The Gift of Salvation

By Larry Elder

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I. WHAT IS SALVATION? 

A. Salvation can best be defined as the deliverance from all curses, including death. Thus salvation cannot be limited to the initial stage of redemption-forgiveness of sins. According to the Word of God, one will be saved from enemies – Luke 1:71, saved from sins – Romans 10:1, 9-10, delivered from slavery – Acts 7:25, and saved from physical infirmity – Acts 4:10-12. 

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B. Salvation comes from the Greek word “Soteria,” which means deliverance. Salvation is used in the New Testament to define material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension. Deliverance means a release from bondage, imprisonment, and liberation from captivity. 

 

C. Salvation does not mean that one is perfect. However, it does mean that one has been forgiven. Romans 3:23-24. 

 

II. WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE? 

Now that one has been born again, one is called “spiritually” a babe in Christ. Just like a baby in the natural, one will stumble and fall. Because one is born again of God, one will not stay down. It is the responsibility of the mature Christian to assist the babe in Christ in his/her growth and to encourage them to get up. 

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III. AM I GOING TO BE TESTED? WHO DOES THE TESTING? 

The Bible says in the book of Mark 4:4-14, that the sower soweth the Word. As the Word is sown, Satan comes to apply the test. He comes to steal your freedom and make you stumble. I Peter 5:8 says, “The devil; as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 

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We must realize that all temptation comes from Satan, but James 1:13 says “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”. According to James 1:2-3, “Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience”. Patience, when it is finished, will leave you perfect (complete) and wanting nothing. 

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 IV. HOW DO I KEEP MY GIFT? 

A. First of all, one is responsible for keeping his own gift. Once one has given his life to Christ, God is not responsible for your staying saved and Satan is not responsible for your sins. The Bible says in Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto god by him (Jesus) seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” 

 

B. Secondly, one is responsible for keeping his gift by studying God’s Word. 1st Peter 2:2, “Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that one may grow.” John 8:31-32, 36, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” 

 

V. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? 

A. II Corinthians 5:17 

B. Colossians 3:1-15 

C. John 6:63 

D. John 5:24 

 

VI. ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD 

A. Luke 1:71 One will be saved from enemies. 

B. Romans 10:1, 9-10 One will be saved from sins. 

C. Acts 7:25 One will be delivered from slavery. 

D. 1st Peter 2:24 One will be saved from physical infirmity. 

E. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 One will be blessed.

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© 1999-2025  by Larry Elder Ministries and Strong Faith Bible Church .  All Rights Reserved.

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