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A PICTURE OF GENUINE SALVATION
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 12
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

“…ye turned to God from idols

to serve the living and true God.”

 

A PICTURE OF GENUINE SALVATION
 
Everyone is different. Everyone’s testimony of salvation is unique. The trials and challenges that we face in life are many and varied, and the journey we have in Christ will not be the same as someone else’s. However, because of our shared experience in Christ, there will be some defining characteristics that will be common in all believers. When we are saved, we all become new creatures in Christ, and are called to walk in the newness of life. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Paul described the experience of the believers in Thessalonica – experiences that any true believer should be able to identify with.
 
First, there was a genuine repentance where they turned to God from idols or any other sins of the past. They were convicted that God is indeed the only living and true God who is perfect, holy and righteous, and will not tolerate sin. In believing in God, there was a recognition of the seriousness of sin and a desire to seek after a life of holiness.
 
Second, having turned away from their life of sin, they turned to serve the living and true God. Their life was then one of faithful and devoted service. Compelled by their love for God, they understood the Gospel debt that they owed and were happy to commit their lives to serve the Lord! This was the labour of love that Paul previously commended them for. Therefore, they were examples to the believers in the region and were well known for their evangelistic zeal.
 
Third, they looked forward to Jesus’ return. They knew that this world was not their home and recognised that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They were patiently waiting, looking forward to the day where the risen Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, would come to take them home to eternity. It was this hopeful expectation that enabled them to weather through the many persecutions that they were experiencing.
 
Dear reader, can the same be said of your life in Christ?
 
THOUGHT: Would a true believer not have any of these traits?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou help me to show forth the fruits of salvation in my life.

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