Mission Venture Ministries

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) 

Scripture tells us that we need to be saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Because of our sins, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23). While the physical consequence of sin is physical death, that is not the only kind of death that results from sin. All sin is ultimately committed against an eternal and infinite God (Psalm 51:4). Because of that, the just penalty for our sin is also eternal separation from God; that is what we need to be saved from (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15). 

So how do we get saved and get to live eternity in heaven, who is it that saves us? 

Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin’s penalty. The Bible tells us in Titus 3:5-7 that “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” 

So, how does God save us? It was Jesus’ death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God. It is also necessary to recognize Jesus’ death on the cross as the sufficient sacrifice required to remove all sins. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is only available through faith in Jesus Christ because, “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). 

Salvation isn’t something that we can claim because we were born to believing parents or attend church. Jesus warned that many would call Him Lord without actually belonging to Him as we read in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; away from me, you evildoers!’” 

Therefore if we want to become a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, we need the following: 

An understanding of the gospel because faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17). 

In order to believe and receive the good news of Jesus Christ, a person must have an understanding of their hopeless, sinful condition because, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God  (Romans 3:23). 

Please understand that NO ONE IS SAVED BY BEING A GOOD PERSON OR DOING GOOD DEEDS. 

There is a definite turning point when someone understands and accepts the gospel, because that person will turn from sin in repentance and toward God in faith and obedience. There will be a changed life; changing direction from our old fleshly lifestyle and making a way for new life in Christ. When we become believers there is a change of heart, and the sins we once loved, we now hate. 1 John 3:9 tell us that “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” 

A genuine Christian senses God’s presence and hears His voice as Jesus said: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). If God never speaks to your heart, you have reason for deep concern. If you have no desire for prayer and the Bible makes little sense to you, it is very possible you don’t know the Savior. 

Please understand that by grace, God’s salvation is offered to all who will believe and receive it through faith. Those who love and follow Jesus don’t practice religion out of habit; instead, their worship and joy are a vibrant response to the personal relationship they have with the Lord. 

Since the Lord wants us to succeed spiritually, He has provided everything we need. His Word gives us principles to practice, testimonies of faithful men and women to study and emulate. Ultimately God’s goal for us is obedience, faithfulness, and developing a Christ-like character. 

God gave us the most powerful example of love and obedience in His Son who did nothing on His own initiative (John 8:28); His desire was to be completely dependent on His Father and to be obedient in every aspect of His life.

Is that your desire as well? It’s easy to become sidetracked from this goal, but if you’ll persist, God Himself will be pleased with your faithfulness. 

Genuine Christians possess a supernatural assurance that they are saved and forgiven of their sins because “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). This does not mean we never have any doubts, especially when we fail our Lord, but it does mean a prevailing peace will overshadow any momentary doubts. 

Most saved people can describe a “before and after” in terms of their salvation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In simple words, it is doubtful that old things could pass away and all things become new and you not know what happened! 

We know that our Father has provided everything we need to succeed because God’s Word reveals His purpose for all believers and transforms our character, thoughts, and behaviors to align with His desires. 

The Holy Spirit providentially guides us into God’s will and empowers our obedience. And prayer allows us to communicate with God at any time to receive guidance and grace to help with every need. 

These remarkable divine provisions, together with the promise of resurrection and the glories of heaven, give us good reason to persevere and never lose heart. 

Please remember that salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security. 

Is your name written down in the book of life? 

We hope so, and that you have the assurance from the Holy Spirit that you are saved, and if you are not sure please go to our SALVATION page for additional information. 

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