The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV
Ever play Monopoly? One of the most coveted cards in the game is the small yellow get-out-of-jail-free card. It allows players to keep playing without penalty when they’ve run out of money or been sent to jail for an infraction. Some people look at salvation in just that manner. We put our faith in Jesus, say a prayer, and we are relieved. We have a get-out-of-jail-free-card, a ticket to heaven.
But what God has for us through Jesus Christ is so much more than security for life after death; it’s about living a life aligned with God's will and experiencing His grace and power in daily life.
Our salvation is a present reality, not just a future promise.
Salvation is more than a “decision for Christ.” It is a relationship with Jesus that will bring about a profound change in a believer’s life, impacting inner thoughts, outer behaviors, and all relationships. The transformation that comes from this ongoing intimate relationship with Jesus leads to increasing freedom from sin, crippling fears, and oppression.
Salvation also includes God’s purpose for us. He has a purpose for each individual starting right now. He empowers us with the gifts and abilities to serve others and participate in God’s purpose in the world. He fills us with passion and power as we work with Him. Nothing is more significant or fulfilling than living out our purpose.
In the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray, we ask that God’s Kingdom will come and His will would be done here on earth as it is in heaven. His intent and empowering allows us to be directly involved in helping answer that prayer. His Kingdom begins here and now.
Our salvation is no small thing. It is far bigger than our imagination. We are not just recipients of God’s grace, keeping us from separation from Him after death. We are co-heirs with Christ. As we are transformed, we become more and more like Him. We inherit His authority and power to bring about positive change for Jesus in the world and in the people directly around us.
- Jesus, You have made such an incredible life of freedom and joy available to me. I open my heart and life completely to You. I want to cooperate with You and live the full, free, and abundant life You have made possible. Amen.