There are some things that just go along with salvation. The Hebrew writer said, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (Heb. 6:9). Let's take a look at some things that accompany salvation.

The Gospel of Christ

In writing the Ephesians, Paul said, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph. 1:13). The gospel and salvation cannot be separated, for you can not have one without the other! This is the reason it is written, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). It is by the gospel that we are saved as Paul wrote the Corinthians, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain" (1 Cor. 15:1-2). If you expect to see folks enjoy salvation, you will have to see that they are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in order that they may obey it.

Greatness

Salvation is the greatest thing that has been offered mankind! If we were to gain the whole world and lose our soul, we would be cheated (Matt. 16:26). No wonder it is recorded: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation . . ." (Heb. 2:3). Salvation is great because it is one of the things that extends beyond the confines of this world. When the Lord comes the second time, He will bring eternal salvation for the faithful (Heb. 9:28). Greatness accompanies salvation.

Faith And Obedience

Obedience accompanies salvation. It always has and always will! The Holy Spirit said as He spoke of Christ: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9). Faith put to work in obedience makes for a condition where one can enjoy salvation from past sins and, as Peter said, "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls" (1 Pet. 1:9). If you believe that you can have salvation from your sins and expect to go to the heaven when you die apart from faith and obedience, perish the thought!

The Longsuffering of God

Many times God suffers long just to allow one to be saved. God does not wish that any die in his sins (Ezek. 33:11). Christ "is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Again Peter said, "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation . . ." (2 Pet. 3:15). God may be waiting to send His Son the second time to allow you an opportunity to be saved! Would you please take advantage of the longsuffering of God?

Christ And The Church

Christ and the church accompanies salvation. It is recorded, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Yet, many have been led to believe that there is nothing in a name, and that one name is just as good as another. There is authority in a name! The saved are in the church for that is where the Lord puts the saved (Acts 2:47). Paul told the Ephesians that "Christ is the savior of the body" (Eph. 5:23) and the body is the church (Col. 1:18). "Salvation is in Christ (2 Tim. 2: 10). Are you in Christ and the church?

Faithful-Sacrificial Living

No responsible person can be saved without faithful living! The Lord said, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Without holiness "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). Paul admonished the Romans "that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable. unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12: 1). You need to mark it down, in whatever book you mark things down in, that faithful-sacrificial living accompanies salvation.

We all need to learn the principle, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matt. 19:9).

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 11, p. 325
June 7, 1984