limited intelligence.
5. All religions except Christianity are man-made.
6. Christianity – the revealed religion – explains and exalts the Supreme Being, Wisdom and Truth.
7. Neither science nor religion can save mankind.
8. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life – outside of Christ there is no salvation.
9. The wisdom of the living is to know the Most High rules the universe and over the realm of mankind.
10. It is of infinite truth and wisdom that human beings must submit themselves humbly to the Will of God.
The way of salvation is the way of God. Salvation is not an act of human will or effort. According to God, all have sinned and come short of His glory. The best of human beings are not good enough in the sight of the Holy God, they are like filthy rags. No one can by his/her own merit find God or His salvation. So God sent Jesus Christ His Son to earth to save sinners. Sin is enmity against God, sinners are God’s enemies. Jesus Christ died on the cross for sinners in order to bring sinners to reconcile with God. This is the way of peace. Whoever accepts the gift of God, have peace with God for they receive the right to become children of God. The Holy Bible is the Word of God that instructs us concerning the way of truth. This is the truth: we cannot save ourselves. No man or angel can save sinners. Jesus Christ was God who became Man in order to save sinners. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. There is only one way to God, Jesus is the way. The way of salvation is the way of truth. Whoever receives Jesus the Savior receives eternal life. Eternal life is the new life, born of the Spirit, will last forever. It is appointed all will die. You have a choice: the place of punishment (Hell), or the place of happiness (Heaven).
On Sunday, December 08, 2013, I heard a Chinese female preacher’s sermon on 1Jo 3:23 ,“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.” Her preaching did not touch on what and why we have to believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. She did not preach why the name of His Son Jesus Christ is so important. She did not preach the Gospel of salvation as it is written in the Scriptures.
Act 4:12 ,“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under Heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means Messianic salvation; the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from Heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God (Strong’s Concordance); the passing from death to life; the forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption of soul; deliverance from the power and effects of sin; – which occurs 45 times in the New Testament.
The Chinese female preacher’s whole focus was deliberately on loving one another. Her fatal theological fault and failure is that she said to love one another is on the same level of importance as believing in Jesus. This sounds like a modernist gospel. There is nothing wrong with loving one another. Even if you give all your possession to feed the poor, and surrender your body to be burned, but if you do not have faith in Christ Jesus, it profits you nothing of your salvation. No good deeds, no love, no any kind work can make you deserve the salvation of God, the salvation of your soul. For you are not saved by work, you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:8 -9 ,“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Note: Gift in Greek is doron which means present; offering; something given without compensation; God’s special favor; something you receive freely; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. When God says it is a gift, it is a gift. You see on the Internet advertised free download of encyclopedia or advanced dictionary, don’t believe it unless you want to waste many hours of your time and efforts for nothing. These lying businesses put you on a wild-goose chase, and the end is empty, practically nothing you will get for free.
The Chinese female preacher seemed not to know that loving one another and do all the good deeds cannot save your soul. Salvation is the gift of God. Let every man be a liar, God is true. God loves you and wants to give you freely the eternal life, all you need to do is to repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God as your Lord and Savior.
Tts 3:5 -6 ,“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit; whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Note: The salvation of soul requires regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit which no man can do. What is born of the spirit is spirit, and what is born of the flesh is flesh.
This is the pattern of sermon of most Chinese churches today; they put the cart before the horse. They teach a drowning person how to swim. They teach a critically ill person to practice good healthy habits. They teach a bad tree to bear good fruit. Chinese preachers teach their members how to behave; but they do not preach how to be saved. I do not know why Chinese preachers apparently do not preach the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is worst, this female preacher cited Nelson Mandela as a good Christian. Did she not know Mandela had 3 wives? She cited the words of Mandela when he walked out jail he left everything behind. Does she not know Apostle Paul says, Phl 3:12 -14 ,“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is very dangerous to set any secular man as a Christian model. Can the words of anyone alive or dead be comparable to the Scriptures?
I met an old Chinese lady at the church there and told her the Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple like 1,2,3.
(1). God loves you and all the people in the world although we are sinners. This is the wonder of God’s love, not that we deserve it.
(2). We are all sinners who cannot save ourselves. No one else can save us from our sins. But God sent His Only Son who had no sin to come into the world to die for our sins on the cross. Jesus Christ rose from the death and so He is able to save all who come to Him.
(3). If you repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ with your all heart that He is your Lord and Savior and confess to the world you are His follower, you will be saved. I have met many Chinese church members who do not know whether they are saved or not or what is the proof that they are saved. Your baptism, your participation in the Lord’s Supper, your membership of a church, your giving to the church, your good deeds and giving to charities, and how much love you have, etc. are not proof that you are saved.
Rom 8:9 ,“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” This is the test: do you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you? The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are one and the same. If you do not have the Spirit of Christ, you do not belong to Christ. Can you know whether you have the Spirit of Christ in you or not? Yes, you can. How?
Rom 8:16 -17 ,“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
Note: Clearly the Bible proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ and explains clearly the way of salvation. You can know for sure whether you are saved or not, whether you are a child of God of not. I cannot tell you, and no one else can tell you whether you are saved or not. The Holy Spirit can. If you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit will tell you so. If you still do not know but you want to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; you can say the following prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe You are the Son of God and the Savior of the world who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Lord, save my soul. Please send the Holy Spirit into my heart and give me a new life and let me know I belong to You and I am a child of God. Amen.
A big department store sent me 2 discount coupons of ¥100 each; they are worth about $33.33. I was careless and did not read the expiration date in the back. When I wanted to use them, they had expired. What a waste! God offers every human being a gift of salvation absolutely free. It is grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you repent of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will receive the eternal life. Many people do not realize that God’s salvation also has an expiration date.
Hbr 4:7 : “He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
“TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”
God is calling you today to repentance; do not harden your heart.
2Cr 6:2 ,“For He says,
“AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU,
AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.”
Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”—
When can you be saved? God says: Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation. There was one young woman who lived in sins; she did not want to get saved now. She said she wanted to be saved at the last moment. You do not know when your last moment is. When you walk out your home this morning, you may not walk back. If you suddenly get hit and die in an accident, your expiration date may have passed. The date of your salvation may expire. It is true, now under the dispensation of grace, you can be saved any time; but you do not know when Jesus Christ returns. When you go bed tonight, you may not wake up and the date of your salvation may expire on you. For me to pass the expiration date and lost ¥200 was a small thing. For you to lose the day of your salvation, you will have to suffer eternal punishment in Hell is an unthinkable loss. Please get ready to meet your God, do it now. Will you come to Jesus now?
1. God is my Salvation.
Exd 15:2 ,“The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”
Note: Salvation in Hebrew is yĕshuw`ah which means deliverance, salvation by God, help, victory; – it occurs about 78 times in the Old Testament. Outside of God there is no salvation, for salvation comes from God.
1Sa 2:1 ,“And Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.”
Note: Those who are saved rejoice in God’s salvation.
2Sa 22:3 ,“The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence.”
2Sa 22:36 , “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great.”
2Sa 22:47 , “The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!”
1Ch 16:23 , “Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
Note: Proclaim the good news in Hebrew is basar which means to announce (salvation) as good news, announce glad tidings to anyone; – it occurs about 24 times in the Old Testament. Those who are saved have a duty to proclaim the good news of God’s salvation.
Psa 18:46 ,“The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.”
Note: Unlike idols, God lives. We must exalt the God of our salvation.
Psa 65:5 ,“By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the far-off seas.”
Note: Confidence in Hebrew is mibtach which means trust, object of confidence, refuge, security, sure and firm hope; – it occurs about 15 times in the Old Testament. American currency says “In God We Trust.” Today most Americans trust money and power, God is only in their mouths, not in their hearts. God is the confidence of all the ends of the earth.
Psa 68:20 ,“Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.”
Note: The God of the Bible is the God of salvation; there is no salvation in any other religion or belief.
Psa 79:9 ,“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.”
Note: God saves us and forgives our sins for the glory of His name.
2. Salvation belongs to God.
Psa 3:8 ,“Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah”
Note: Salvation is the exclusive gift and power of God. No man, no false god, no religion, no institution, nothing can offer salvation to the lost sinner. No matter how good you are, you cannot save yourself and no one can save you except Jesus Christ the Savior of the world.
Psa 13:5 ,“But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.”
Note: Salvation is God’s mercy for sinful man. To obtain God’s mercy you have to trust God. Trust in Hebrew is batach which means to have confidence, trust in, set one’s hope and confidence upon, throw oneself on; – it occurs about 120 times in the Old Testament. Mercy in Hebrew is checed which means goodness, kindness, faithfulness, benevolence, pity, grace, favor, mercy of God towards men; – it occurs about 248 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 18:2 ,“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Note: If you know who the Lord is, you will trust Him.
Psa 20:5 ,“We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.”
Note: The joy of faith brings the joy of salvation. The Christian faith is unlike the pessimism of Buddhism and others; the Christian faith is positive and joyful.
Psa 24:5 ,“He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
Note: Righteousness in Hebrew is tsĕdaqah which means justification, salvation, a proof of probity or piety; – it occurs about 157 times in the Old Testament. The righteousness of God is a gift to sinners who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, those who are counted righteous receive God’s salvation.
Psa 62:1 ,“To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. TRULY my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation.”
Note: The salvation of soul is once and for all when a person accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior; he has passed from death to life. Christians while on earth need to be delivered again and again from sin, sorrow, sickness, trouble, etc.
Jon 2:9 , “But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.”
Zec 9:9 , “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Note: This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He was entering the City of David, Jerusalem. Mat 21:4-11 , “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest! And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying: Who is this? So the multitudes said: This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Rev 7:10 ,“And crying out with a loud voice, saying: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Note: Salvation in Greek is sōtēria which means deliverance, preservation, safety, Messianic salvation, salvation as the present possession of all true Christians, future salvation (the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal Kingdom of God); – it occurs about 45 times in the New Testament. Salvation belongs to our God and the Lamb of God who is Jesus Christ.
Rev 19:1 ,“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!”
Note: Children of God are among the great multitude in heaven who sing praises to God forever and ever.
3. Blessings of Salvation.
Psa 27:1 ,“A Psalm of David. THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Note: The Lord gives light to those who believe in Him, His Word is light. Those who are saved have no fear, for the Lord is the strength of our lives.
Psa 35:9 ,“And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; it shall rejoice in His salvation.
Note: Those who are saved not only have no fear, they rejoice in God’s salvation.
Psa 37:39 ,“But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble.”
Note: Those who are saved God is their strength in the time of trouble.
Psa 51:12 ,“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
Note: Restore in Hebrew is shuwb which means to return to in repetition, refresh, repair, renew; – it occurs about 106 times in the Old Testament. Those who are saved can be renewed again and again by the power of the Holy Spirit to rejoice in the joy of God’s salvation.
Psa 62:2 ,“He only is my Rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”
Note: The events of the world can shock and move and even uproot people, but God is our Rock means God is solid and absolutely not moved by anyone or anything; therefore the children of God are secure in His salvation.
Psa 62:7 ,“In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”
Note: Salvation here in Hebrew is yesha` which means deliverance, rescue, safety, welfare, aid; – it occurs 36 times in the Old Testament. Refuge in Hebrew is machaceh which means refuge from danger, shelter from rain or storm, the person to whom one flees; – it occurs about 20 times in the Old Testament. God is the Person all His children may flee to.
Psa 68:19 ,“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Selah.”
Note: Bear burden in Hebrew is `amac which means to carry a load, lift up a load, lay a burden upon; – it occurs about 9 times in the Old Testament. Our God and Savior bears our burdens daily more than we ever know.
Psa 69:13 ,“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.”
Note: There is truth in God’s salvation, you can depend on it.
Psa 70:4 ,“Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually: Let God be magnified.”
Note: Those who are saved love the salvation of God.
Isa 12:2 ,“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.”
Note: The children of God can trust and not be afraid because God is their salvation. Strength and song follow salvation. Money and power cannot save you. Nothing is this world is trustworthy. Nothing can save you from fear.
Isa 25:9 ,“And it will be said in that day: Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Note: There is joy in the salvation of God.
Isa 33:6 , “Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.”
Note: The strength of salvation is stability; the strength of stability is wisdom and knowledge. Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God.
Rev 12:10 , “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven: Now salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
Note: This Scripture explains the eternal blessings of those who have been saved, and the inheritance of the Kingdom of God with power and glory.
4. The Way of Salvation.
Psa 67:2 ,“That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.”
Note: Salvation is God’s way, not human way, or any way. Way in Hebrew is derek which means road, path, journey, manner, direction, mode; – it occurs about 705 times in the Old Testament.
Psa 79:9 ,“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake!”
Note: Provide atonement in Hebrew is kaphar which means to propitiate, cover sins, make reconciliation, atone for sin, make expiation for offense, purge, pacify, pardon, obtain forgiveness, free from charge; – it occurs about 102 times in the Old Testament. Jesus died on the cross was God’s way of providing atonement for our sins.
Psa 85:7 ,“Show us Your mercy, LORD, and grant us Your salvation.”
Note: Salvation is God’s mercy given to those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Grant in Hebrew is nathan which means to give, bestow, provide; – it occurs in the Old Testament 2,008 times. No man can earn salvation. For you to be saved, God must grant or give His salvation. All man-made religions teach that you must earn your merit by good deeds in order to go to heaven. No one is good enough to go to heaven. In God’s sight, no one is good enough. The salvation of God is a gift in Jesus Christ.
Psa 96:2 ,“Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
Note: Proclaim in Hebrew is basar which means to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, announce (salvation) as good news; – it occurs about 24 times in the Old Testament. In obedience to God’s commandment, the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is published and brought to you via the Internet 。
Psa 98:2 ,“The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.”
Note: Make known in Hebrew is yada` which means to reveal; disclose; declare; show; – it occurs about 947 times in the Old Testament. The salvation of God cannot be discovered by human efforts, God must make known His salvation. God made known His salvation by revelation through Jesus Christ and His Word. Christianity is the revealed religion, all other religions are man-made。Reveal in Hebrew is galah which means to uncover, disclose, make bare, unfold; – it occurs about 188 times in the Old Testament。God reveals His righteousness in Jesus Christ。Jesus Christ is the Righteousness of God; whoever accepts and believes in Jesus Christ is counted as righteousness of God。No matter how much good deeds you have done,you can never qualify as righteousness of God。
Psa 116:13 ，“I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. ”
Note：Take up in Hebrew is nasa’ which means to accept；– it occurs about 654 times in the Old Testament. Take up what God offers, and call upon the name of the Lord。Why call upon the name of the Lord？ Rom 10:13 ，“For WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
Isa 45:17 ，“But Israel shall be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.”
Note：The salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ for His believers is an everlasting salvation. Once you are saved, you are saved forever。
Everlasting in Hebrew is `owlam which means for ever, evermore, perpetual, continuous existence, eternal, indefinite or unending future; – it occurs about 439 times in the Old Testament。The same original word is used also in Psa 41:13 , “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. ” The salvation of God is everlasting because God is everlasting，from everlasting to everlasting。The idea is too wonderful for man to comprehend, God exists in eternal past and in eternal future。
Psa 119:41 ,“May Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word.”
Note: The salvation of God is according to His Word. No word of man can save you.
Psa 119:155 , “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.”
Note: The rich and powerful are so wicked today, salvation is far from them. Unless the wicked repent, they will not escape God’s judgment, they will all perish.
Psa 149:4 ,“For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.”
Note: The rich and powerful are arrogant people, they will not humble themselves at the feet of the cross to repent and confess their sins, and so salvation is far from them.
Isa 12:3 , “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Note: Believers with joy draw water from the wells of salvation. The water from the wells of salvation is the water of life. Those who have been saved have eternal life.
Isa 45:8 , “Rain down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the LORD, have created it.”
Note: God poured down His righteousness from above means God sent His Son to earth to save the world. When the Righteousness of God came down, the earth received the salvation of God. When you open your heart to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your are counted as righteous and you receive eternal life.
Isa 45:17 ,“But Israel shall be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.”
Note: The salvation of God is everlasting because God is everlasting.
Isa 49:6 , “Indeed He says: It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as the light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. ”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world; He is God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.
Isa 51:6 ,“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth will grow old like a garment, and those who dwell in it will die in like manner; but My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not be abolished.”
Note: The salvation of God will be forever, and His righteousness will not be abolished.
Isa 52:7 ,“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion: Your God reigns!”
Note: How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news. To bring good news of good things is to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. Those who receive God’s salvation have made peace with God.
Isa 61:10 ,“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Note: To be saved is like to be clothed with the garments of salvation, and covered with the robe of righteousness. Those who are counted as righteousness by grace and faith in Jesus Christ are saved.
Luk 1:69 ,“And God has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Horn of Salvation for all.
Luk 1:77 ,“To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins.”
Note: Knowledge of salvation is the most important. If you do not have the knowledge of salvation, everything else you know would not matter.
The knowledge of salvation tells you by faith in Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven and you receive eternal life.
Luk 3:6 , “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the salvation of God when He appeared to mankind.
All flesh means all people.
Jhn 4:22 , “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.”
Note: Followers of all man-made religions worship what they do not know. Salvation is of the Jews because Jesus Christ the Messiah came as a Jew, the promise to the Jewish forefathers. The salvation of God is now for both Jews and Gentiles – for all who believe in Christ.
Act 4:12 ,“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Note: There is no salvation other than Jesus Christ, and there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Act 16:17 ,“This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying: These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
Note: Christ is the Way. Christ is the Way to God. Christ is the Way of salvation. All the Scriptures cited above and below are meant to enable you to understand the way of salvation.
Act 28:28 , “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
Note: To hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to hear the salvation of God.
Eph 1:13 ,“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
Note: The Gospel of your salvation is the word of truth, worthy of all acceptance.
2Th 2:13 ,“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”
Note: Believers did not choose God; it was God who chose us for salvation. By receiving the Holy Spirit in our hearts and belief in the truth believers are sanctified. Those who are sanctified may see God.
1Ti 1:15 ，“ It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.”
Note: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. That is the work of the Savior of the world.
Jhn 10:10 – 11 , “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. ”
Note: The word come in Greek is erchomai which means to come from one place to another, to appear, make one’s appearance, come before the public: – it occurs 635 times in the New Testament. The word is used to denote the Lord Jesus who came into the world as the Divine Logos among men, God became Man and manifested in human form.
Come in Chinese is 來 which has an etymological meaning as follows:
十字架 十 （ cross ）， 人 （ man ）。
Jesus was crucified on the cross, there was a little man (thief) on the left and a little man on the right (robber). In the center there was a big Man (Jesus).
Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross for sinners, this was an invitation of God to man:
Isa 1:18 , “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.”
Mat 18:11 ,“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”
Mat 11:28 , “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jhn 6:37 -38 , “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
2Ti 3:15 ,“And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Note: Scriptures in Greek is gramma which means t he sacred writings; – it occurs about 15 times in the New Testament. Those who have been saved must study the Holy Scriptures which are able to make them wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The Christian faith is based on the Holy Bible as enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
Hbr 5:9 ,“And having been perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the Author of eternal salvation because He died, rose again from death, and lives forever to save those who trust in Him.
Question: How can I be saved? It is easy as ABC.
A.) Accept the truth that you are a sinner unable to save yourself.
Jhn 3:16 ,“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Note: Because you are a sinner, you need a Savior. You are a sinner, I am a sinner, we are all sinners is a fact. Because all have sinned, so all will die. If you do not have sin, you will not die. You will die because you have sinned. But God loves you and prepares a Savior for you.
Tts 2:11 ,“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
Note: When Jesus Christ appeared, the salvation of God appeared. The salvation of God is available to all peoples, whoever believes, no one is excluded.
Mar 4:20 ,“But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the Word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Note: Accept in Greek is paradechomai which means to receive, take up, not to reject; – it occurs only 5 times in the New Testament. To hear the Word of God is not enough, you must accept it and bear fruit.
Act 24:15 ,“Having a hope in God which these themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.”
Note: Accept here in Greek is prosdechomai which means to accept (not to reject) a thing offered, expect the fulfillment of promises, look for, wait for; – it occurs about 14 times in the New Testament.
2Cr 6:1 ,“Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.”
Note: Accept here in Greek is dechomai which means to take hold of, take up, give ear to, embrace, make one’s own, get, become a partaker of the benefits of God’s kingdom; – it occurs about 59 times in the New Testament. Those who disobey the Word of God and love the world receive the grace of God in vain. Those who love money, power and lust – accept the grace of God in vain.
B.) Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.
1Th 5:9 , “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note: You can obtain salvation only through our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the Savior of the world. There is no other.
Rom 1:16 , “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Note: Believe in Greek is pisteuō which means to think to be true, to be persuaded of, place confidence in, trust , have faith in; – it occurs about 248 times in the New Testament. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God which is able to save everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Put your trust in Christ the Savior.
Rom 10:10 ,“For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Note: To believe in Jesus Christ is to accept Him with all your heart and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit will enter your heart and give you a new life, to be a partaker of divine nature.
2Cr 7:10 ,“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Note: Repentance in Greek is metanoia which means a change of mind; – it occurs 24 times in the New Testament. Belief is not an empty word; it is a deed of faith. Believe and repent. To repent means to feel sorry for your sins and turn to God.
Rom 13:11 ,“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
Note: Salvation has two stages: the first stage is the salvation of soul when Jesus Christ came to die for our sins. The moment you are born again, your soul is saved – you have passed from death to life. The second stage is the redemption of our bodies when Christ returns to reign with the saints. So our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed, for Jesus Christ is coming again soon to save our bodies and transform them into glorious and spiritual bodies which will never die.
Hbr 9:28 ,“So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
Note: Jesus Christ appeared the first time to bear our sins and died on the cross. Jesus Christ shall appear the second time to save our bodies and make them fit for eternal glory.
Hbr 1:14 ,“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”
Note: When Jesus Christ returns, believers will inherit salvation means to receive the eternal glory in new heaven and new earth, the New Jerusalem and to be with the Lord forever and ever.
2Ti 2:10 ,“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
Note: The salvation of God is in Christ Jesus, those who receive Christ are saved with eternal glory. Better things will accompany salvation.
C.) Confess with your mouth that you believe in Jesus Christ.
Rom 10:9 ,“For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Note: Confess in Greek is homologeō which means to agree with, assent, declare openly and voluntarily, speak out freely, profess oneself to be the worshipper of; – it occurs about 24 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the One God sent into the world to save sinners and to confess with your mouth is to declare to the world you are a Christian. Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, follow and obey Him to the end, that is until He comes again to reign with the saints.
1Pe 1:9 ,“Receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”
Note: The end result of your faith is the salvation of your souls. By accepting, believing and confessing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you receive the salvation of your souls.
Question: When are you going to be saved?
2Cr 6:2 , “For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Note: Now in Greek is nyn which means at this time, the present, the immediate present; – it occurs about 138 times in the New Testament. Now is the time for you to accept, believe and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Will you? I urge you to do it now. No one can be sure of tomorrow.
Hbr 2:3 , “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”
Note: Neglect in Greek is ameleō which means to be carless of, make light of; – it occurs only 5 times in the New Testament. If you neglect so great a salvation in Christ, there will be no escape. I urge you to choose life now. Today is your opportunity. Do not miss it!
5. Jesus Christ is the Way .
Jhn 14:6 , “ Jesus said to him: I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. ”
Note: This Scripture sums up the way of the Lord, the way of salvation.
Way in Greek is hodos which means a path, road, a traveled way; – it occurs about 102 times in the New Testament. Jesus is the Way means by which one passes, that is, with whom all who seek approach to God must enter closest relationship. Jesus is the Way to God; the Way of salvation, Jesus is the Way of God. Truth in Greek is alētheia which means what is true in any matter under consideration, of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly, what is true in things appertaining to God; – it occurs about 110 times in the New Testament. Jesus is He in whom the truth is summed up and impersonated. Jesus is the Way to God, that is the Truth. Life in Greek is zōē which means life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous which lasts forever; – it occurs 134 times in the New Testament. Jesus is the Way to God, if you believe the Truth, you have Life, eternal life.
Act 9:2 , “And asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
Note: The Way here means the Christian religion. To belong to the Way is to belong to Christ.
Act 16:17 , “Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying: These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the Way of salvation.”
Note: Jesus is the Way of salvation, there is no other way whereby you can be saved.
Act 18:25 -26 , “ This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. ”
Note: Jesus is the Way of the Lord. The things concerning Jesus declare the Way of God. The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ declare how God redeems mankind.
Act 24:14 ,“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.”
Note: Paul served God according to the Way which unbelieving Jews at that time called a sect. Christianity is not a sect. The Way is the revealed religion of God, that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Act 24:22 , “But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying: When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”
Note: You can have an exact knowledge about the Way and still be unrepentant. Head knowledge is not enough; you need to have a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
2Pe 2:2 , “Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned.”
Note: Those who follow their sensuality and claim to be Christians malign the truth. It is impossible to be a Christian homosexual or a Christian terrorist.
2Pe 2:15 ,“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.”
Note: The Christian way is the right way. The greedy capitalists love the wages of unrighteousness and have followed the way of Balaam. Wall Street follows the way of Balaam – greed.
2Pe 2:21 , “For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.”
Note: The Way is the way of righteousness. It would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 1Jo 3:7 , “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” Imperialism, hegemonism, capitalism and terrorism practiced by those who claim to be Christians are deceptive. He who practices righteousness is righteous; but he who practices unrighteousness is unrighteous. Western powers are unrighteous by their practices.
2Pe 1:11 ,“For in this way the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”
Note: Jesus Christ is the way of entrance into the eternal Kingdom of God.
There is no other way you can be saved. No religion can save you. Wealth and power cannot save you. You know the richest man dies just as any other man. Scientists die just as any other man. No one can save you except Jesus. Jesus is the only Way of salvation. Jesus wants to save you that was why He died on the cross for you and me. Would you now believe the truth and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Now is the day of salvation, would you do it now?
6. Saved by grace through faith in Christ.
There was a false teacher called John Calvin who taught that God divides mankind into two groups: the Elect, who will be saved and go to Heaven; and the Reprobates, or damned, who will suffer for eternity in Hell. This doctrine in called predestination.
My friend, do not despair. In the matter of salvation, what men say do not matter. What God says matters.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
God loves the world, the people of the world, God also loves you. God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners. If sinners repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, their sins will be forgiven, and they shall not perish in Hell, but have eternal life. The word “Whoever” in Greek is pas which means all men (all human beings, women and children included); everyone; all; individually; each; any; the whole; collectively; as many as; whatever person; no matter who; whatsoever; no one is excluded; – which occurs 1,410 times in the New Testament. You see, God does not divide humanity. God is willing to save all. God wants to give you the gift of salvation, but you must accept it.
Jesus Christ who has the final word, Jhn 6:37
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
To “cast out” in Greek is ekballō which means to drive out; to pull out; to reject; to send out; to expel; to banish; to compel one to depart; to throw out with force; to eject; to send away; to kick out; – which occurs 84 times in the New Testament. Be assured, Jesus Christ says whoever (the one who) comes to Him, He will certainly not kick him out. Jesus Christ wants to save you.
In the early Church there was a great debate at Antioch as to what Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians should do because some false teachers then came down from Judea and taught Gentile Christians must be circumcised according to the custom of Mose or they would not be saved. Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and elders concerning the issue. A sect of the Pharisees said it was necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses. The Apostles and elders came together to look in this matter. The first council in Jerusalem took place to settle the matter. Peter stood up and said,
Act 15:10 -11 ,“Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”
Note: Grace in Greek is charis which means unmerited favor; undeserved favor; good will; loving-kindness; the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues (Strong’s Concordance); a divine gift or benefit; favor up the
ill-deserving; merciful kindness; unmerited divine assistance; – which occurs 159 times in the New Testament.
There is no distinction as to how a Jewish or Gentile believer is saved. We are all saved the same way by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. President or prime minister of a country must be saved the same way a pimp or prostitute is saved. There is no royal way to be saved. We are all saved the same way through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:8 , “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” However, there is a distinction as to how a Jewish Christian or a Gentile Christian should conduct himself. James said, Act 15:19 -20 ,“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.”
The Apostles and the brethren who were elders sent a letter to Gentile Christians saying,
Act 15:25 -29 ,“It seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” At that time, the Apostles and Elders proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word of mouth. The New Testament was not written yet. The Apostles made it clear Gentile Christians do not need to be circumcised or keep the Sabbath. The ceremonial Law of Moses was no longer required, but the moral law as repeated in the New Testament remains. However, the essentials for all believers whether Jewish or Gentile to observe are to abstain from:
1. eating things sacrificed to idols
2. eating blood
3. eating meat of strangled animals
4. fornication
Christians must be free from eating blood, free from eating food sacrificed to idols and worship of idols, free from eating food from strangled animals, and free from committing sexual immorality (including homosexuality and divorce). In other words, Christians are forbidden to eat blood, food sacrificed to idols or worship of idols, food from strangled animals, and fornication. Chinese Christians must pay particular attention because the Chinese custom of eating blood, worshiping ancestors and idols, and eating food sacrificed to idols. Some leaders and politicians of Taiwan who claim to be Christians publicly committed idolatry by worshiping idols on TV, I do not know whether they have stopped doing it or not. No one has the right to claim to be a Christian and worship idols at the same time just like no woman has the right to marry two men at the same time. Worshiping idols is a great sin against the living God. Those Taiwanese leaders and politicians must come clean: if they claim to be Christians, they cannot worship idols. If they want to worship idols, they cannot claim to be Christians. That is fair. That is religious freedom. There is no hangky-pangky in being a Christian.
There was a false teacher called John Calvin. He taught that God divides mankind into two groups: the Elect, who will be saved and go to Heaven; and the Reprobates, or damned, who will spend eternity in Hell. This doctrine is called predestination, but falsely represented.
Don’t worry, in matter of salvation what God says matters. What false teachers, false prophets and unbelieving theologians say do not matter. This is the Word of God, Jhn 3:16,“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ who came down from Heaven to save sinners. God loves you too. God wants to save you, only if you believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Lord and Savior and you will be saved. The word “whoever” in Greek is pas which means all, all men and women and children; any; everyone; whatsoever; individually; collectively; the whole; as many as; any and every; the highest degree; the maximum; no matter who; – which occurs 1,410 times in the New Testament. So the word of God “whoever” must include you, and every and anyone who wants to be saved can be saved.
What is more, Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, has the final say: Jhn 6:37,
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” Jesus Christ assures you, all that the Father gives Him and the one who comes to Him, He will certainly not cast out. All means any and everyone, whoever, that includes you. The one who comes to Jesus means anyone and everyone who comes to Jesus, that definitely includes you. Certainly not means never. “Cast out” in Greek is ekballō which means to pull out; to drive out; to send out; to kick out; to throw out with violence or force; to expel; to banish; to compel one to depart; to command to depart in haste; to tear out; to draw out; to reject with contempt; to pluck out; to boot out; to send away; – which occurs 84 times in the New Testament. It is very clear, if you come to Jesus Christ for salvation, He will certain not kick you out.
No one can be saved by his own way, through his own means or efforts, or by any man or any means. The way of salvation is the only way of God. No one can be saved except throught Jesus Christ the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Do you want to be saved? You can be saved now by simply accepting and believing in the Son of God, Jesus Christ who died for our sins on the cross, rose again from the dead, ascended to the highest Heaven and He is coming again to be the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
You have learned the way of Salvation. Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
YOU CAN DO IT NOW. FOR NOW IS THE TIME OF SALVATION.
WILLIE WONG THOUGHT
WILLIE WONG
AUGUST 7, 2025
https://williewong.cw.center/wp-admin
Copyright © 2018 – 2025 by Willie Wong