Christian Living

Salvation in Action

by Walter Kahler 
07/13/23
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God’s gift of salvation breeds a life of action. When our Father brought us into His kingdom (John 10:9), He commanded us to be active in His domain (Ephesians 2:10). Salvation isn’t meant to stay idle or live in complacency. No, Jesus tells us to shine our light on others (Matthew 5:13-16).

What Actions Does Salvation Call Us to Do?

Christ answers this question in a variety of ways.

For example, He tells us to serve those in need.

Jesus said:

 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’(Matthew 25:37-40, NKJV)

In these four verses, Christ unfolded a blueprint for active salvation. He showed us God’s call for us to serve others. Providing provisions to people in need pleases Jesus. Practicing those scriptures requires effort. They don’t come alive by themselves. No, I must put them into action.

I think we agree that God furnishes us with those acts of compassion.

Shouldn’t we do the same with others?

In Luke’s chapter six, we discover another amazing revelation Jesus unveiled concerning active salvation.

Christ spoke:

  “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:36-37, NKJV)

In these two scriptures, we are shown to be active in not judging, condemning, and holding onto an unforgiving heart toward others. Christ again tells us to give of ourselves concerning the welfare of others. He promises that when we do these acts of kindness, we will receive God’s grace. However, He ends by letting us know how we are seen when not adhering to this call to action.

As shown above, those two teachings from Christ aren’t easy to follow. My carnal instinct is to be skeptical of those in need, judgemental, condemning, and unforgiving. Jesus told us that the narrow gate is small and difficult (Matthew 7:14). God has provided us with the power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

Summary

Given these points, when I’m anchored in Christ, the Holy Spirit guides my actions, and God embraces me with His love. However, complacency shows up when I’m inactive, and others take notice of my fruitlessness. To combat an idle faith, I must regularly examine myself and pray for the strength to act on God’s commands. 

How do you stay active in your salvation?