In this Series, “Back to the Basics,” in its concluding part, let’s reflect on other reasons on what makes Christian salvation truly great…
Abundant Life…
As soon as we receive Jesus as our Saviour, the Redeemer sends Holy Spirit the comforter into our hearts who brings with Him the fruit: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23) virtually giving a Christian a foretaste of Heaven right here on Earth. That is why one wise soul put it this way “Christianity is not only about taking a person to Heaven but also about bringing Heaven into that person.” No wonder the Master said, “I have come to give life ABUNDANT.” (John 10:10).
Indescribable Privileges…
A sensitive question here please, to the married ladies especially: Does any bride invite herself to a marriage? No!!! Read Rev 19:9. Who are the “blessed ones” invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (the Bridegroom Jesus) in which we know the Bride is the Church comprising of all born-again Christians? Certainly the invitees are not the Christians, who, as the bride need not be invited to their own marriage. Doubtless the “Blessed ones” are the Old Testament heroes of faith described as the Cloud of witnesses in Heb 12:1.
Now some of us may have attended VIP weddings where the Chief Ministers, Governors and sometimes even the Prime Ministers and the Presidents may have participated, but the moot point is while a wedding can take place without VIPS and VVIPS, can any marriage take place without the bride? What a privilege it is to be called the bride of Christ. There is nothing quite like it. No wonder the Saviour says, “of all men ever born, none shines more brightly than John the Baptist, yet the least in the Kingdom, would be greater than he.” (Luke 7:28).
Besides being the Bride of Christ, if in the Old Testament dispensation the great Saints built the temple for God, then in this era of grace, we are the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). Needless to say, with the privileges comes the responsibility of high calling…Living a life fully consecrated to Christ…Trying to please Him in everything (2 Cor 5:9). Meanwhile, with one accord shall we (all who have believed and confessed publicly the Gospel), along with this unprofitable servant (Yours truly – Luke 17:10) mouth a loud Hallelujah with a thankful heart to the only one Who has given us so great a Salvation!
Prayer: Father, we thank you for giving us the Abundant life and the present and future great privileges in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Accept our praises in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(To access the rest of the “Back to the Basics” series, click Here)