When we are saved, our spirit man is instantly made alive; however, our mind (or soul) and body do not reflect a quick transformation. Our bodies continue to fade until we are received into glory, and our mind must undergo a daily process of perfecting.
Salvation brings several things:
- In deciding to follow Christ, we are declared by God to be not guilty. In Romans 8:1 it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” When we are in Christ, there is no condemnation. That means the sin and penalty of that sin were paid for by Christ. The accompanying guilt of that sin and its strength and power were broken, abolished by Him on the cross.
- We are saved from darkness and brought into light. 1 Peter 2:9 declares “But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” The darkness this passage speaks of is our separation from God in the midst of our sinful state. Until we are saved by Jesus, we live in darkness. His salvation transitions us into light and life.
- We are born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Through the regeneration of our human spirit, God makes us new. Our spirit man becomes alive, free from the effects of sin. Just as our natural man utilizes five senses, our spirit has eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to know Him, and mouths to taste His goodness. These senses that were dead come alive in the transformative process of salvation.
- We become children of God. When we get saved, we become children of God spiritually. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name.”
- We come back to God. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:21-24 becomes our story. When we are saved, we return to our Father God. We move from death to life. Our status changes from lost to found by God.
- We find peace with God. The beauty of peace, perfect peace that transcends all understanding, is a mystery to the unbeliever. Scripture tells us that there is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 57:21). But upon salvation, as Romans 5:1 points out, “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- We are joined with the people of God. Upon salvation, we become joined to a new family, the family of God, the household of faith. We now become part of that human born again family. We now become part of the people of God. 1 Peter 2:10 says, “Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
If you have not known Jesus or wandered from Him at some point in your life, I want to encourage you to come to the cross. Surrender your will and find the salvation you need in His presence. You’ve already discovered something is missing. It’s relationship with your Creator and Best Friend. Come to God and find peace for your soul. Pray this prayer with me:
Father God, I come to You today, I come to Your cross, in surrender. I’ve done it my way, and it hasn’t satisfied. You hold the keys of life, and I choose to give up control of my life and my destiny to You. Your Word says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me of my unrighteousness. I have sinned. Please forgive me and cleanse me. Surround me with Your presence. Clothe me in Your righteousness. I receive new life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
