WHO NEEDS SALVATION?

In this series of teachings, we will begin by answering the question: Who needs salvation? Understanding this will provide a solid foundation for the rest of our series.

To answer this question, it’s important to recognize that in Christianity, there is a distinction between being “good” and being “righteous.” While the dictionary defines “good” as morally right or righteous, within Christianity, these terms hold different meanings.

Let’s turn to Romans 5:7, which states, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” This passage highlights that there is a difference between a righteous man and a good man. It suggests that it is rare for someone to die for a righteous man, but people might be more willing to sacrifice themselves for a good man.

A person can be morally good but not necessarily righteous. We see many good-hearted individuals in the world today, engaging in charitable acts such as helping the poor, building orphanages, providing relief to war-torn regions, offering free medical treatments, scholarships, and more. While these acts are commendable, they do not automatically make someone righteous or saved.

Let’s consider the example of Cornelius in the Bible, mentioned in Acts 10:1-48. Acts 10:2 describes him as “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” At first glance, one might assume that this is sufficient. He was committed, God-fearing, generous, and prayerful—what more could be required?

However, in Acts 10:3-6, Cornelius has a vision where God instructs him to send for Peter to learn “what he ought to do.” Although it may have been unclear to Cornelius at the time, Acts 11:14 clarifies that Peter was going to share the words by which Cornelius and his household could be saved. So, despite all the good works and religious activities Cornelius engaged in, he was not yet saved.

Therefore, it is possible to be good but still not be saved. It is possible to be a devoted church member and not be saved. Sadly, there are even individuals who preach but have not experienced salvation themselves.

Now that we understand this, who then needs salvation? To answer this, let’s explore a few Bible passages:

– Romans 3:10 says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
– Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
– Titus 2:11 declares, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

From these passages, we can conclude that everyone needs salvation. Regardless of our race, moral standing, devotion, wealth, education, or any other factor, we all require salvation.

In light of this, I invite you to reflect on your own life. Are you truly saved?

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for the next series