The Father heart of God – 5
This week we look at the heart of God that is for salvation.
Unfortunately, the very Word has lost its meaning for most Christians today. It is a word thrown out and used in very general terms. What does salvation even mean?
Salvation simply means to be restored. It is everything Jesus is. In Hebrew, the Word for salvation is “Yeshuah,” or as we know it, the name of Jesus. The prophets predicted it to Israel.
Is. 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us, a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Angel confirmed it to Mary!
Matt. 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
The question we must ask is this: Why does he save us?
Most believers will not get this question. Their response will be:
- To go to heaven.
- To have eternal life.
- To be forgiven.
- To spend eternity with God.
The Gospel is not for us to just go to heaven. You will still go, so don’t crucify me before you hear me out. Salvation does not include only my interest. The salvation that Jesus offers us to not a destination but a journey. You are saved to realize the original intent and purpose God had planned for you. A purpose you start to live now, not one day when you get to heaven.
All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God – Rom 3:23.
Salvation restores us back to God’s intention. So what does salvation include?
In Greek, the Word for salvation is “Soteria” and comes from the root word “Sozo.” This Word means saving, safe, restored, protected, healed, and made whole and delivered. This includes your spirit, soul, and body. Your spirit is saved, your soul is in the process of being saved, and one day your body will be saved or renewed.
The eternal life we get when we are born again – 1 John 5:12 – includes all of the above and more.
Jesus said:
The thief(devil) comes to steal and kill, but I(Jesus) have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly(superabundant in quantity, superior in quality, excessive in measure) – John 10:10.
What else does salvation include for us?
Jesus defines eternal life as the following.
John 17:3 This is eternal life that they might know the You(Father) the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Read that again. Eternal life or salvation includes the possibility, no, the right to know God, who He is, and understand who Jesus is. God is not a belief. He is not a theology, nor is he a religion. He is personal and wants a relationship with you.
Any father longs to know his children and is known by them. God is no different.
At the very end of his ministry, Paul wants one thing more than anything else. He counts everything he achieved in life as dung, useless, and ready to give up for one thing he still wants. So, Paul, what do you desire so much?
Phil. 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.
John, the beloved disciple, reiterates what Paul is saying.
1John 5:20 ¶ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
God saved us so we can know Him.
The prophet Jeremiah tells Israel the same thing. It doesn’t matter what we have or what we have achieved. God wants us to be able to say we know Him.
Jer 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these, I delight,” says the LORD.
Do you know Him?
His Word reveals Jesus, who reveals the Father. Spend time with Him. He wants you to know Him.
Good Word…
Great reminder of Purpose..