WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 18:18-27

Key Verse: “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” — Luke 18:22

Supporting Texts: Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 4:12, Matthew 16:24, John 3:3

Description: True salvation demands total surrender to Christ above all earthly attachments.

INTRODUCTION

The question, “What must I do to be saved?” is one of the most important questions any person can ask. It reflects a deep awareness of eternity and a desire to be right with God. However, the answer is often misunderstood, as many attempt to earn salvation through good works or religious activities.

In Luke 18:18-27, a rich ruler approached Jesus with this very question. Though he had lived a morally upright life, he lacked one crucial element, total surrender. Jesus exposed the condition of his heart by asking him to give up what he valued most. Sadly, the man walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to let go.

This passage reveals that salvation is not just about outward obedience but about the complete surrender of the heart to Christ. It calls every believer to examine what may be competing with God for first place in their lives.

1. SALVATION BEGINS WITH A RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF GOD

A proper view of God is essential for true salvation.

a) Recognising God’s Goodness (Luke 18:19)
Jesus challenged the ruler’s understanding of goodness, pointing him to the truth that only God is truly good.

b) Acknowledging God’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:3)
Understanding God’s holiness reveals our need for His mercy and grace.

c) Realising Human Limitation (Romans 3:23)
All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, making salvation necessary for everyone.

d) Dependence on God Alone (Acts 4:12)
Salvation is found only in Christ, not in human effort or achievement.

Biblical Example: Isaiah encountered God’s holiness and immediately recognised his own unworthiness, leading to transformation (Isaiah 6:5-7).

2. GOOD WORKS ALONE CANNOT SAVE

Moral living is important but insufficient for salvation.

a) The Ruler’s Obedience (Luke 18:21)
The man claimed to have kept the commandments, showing that outward obedience alone does not guarantee salvation.

b) Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation is a gift of God, not earned by works, so no one can boast.

c) The Need for New Birth (John 3:3)
Jesus taught that one must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.

d) Righteousness Through Christ (Philippians 3:9)
True righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not personal effort.

Biblical Example: Nicodemus was a religious leader yet needed to be born again, demonstrating that religion alone cannot save (John 3:1-7).

3. SALVATION REQUIRES TOTAL SURRENDER

One must be willing to give up anything that competes with Christ.

a) Letting Go of Attachments (Luke 18:22)
Jesus asked the ruler to give up his possessions, revealing that his wealth had taken God’s place in his heart.

b) Taking Up the Cross (Matthew 16:24)
Following Christ requires self-denial and complete commitment.

c) Wholehearted Devotion (Luke 14:33)
One cannot be Christ’s disciple without surrendering all.

d) Prioritising Eternal Treasure (Matthew 6:19-21)
True riches are found in heaven, not in earthly possessions.

Biblical Example: The disciples left everything to follow Jesus, demonstrating the power of total surrender (Luke 5:11).

4. WITH GOD, SALVATION IS POSSIBLE

What is impossible for man becomes possible through God’s grace.

a) Human Limitation (Luke 18:26-27)
The disciples wondered who could be saved, highlighting the difficulty of salvation through human effort.

b) God’s Unlimited Power (Luke 18:27)
Jesus declared that what is impossible with men is possible with God.

c) Transforming Grace (2 Corinthians 5:17)
God has the power to transform lives completely.

d) Assurance of Salvation (Romans 10:9-10)
Confessing and believing in Christ brings salvation and assurance.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus encountered Jesus and experienced a complete transformation, demonstrating that salvation is possible through God’s power (Luke 19:1-10).

CONCLUSION

The question of salvation demands a personal response. It is not enough to be religious or morally upright; one must surrender fully to Christ. Salvation requires recognising our need for God, receiving His grace, and letting go of anything that competes with Him.

Do not walk away like the rich ruler. Instead, choose surrender and follow Christ wholeheartedly. As you do, you will experience the transforming power of salvation and the assurance of eternal life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my eyes to understand the true meaning of salvation in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to surrender every area of my life to You in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, reveal anything that is competing with God in my heart in Jesus name.

4. Father, give me the grace to let go of every attachment that hinders my walk with You in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to trust in Your grace and not in my works in Jesus name.

6. Father, transform my heart and make me a new creation in Jesus name.

7. Lord, give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly in Jesus name.

8. Father, let my life reflect true salvation in Jesus name.

9. Lord, establish me firmly in the path of righteousness in Jesus name.

10. Father, grant me the assurance of eternal life in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall experience the transforming power of salvation in your life.

2. Every obstacle to your surrender is removed permanently.

3. You shall walk in total obedience to Christ.

4. Your heart shall be fully devoted to God.

5. You shall not be held back by earthly attachments.

6. You shall enjoy the fullness of God’s grace and mercy.

7. Your life shall reflect genuine salvation and righteousness.

8. You shall follow Christ without hesitation or regret.

9. You shall inherit eternal life and divine favour.

10. From today, you shall walk in the reality of salvation and victory.