ARE YOU SAVED?

Title: ARE YOU SAVED?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 10:9-10
Supporting Texts: John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9

INTRODUCTION:
Salvation is the most important decision a person will ever make. It determines not just where we will spend eternity but also how we live our lives here on earth. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God, freely given through His Son, Jesus Christ. But many people live without certainty about whether they are truly saved. Today, we will examine what it means to be saved and why it is essential to be sure of your salvation.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

a) Salvation is deliverance from sin and its consequences
Sin separates us from God, but salvation through Jesus brings us back into fellowship with Him (Isaiah 59:2).

b) It means being born again
Salvation is a spiritual rebirth. When you are saved, you become a new creation in Christ (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) It means accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour
Salvation involves acknowledging Jesus as Lord and surrendering your life to His authority (Acts 16:31).

d) It leads to eternal life with God
Those who are saved are promised eternal life in heaven with God (John 3:16).

Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer
In Acts 16:30-31, the jailer asked Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

2. WHY DO YOU NEED TO BE SAVED?

a) Sin brings spiritual death
The Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

b) No one is righteous
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Without salvation, we are all lost in our sins (Romans 3:23).

c) Judgment is inevitable
Everyone will stand before God one day and be judged. Only those who are saved will escape eternal separation from God (Hebrews 9:27).

d) Jesus is the only way to salvation
Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

Biblical Example: Nicodemus
In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus came to Jesus to learn about salvation. Jesus explained that unless a person is born again, they cannot enter the kingdom of God.

3. HOW CAN YOU BE SAVED?

a) Recognise your need for a Saviour
Admit that you are a sinner and in need of God's forgiveness (Romans 3:10).

b) Repent of your sins
True salvation begins with repentance, turning away from your sinful ways (Acts 3:19).

c) Believe in Jesus Christ
Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again for your justification (Romans 10:9).

d) Confess Him as Lord and Saviour
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:10).

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son
In Luke 15:11-24, the prodigal son realised his sinful state, repented, and returned to his father. His father received him with open arms, a picture of God's willingness to save us when we turn to Him.

4. THE BENEFITS OF BEING SAVED

a) Forgiveness of sins
When you are saved, God forgives all your sins and no longer holds them against you (1 John 1:9).

b) A new life in Christ
Salvation brings a new beginning; old things pass away, and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) Eternal life with God
Salvation guarantees you a place in heaven with God for eternity (John 14:2-3).

d) Peace with God and assurance of salvation
Being saved brings inner peace and the assurance that you are in right standing with God (Romans 5:1).

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus
In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, experienced salvation when he accepted Jesus. His life was transformed, and Jesus said, "Today, salvation has come to this house."

5. THE DANGER OF DELAYING YOUR SALVATION

a) Tomorrow is not guaranteed
The Bible warns that today is the day of salvation. We do not know what tomorrow holds (2 Corinthians 6:2).

b) A hardened heart
Continually rejecting Jesus' call can lead to a hardened heart, making it more difficult to respond later (Hebrews 3:7-8).

c) Risk of eternal separation from God
If you die without being saved, you risk eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41).

d) Miss out on God's purpose for your life
Salvation brings you into alignment with God's plan for your life. Without it, you will miss out on His blessings and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11).

Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus
In Luke 16:19-31, the rich man ignored God's call during his life and found himself in eternal torment after death, separated from God forever.

CONCLUSION:
Are you saved? This is the most important question you can ask yourself. Jesus is calling you today to receive His free gift of salvation. Do not delay or ignore His call. If you confess Him as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Today, make the decision to open your heart to Jesus and receive eternal life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

2. Father, forgive me for my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

3. Lord, help me to recognise my need for a Saviour.

4. Father, I repent of my sins and turn to You for salvation.

5. Lord, I believe in Jesus' sacrifice for my sins and accept Him as my Saviour.

6. Father, give me the assurance of my salvation in Christ.

7. Lord, help me to live a life that reflects Your grace and salvation.

8. Father, let my life lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

9. Lord, protect me from the deception of delaying my salvation.

10. Father, I declare that I am saved, and my eternity is secure in You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that I am saved by the blood of Jesus and my sins are forgiven.

2. I declare that I am a new creation in Christ, and the old has passed away.

3. I declare that my name is written in the Book of Life.

4. I declare that I will not delay or resist the call of salvation.

5. I declare that I will walk in the assurance of my salvation and lead others to Christ.

6. I declare that I am no longer a slave to sin, but I am free in Christ.

7. I declare that my life will reflect the power of God’s salvation.

8. I declare that I will live a life pleasing to God through His grace.

9. I declare that my eternity is secure in Christ, and I will spend eternity with Him.

10. I declare that nothing will separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.