Salvation Summaries

This revised (but still rough) draft is the Introduction section in a book I hope to co-write with a pastor, missionary or like-minded believer (who writes better than I do).  The Title of the Book will likely be “How to become a Christian and Live Like One Too.” It will take a few years to research and write the book.  All active followers of this blog will receive a free copy.

Introduction

What would you do if a certain doctor diagnosed you with a terminal condition? According to his diagnosis, you will not die now, and possibly not for some time, but one day your symptoms will suddenly worsen and cause immediate death.

Now, what if this doctor also told you that there is a cure for what you have, but in his experience, most people have chosen not to receive it.  Why?  The cost.

This cost, however, is not what you think it is. It is not financial, for the doctor won’t charge you a penny.  It’s not physical either, for you won’t be required to undergo radiation treatments, a restrictive diet or strenuous exercise.

“So, what is it?” you ask.

It’s a new heart…a spiritual heart.  You see, the terminal condition you have has nothing to do with your physical heart; it’s your spiritual heart that is bad (don’t worry, you’re not alone).  And once you receive a new spiritual heart, it will change who you are, and how you live.

Unfortunately, most people view this particular cost as too great to bear, for they don’t want to change who they are or how they live even if it means dying from this terminal condition.  Their solution is to simply not believe the doctor’s diagnosis (some may go so far as criticizing or slandering him), and continue to live in rebellion to his warning.  Some seek a second opinion, and when they find a doctor who says there is no problem, they believe that diagnosis instead.  Others heed the doctor’s warning for awhile, but as they continue to see and feel no symptoms, they assume it wasn’t a problem after all or forget about it. Only a small percentage of people who hear from this doctor and follow his advice are cured.

“But wait a minute,” you say, “there must be a catch.”  Well, yes there is (kind of).

There is some “fine print” to understand.  Once you receive this new heart, there’s no going back to the old one.  You can’t return it or exchange it.

Also, there will be some side effects.  Some of your relatives and friends may not like the “new you.” A few people might mock you for your new beliefs and way of life.  And, depending upon where you live, a small group of “radicals” could even harm you physically.

Given what you now know, what is YOUR decision?  Remember, ignoring your condition won’t make it go away, and if you’ve not previously been cured of it, then you still have it, for this particular doctor is never wrong.

“Now, hold on here!  I don’t have any ‘terminal condition,’ and I don’t have a clue what doctor you are referring to!”

Well, regarding your first point…yes, yes you do – you just don’t know it (everyone gets it, but more on that later).  And, regarding your second point…you’re probably right (which is reason enough to read this book!).

I tell you what. Let’s make a deal.

If you want to know why your heart is bad, what your symptoms are (which you can’t see, but strangely, some can), and who this “doctor” is, then I invite you to read the first half of this book, for it will tell you all of these things, and give you the cure too!  Then, if you receive a new heart, read the second half, for it will help you learn how to use it.

However, if you have absolutely no interest – no curiosity – in learning about any of this, then please give this book to someone who does, and you can spend your time on…oh, I don’t know…more important matters?!

Deal? Great. Thanks.

Notes to the Introduction Section (these will likely not be part of the book)

• The doctor is the Great Physician or God.

• The symptoms are a sinful way of life.  Most sinners do not see or understand the extent to which they sin until they become a Christian.  Once they become a Christian, they can more easily see the sin in themselves and others.

• If a person’s sins are not forgiven, that person will experience spiritual death (eternal separation from God), a terminal condition that cannot be changed.

• Heart is an important concept in the Bible.  It is mentioned more than 700 times using the NAS version.  The Bible speaks of an unbelieving heart, hardened heart, uncircumcised/circumcised heart, cleansed heart and believing heart. It also speaks of something similar, which is a a new creation.  How a person receives a new heart and becomes a new creation will be the focus of the first half of the book. Please see below for a sampling of Bible verses with the word “heart.”

• Of the different groups of people who have been diagnosed with this condition, the first group represents atheists; the second includes people who seek out other religions that do not say anything about sin or the consequences of a sinful way of life, and do not require a person to put their faith in the One that can forgive their sins; the third group represents agnostics who know the truth but due to worldliness or apathy do not heed the doctor’s warning or advice; and the last group represents Christians.

• The fine print relates to the gospel. Once you understand and believe in the gospel, you can’t go back to a life of obedience to God’s laws for your salvation.

• The side effects represent persecution.  When a person changes from an unbeliever to a believer, or from a non-Christian to a Christian, some of that person’s relatives and friends (if they are unbelievers, which most people are) may not like this change.  Christians are periodically mocked in TV shows, movies and by certain members of the media.  Christians in certain countries may be persecuted physically and even killed for their faith.  See Voice of the Martyrs for real life stories of persecuted Christians.

Sample of Bible Verses with the word heart

• Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

• Matthew 15:18-20 18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. 19 “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. 20 “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”

• Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God.

• Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

• Matthew 22:37-39 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

• Romans 10:8-10 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart “– that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; 10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

• 2 Timothy 2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

• Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Themes in this book

The two main themes in the first half of the book are God’s love, grace and forgiveness, and what a person must do to receive a new heart.  Many Bible verses on salvation and salvation-related terms (belief, faith, repentance, come to Jesus, die to self, etc.) will be identified and discussed.

The theme in the second half of the book will be on fearing (reverence), loving and obeying God in order to grow spiritually and bear fruit.  The relationship between faith and deeds, the need to have a Christian worldview, and how to pray, will be emphasized.  There will also be a section in how to witness to others.