WHEN I began to first learn about Jesus, and later on to realize what it meant to live in fellowship with Him, the idea that He came to save my soul always set my mind into confusion. I have always had questions and still do when it comes to my soul, the spirit and my flesh. I understand the flesh; it is what gets me into trouble. But Jesus came to save my soul and not my flesh!
THE scriptures say that we must “love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!” Breaking this down means we are to love God with our whole being; our complete self. Our soul is who we are! It is what continues to live long after our bodies (the flesh) has died and rotted away.
IRONICALLY, the soul that sins, shall die! That is why Jesus came to save our souls! “As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine; the soul that sins shall die!” Ezekiel 18:3-4 We know we are dead when we practice sin. We know that to die to our sins is to be raised to a new life in Jesus Christ. We know that when we receive our new life in Christ our souls have been saved from hell to live eternally with God and His Son in heaven!
“FOR the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 6:23 We always need to be reminded that sin brings death. However, God’s promise of forgiveness of sin through His Son Jesus gives us life eternally with Him. How amazing is that? Yet, we still wonder and ask why when a tragedy happens to those who are forgiven and belong to God, as well as those outside of Christ.
JESUS teaches about calamities which happen to God’s people. In Luke chapter 13 some came to Jesus and told him about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. We have often asked ourselves why were they slain in the act of serving God. We hear stories about missionaries and kids on school buses returning from church camp. Many, many stories about untimely deaths and we still want to say “why!”
JESUS teaches us that these things do not happen as special acts of judgment for hidden sins. In Roman days fights at the temple and severe reprisals by the soldiers were common. But when this was reported to Jesus, they thought it was because of judgment. Another incident was mentioned in Luke and Jesus responds . “What about those eighteen in Siloam who were killed when the tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem? No! I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did.” Luke 13:4-5
JESUS does not deny that these people were sinners, but He does say with emphasis, that they were no worse than other people. You will all die as they did! He says this to teach them with strong words that only turning from sin in repentance, will save them, not from calamity, but to live with Him! They were not killed because they were worse sinners! All must turn from sin, or perish! When we die our souls live on and it is our choice where our souls will live.
WHEN THE church first began, we read in acts that when the people realized what they had taken part in, they were cut to the heart! They were in utter distress! They asked Peter; “What can we do!” “Peter answered and said; “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 Take heart Church and even those who are seeking Christ. The church did not begin with a sinners prayer but a command to repent. To be baptized so you would have forgiveness and receive the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit which is the seal that saves your soul! I don’t find any other place that God offers this to you. Calamities come & heart aches, but Jesus saves! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/18/13
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