Is Salvation An Experience - Part 2
In the previous post, (If you have not read it, you can read it here), we were considering the salvation of Saul with reference to Acts 9:1-19. Let us conclude this to establish if salvation is an experience.
Saul during this whole occurrence was the only one who saw Jesus even though people accompanied him on the journey, he alone met with Jesus while others heard the sound but saw no one "The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone." Acts 9:7 NIV. This confirms that salvation is a personal matter. That you are born into a Christian home doesn’t mean you are saved or that you have the worst background like Saul – You have killed, done atrocities too numerous to be mentioned doesn’t mean you can’t be saved. Salvation is open to everyone.
The question that readily comes to mind is why were the people with Saul not saved?
Saul’s salvation didn’t just happen that day, the seed had already been planted right from the time of his training under the best scholar – Gamaliel. "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today." Acts 22:3 NIV. From the studies, he knew Israel was expecting a Saviour, he also was there during Stephen’s testimony and witnessed the glory radiating on his face. Finally, Ananias was sent by God to pray with Saul so his eyes might be opened.
Salvation is an experience you cannot afford to miss while you are alive.
From the foregoing, it is established that man has a great role to play in reconciling people back to God “and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV.
Saul experienced what had never happened to him before and it changed his entire being – total transformation. Saul moved from being a persecutor to a propagator of the message. He got to a point that he was bold to say that “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" 1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV.
If you have experienced salvation like Saul, I congratulate you and encourage you to be steadfast as we await our final salvation at the appearing of our Lord Jesus in the clouds or at death, whichever comes first.
Salvation is an experience you cannot afford to miss while you are alive. It is the greatest gift God gave us freely courtesy of His son – Jesus. If you haven’t experienced salvation, it cannot be narrated fully until you experience it. The boy who stole the 20 Naira notes from his father changed after experiencing salvation. He even went to meet his father to confess the acts and since then, he has been living the Christian life. I invite you to accept the salvation Jesus purchased for you and experience His love in new ways you haven’t before.
Say this short prayer with me;
Lord Jesus, I thank you for giving your life for me. I confess with my mouth that I am sinner. I believe you died and rose again from the grave. Forgive me of all my sins and make me whole. Thank you for saving me, for in Jesus’ name I pray.
If you said this prayer sincerely, contact us so we can follow up and help you grow daily in your new faith.
-Pastor Oyedeji Johnson
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