Wednesday, April 13, 2011

What do I need to do to be saved?

Please God, I am begging you, just tell me what I need to do. Just tell me what box to check so I can check it. I want to check the box. I want to make sure that I have done everything that I can so that I can be with you when I die. I want to be sure and lately I have not been so sure.

Some have told me that I do not spend enough time reading your word. How much time is enough God? Is one hour a day enough or will thirty minutes be okay? Should I spend every waking hour that I am not at work or spending time with my family reading the Bible? Is reading Christian literature about the Bible and about you okay to read or should I only read your word? Just tell me how much so I can check off this box. I want to check the box but I am not sure if I have done enough.

Others have told me that reading is not enough. I must study your word as well. I need to learn the native languages so I can understand the verses in their proper context. Do I need to be fluent in these languages or is it enough that I look up the Greek or Hebrew for confusing passages? How much study is enough? I need to know so that I can check the box God, but I am unsure if I have done enough.

Some have told me that I must give of my finances in order to be saved. How much do I have to give? Is a tithe sufficient? Is that before or after taxes? Does all the money have to go to my local church or can I use some of it to support missionaries? Does giving money to the widow and the orphan directly count or must it go through my local church body? Does my time that I spend serving count? How can I know when I have given enough? I want to make sure that I have done enough so that I can check the box? Please God, can you help me?

Yet others have told me that I must share your word with others in order to show that I am saved. Does leading by example count or must I actually share the Gospel with words? Does it count if I share the word with those in the church so that I am making disciples or must I go to the unchurched as well? How about apologetics? Does refuting the arguments of those that oppose you and giving them a reason for the hope that is in me count? Please tell me how much I need to do so I can check the box.

And then there are the commandments. Must I keep them all or do I only need to keep the big ten? Can I still check the box if I repent of my sins when I am made aware of them or must I be perfect? What if I sin and die before repenting? Am I lost with no hope or does my previous confessions and repentance count?

When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land he was very prophetic. He told them to choose that day whom they would serve. They chose to serve the Lord and Joshua replied:

But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good."
(Joshua 24:19-20)


In looking at my partial list above I realize that I am unable to serve the Lord. At various times in my life I have tried very hard and ended up feeling as if I was further in debt than when I started. I can not do what is necessary to check the box. Even in those moments when I come close I tarnish my efforts with my pride. It appears that there is no hope for me ever doing enough to be saved.

Strangely, at the end of my efforts when all hope in self is lost, faith can be found. Faith in the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. Faith in the words of the Son of Man. Faith that when He said “It is finished” that he meant it. Faith that His death on the cross was sufficient to overcome my shortcomings. Faith that His resurrection guaranteed victory over death.

It is here that the humble realization takes place that there is nothing you can ever do that will be enough. It is here that you turn to God again and whisper your plea- I can not do this, please help me. If I am ever going to be saved Lord it is up to you and you alone for I am incapable. Here you understand the meaning of “It is finished” and realize that He already has helped you. It is here that your faith in self is transformed into faith in God.

Every once in a while we need a reminder of this. In spite of the efforts and the tears I am thankful for the reminder. My hope is in you God for all hope is lost if it is up to my efforts.

Peace.