How Saved Are You?

It’s hard not to notice the latest fad to hit FaceBook, quizzes.  I’m sure you’ve seen them, and the results posted by friends who’ve taken them. They can range from finding out your IQ, Hippie Name, what state you should live in, what Movie star you’re most like, and hundreds of other categories.  All right, they may seem like a silly waste of time, but be honest, you’ve taken one or two, haven’t you, I have!  Isn’t it amazing how 5-10 simple questions can so precisely identify who you are?

Today I’d like you to participate in a little quiz that I’ve dubbed  “How Saved Are You?” While not every Christian denomination uses the term “Saved”, I think we can agree to define it as having entered into a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus. For each of the following select either a) No/Never b) Somewhat c) Yes indeed!  Let’s begin.
1) Do you eagerly look forward to spending time with God?
2) Are you becoming more humble, loving and truthful?
3) Do you daily feel freer from the power and penalty of sin?  
4) Has your faith changed you?
5) Are you 100% confident of where you will spend eternity?  
6) Are you sharing your salvation story with others?

OK, did you have any trouble with any of  these?  Did you have to stop and think about each, or did the answers come easily?  I hope you know that I’ve been messing with you, there are no levels of salvation. You are either saved or you’re not.  It’s kind of like being pregnant. You can’t be a little bit pregnant, or a little bit saved.   While this is not an all inclusive list, a saved person normally exhibits these traits. Why not consider them your personal spiritual inventory.  To continue with the inventory, honestly respond to these .  1) Do you have a secret sin that is increasing in its intensity and control?  2)Do you have a capacity to hold onto an offense? 3) Do you have a reflex reaction to personal sin?  (Sin should really bother you, and make you want to rid yourself of it. You can’t manage it.) 4) Do you find discussions on spiritual intensity disquieting or annoying?  5) Do you battle a critical spirit to people who profess to have a personal relationship with God?

Scripture tells us that, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12.  It is a personal choice, no one can make it for you. It is NOT acquired by unemotionally following a laundry list of church mandated activities. It is NOT dependent on how many good works you have done.  It is NOT the recitation of a particular prayer, saying you believe in Jesus, or even baptism.  None of these activities guarantee that you are saved.

Are you confused?  I hope not. We all have the facts we need to know about Jesus at our disposal. When He asks you, who you say He is, your answer should be based on your careful study of those facts.  Your answer, combined with repentance, and a desire to obey Him, equals  Salvation.  “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:19.  From that point on, you are a new creature in Christ.  You should look, talk, act and live differently that you did before. If your faith hasn’t changed you, it hasn’t saved you. These are perilous times we live in, and it is urgent that you examine yourself for the signs of your own salvation.  Please don’t guess, be certain that you are saved. “ Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him." Psalm 62:1