Saved by CHRIST Yeshua or by your Decision?

Bible Texts (Concordant Version of the Old Testament and Concordant Literal New Testament with keywords Concordance-CLNT: John 1:29; 1 Timothy 4:10, Ephesians 2:8-9

John 1:29

29 On the morrow he is observing Jesus coming toward him, and is saying, "Lo! the Lamb of God Which is taking away the sin of the world!

 

1 Timothy 4:10

9 Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome
10 (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers.
11 These things be charging and teaching.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God's approach present,
9 not of works, lest anyone should be boasting.

One question I have heard many times among Christians is, “When did you give your life to Christ?”

The answers usually sound something like this:

"A year ago."
"Five years ago."
"Ten years ago."

Often, these conversations are followed by heartfelt testimonies about how someone became a "born-again Christian." There is usually a sense of joy and accomplishment as people share their experiences and the journey that led them to faith.

I understand this well because I used to be part of those conversations too. Like many others, I enjoyed sharing my own story and listening to the stories of others. It felt encouraging and uplifting.

But over time, a sincere question began to form in my mind:

Are we saved by Christ Yeshua, or are we saved by our own decision to believe?

That question may sound simple, but it touches the very heart of the gospel.

The Hidden Contradiction

Many Christians sincerely give glory to Yeshua for saving them from their sins. Yet, at the same time, they often speak as though their own decision was the determining factor in their salvation.

Consider how often we hear statements like:

"I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior."

While there is nothing wrong with acknowledging faith, the language can sometimes create the impression that salvation ultimately depended on our choice. In other words, if we had not made the decision, then salvation would not have happened.

This idea is reinforced in many church settings. When people walk to the altar during an altar call, the congregation applauds and celebrates their decision. The atmosphere can make it appear that salvation became effective because of a person's action.

But is that what Scripture teaches?

What the Scriptures Reveal

First, John 1:29 declares that Yeshua came to take away the sin of the world. His mission was not merely to make salvation possible; His mission was to accomplish it.

Then, in John 19:30, Yeshua declared, "It is finished."

The work was completed.

Nothing remained unfinished.

Nothing needed to be added by human effort.

Are you following me?

Second, Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith, and that this salvation is "not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

If salvation is God's gift, then it cannot be something we produced. It leaves no room for boasting because the entire plan belongs to God.

Furthermore, Yeshua Himself said in John 6:44:

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him."

If that is true, then even our coming to Yeshua is ultimately the work of God. The response is real, but the initiative belongs to Yahweh.

So How Do You Know You Are Saved?

The answer may surprise you.

You begin to understand that salvation was never dependent on your efforts, your performance, or your ability to make the right decision.

The price for sin was paid by Yeshua.

You did not contribute to it.

You cannot improve upon it.

You cannot add to it.

The Spirit of Yahweh opens your eyes to this reality and brings you into the understanding of what Yeshua has already accomplished.

Faith, then, is not a payment you offer God. Faith is the awakening to what God has already done.

Paul's Powerful Statement

This is why Paul's words in 1 Timothy 4:9-11 are so profound. He describes God as the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

In other words, believers are not the people for whom salvation was accomplished; they are the people who have come to recognize and embrace that salvation.

That truth is worthy of acceptance.

That truth is worthy of proclamation.

And that is the message I bring to you this week.

A Different Way to Answer the Question

Suppose someone asks you, "Are you saved?"

What if your answer was:

"Yes. My salvation was secured through Yeshua long before I ever understood it. What changed was not God's work, but my realization of what He had already done."

The moment of understanding is important, but it is not the cause of salvation. Rather, it is the moment Yahweh opens your eyes to see what has always been true through Christ.

This realization frees us from striving.

It frees us from religious performance.

It frees us from the burden of believing that everything depends on us.

Instead, we rest in the finished work of Yeshua.

Beware of Religious Complications

Unfortunately, religion often has a way of turning simple truths into complicated systems.

Various formulas, steps (like ABC steps), and methods are sometimes presented as though they are required to secure what Christ has already accomplished.

The result is that people feel obligated to perform, achieve, or prove something.

Yet Scripture continually points us back to the sufficiency of Yeshua.

His work is complete.

His sacrifice is sufficient.

His faithfulness is enough.

No amount of religious activity can improve upon what He has already finished.

Trying to manufacture faith or imitate spiritual experiences may make us feel good temporarily, but genuine faith is a gift that comes through the work of God's Spirit.

When the time is right, Yahweh reveals His truth, and the heart responds.

A Final Thought

I realize that this week's message may sound very different from what is commonly heard in many places of worship. Noises are everywhere but the truth is always in stillness of the Spirit of God. 

Throughout Scripture, truth often emerged from unexpected places—from the wilderness where John the Baptist preached, from lonely roads where God met His servants, and from uncommon platforms where voices like Paul proclaimed the gospel.

Truth has never depended on popularity. Truth is bitter but it heals. It helps and it brings hope. Get this truth and leave all lies that appear to be making you feel good.

It depends on God.

Thank you for spending this time with me.

Stay tuned for another episode next week, by God's grace.

Grace and Peace.

 

References:

https://www.concordant.org/version/read-concordant-new-testament-online

 https://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden