Salvation is a big word that describes the act of God that saves a sinner from hell. The salvation described in the Bible is when a person repentantly responds to God’s conviction of sin, then believes that God the Son died and rose again to pay the full punishment for his sin, and by faith receives His payment as the only thing that will save him from hell.

If that does not describe what you did to become a Christian, you may not really a Christian. Believing in God and going to church does not make you a Christian. Repeating a sinner’s prayer or being baptised does not guarantee that you are saved. If you have not been saved as the Bible describes it, I urge you to settle that with God today.

Transition

In this morning’s message, I am talking to genuine Christians. We are going to examine briefly sixteen of salvation’s blessings. These are blessings that every true Christian has received or will receive. Do not let the big words confuse you. Many of them are right from the Bible.

Propitiation – 1John 2:2 (1John 4:10)

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

  1. Christ turned away God’s wrath by dying for us.
  2. Christ calmed God’s anger toward our sin.

Redemption – Ephesians 1:7 (Galatians 3:13)

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

  1. Christ released us from sin’s bondage by paying the ransom.
  2. Christ delivered us from the judgment of hell.

Justification – Romans 4:25 (Ro 3:24, 5:9, Tit 3:7)

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

  1. When Christ’s payment is applied to the sinner’s heart, God declares him free from guilt.
  2. God makes the new Christian is just as if he had never sinned.

Regeneration – Titus 3:5 (John 3:3)

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

  1. Christ gives new birth or new life.
  2. God gives new life to the spiritual condition of a sinner.

Reconciliation – Romans 5:10

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  1. Christ gives us favour with God.
  2. Christ restores harmony between God and us.

Sanctification – 1Corinthians 6:11

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  1. Christ makes the believer holy.
  2. He sets us apart for God’s service.

Adoption – Galatians 4:5 (John 1:12)

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

  1. God adopts believers into his family.
  2. You became a son / daughter of God.

Preparation – John 5:24

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

  1. Christ prepares us for eternity by giving us everlasting life.
  2. He changed our eternal destination.

Preservation – 2Corinthians 1:22

2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

  1. The Holy Spirit seals us and preserves our salvation.
  2. He lives in us as our Comforter and Helper.

Invitation – Hebrews 4:15-16

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  1. Christ opened the door for us to talk to God.
  2. He invites Christians to pray boldly.

Intercession – Hebrews 7:25 (Romans 8:26)

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

  1. The Lord prays for us.
  2. The Holy Spirit also helps us pray.

Protection – 1John 4:4 (Ephesians 6:10-18)

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

  1. Christ protects us from all the forces of evil.
  2. He gives us strength to resist temptation.

Correction – Proverbs 3:12 (Hebrews 12:6)

Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

  1. He corrects us when we do wrong.
  2. God also uses the Bible to reprove and correct.

Purification – 1John 1:9

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  1. God is faithful to forgive.
  2. He purifies us when we confess our sins.

Resurrection – 1Corinthians 15:52

1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

  1. Believers will resurrect and become immortal.
  2. This is the believer’s sure hope.

Possessions – 1Peter 1:3-5

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  1. God promises Christians an inheritance in heaven.
  2. Our eternal inheritance will never lose value.

Conclusion

As I began this morning, I said that the salvation described in the Bible is when a person repentantly responds to God’s conviction of sin, then believes that God the Son died and rose again to pay the full punishment for his sin, and by faith receives His payment as the only thing that will save him from hell. If that has taken place in your life, the sixteen blessings of salvation that we have examined this morning ought to bring joy and gratefulness to your heart.

I encourage you to write them on a blank sheet in the front or back of your Bible. Meditate on them as you pray each day. Let them help you worship God. Regularly take time to thank God for all He has done for you.

If God has convicted your heart that you do not have salvation as the Bible describes it, you can receive it today. Repentantly respond to God’s conviction of sin, believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sin, and by faith receive His payment as the ONLY thing that can save you from hell.

Song: Amazing Grace – 236 (think about the words)
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Salvation’s Blessings
29 June 2014 – 1John 2:2 –Scott Childs