My Journey to Salvation
I am unsure why God has convinced me to write this paper. Writing papers and grammar were never my favorite things to do in college. The same is true today, thirty years later. The one thing I have learned studying the Bible is that God sometimes uses the most unlikely people to move His agenda forward, but at the end of the day, it could be all about my journey.
I have tried not to take any scripture quote out of context, but I encourage everyone reading this to research to confirm the meaning. Three major revelations occurred in becoming a true disciple of Jesus.
First.
As a Catholic, I was taught that after being baptized and receiving the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, I was saved and entitled to go to Heaven. Even though I was taught the "Ten Commandments," it did not appear that I was expected to fulfill them. Being obedient to God's commandments just appeared optional. Going to confession and requesting forgiveness was more a ritualistic chore than an absolute necessity. I had no concept that Godly sorrow was a requirement to receive forgiveness for my sins. My main excuse was I was still human, and therefore, God expected me to continue to sin. Showing appreciation for the sacrifices it took God and Jesus to offer me, the gift of Salvation was nowhere to be found. But being able to continue to do precisely as nonbelievers and somehow not be held accountable just started not feeling right. As a reborn Christian, should I not be empowered and expected to honor God and Jesus's commandments? Taking a hard and honest look at my life, I concluded I was motivated by pleasing my self-interest. The amount of time pleasing God and my professed Lord and Savior was minimal in comparison, if at all. But there was a profound feeling something was missing. My wife Melissa was surprised when I informed her, I would like to find a Church we could join. This would introduce our sons to a community of faith-minded people and possibly find what I was searching for. You see, I had not attended Church for some twenty years. But there was this growing desire to know about God and Jesus's expectations of me.
A close friend Mike Dierkes recommended Northpoint Church. After attending for just a few weeks, Melissa and I started attending a Bible study called "Starting Point". For the first time in our lives, we found ourselves reading the Bible (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth). You see, as Catholics, we were discouraged from reading the Bible. All information about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Their expectations of us was to come through our Priest. Reading the living word of God is exactly what we needed. It was and remains a life-changing experience!
Romans 1:19-20, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Luke 5:32, "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance
So yes, some verses appeared to conform to my Catholic teachings. However, I also found many that confirmed my suspicions that if I was truly reborn, God and Jesus had a much higher expectation for me.
Romans 6:1-2, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
1 John 3:6,9, Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
Matt 16:24-25, Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
2 Corinthians 7:10, Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to Salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
John 4:17, So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.
Philippians 2:12, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling;
Matt 18:3, and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.
2 Tim 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Luke 14:26, If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (Now, this one took time to understand)
1 Timothy 4:1, The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Revelations 3:5, The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.
Romans 2:5, But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Hebrews 10:26-27, For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Nowhere in my life did anyone teach that God's definition of repentance meant you were expected not only to understand what sin is but also to stop doing it. What about the many verses that say you can lose the sacrifice or that some will abandon their faith, no less have your name removed from the Book of Life? Again, I was taught I had already met the conditions to be saved, and I could do nothing to alter that reality. I was reading so many verses stating the evidence of being reborn would be to stop sinning. But even after reading Scripture that I should be empowered, no matter how hard I tried, I still found it impossible to stop sinning. The more I read, the more I felt something was stirring in my heart, mind, and soul. I found myself increasingly wanting to find out what I was missing. So, even without consciously knowing, I now see that God's divine nature was always working in me. Eventually, all the pretense that I was saved and living a good and Godly life came tumbling down right before my very soul. Talk about an eye-opening, gut-wrenching revelation at fifty-four years of age.
Second.
By God's standards, I now realized I was a wretched, self-absorbed man. Scripture also made it clear that nothing would ever change until I gave up all rights to myself. So, for the first time, I went to Jesus Christ with Godly sorrow and repentant heart, asking for mercy (not receiving what I deserve) and grace (receiving God and Jesus's agape love that I did not deserve). I asked Jesus not to be only my Savior and Lord but realized the necessity that I had to be His bondservant. Something happened that made me feel changed at that very moment: God and Christ fulfilled all Their promises of what would happen when I met the conditions to become a true disciple of Jesus.
Ezekiel 36:25-27, Not only am "I cleansed of all uncleanness" I receive a "new heart and new spirit" inputted with Jesus's righteousness and given the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Galatians 4:6-7, 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba",Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Ephesians 1:4, For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
Ephesians 2:6, And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 6:11, Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
2 Corinthians 10:5, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Do we spend any time considering that not obeying Jesus's commands is the real reason why we continue to willfully sin and have nothing to do with the fact that we are still a mortal human body? Jesus was made human and tempted in every way as we but stayed sinless without using His divinity.
Colossians 2:10, And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.
John 3:35, Whoever believes (trusts, relies, obeys, as a true bondservant) in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him
Romans 5:8-9, But God demonstrates his own (unconditional, sacrificial devotional) love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him!
I finally realized that I was not fulfilling my part of the New Covenant and that no matter what I professed in the past, by Biblical standards, Jesus, I was never in an agape-loving relationship. There was no evidence of Jesus being my Lord or I His bondservant. I realize now if I had been judged during those years leading up to rebirth, Jesus would have had no choice but to say, "Be gone; I never knew you." The good news in Scripture is that because of Christ's sacrificial death, I have the opportunity to have my sins paid in full (propitiation). I can avoid God's wrath, which would surely be mine on that final judgment day. My new reborn body is cleansed, and now the temple of the Holy Spirit, Jesus's righteousness, and God's divine agape love nature. My old selfish, sinful nature is dead; all things are new, and I truly am a new creation in Christ. I can confidently say that it is no longer the old me who lives but Jesus in me. My new nature gives me the ability and desire to use Their super-spiritual powers to stop sinning. I want to emphasize that I did not deserve or earn these gifts. But all true repentant sinners do receive them freely from a loving and merciful God and Jesus Christ.
For the first time in my life, I realized the incredible price God and Jesus had paid to offer me the gift of Salvation. The value of the gift of Salvation is no longer taken for granted. My Salvation was no longer some abstract act but became very personal. My new spiritual rebirth, not my natural birth, now determines my identity. Today, because of these gifts, I am given the ability to agape love just like God and Jesus unconditional, sacrificial, devotional agape love me.
Third.
With all these rights and privileges afforded a true disciple of Jesus Christ also came responsibilities. My responsibility is to show evidence that I am using Their gifts as God and Christ intended.
Luke 12:48, From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
1 Cor 6, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
2 Tim 3:16, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Titus 2:7-8, In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Romans 12:6-8, We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Ephesians 4:11-16, 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in(unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in (unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love, as each part does its work.
2 Peter 1:2-11, 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble (sin); 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As stated before, I was taught that once saved, always saved. There was no requirement to show evidence of my rebirth. I am concerned that many professing Christians disregard these scriptures because they are deceived into believing it is describing a "works" based Salvation. Our Salvation is solely based on the Cross. An example to simplify this biblical concept would be if we became an apple tree at our rebirth. Our fruit would be apples. Not to become an apple tree but simply evidence that is what we are. If we saw lemons or pears on our branches, it would be impossible to say we are apple trees. Simply stated, the evidence of our rebirth should be that all our words, thoughts, and actions are motivated by agape love. What better way is there to Glorify God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
James 2:17-18, Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Gal 5:22-25, But the fruit of the Spirit is (agape) love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have (past tense) crucified the flesh (sin nature) with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
If we are truly reborn, why is it not our responsibility to meet all the requirements Scripture describes to receive eternal life? Why is it so easy for many to choose one or two verses and exclude all the rest?
Romans 6:16-18, Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Hebrews 5:9, And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal Salvation to all who obey Him,
Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe (trust, rely, adhere, obey) in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Matt 7:14, Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Why is the prophecy from God that only a few will find or stay on the narrow road that leads to Heaven so easily ignored? I have never heard a sermon discussing the huge implication this verse has to do about the reality we are missing something about what God and Jesus expect to see in us.
Luke 14:28, For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—
Luke 17:10, So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'
Hebrews !0:26-27, For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Revelation 22:14, Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
1 Cor 13:1-3, If I speak in the tongue] of men or of angels, but do not have (unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have (unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have (unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love, I gain nothing.
Because of my rebirth, I became one with God and Jesus. Trusting relying on obeying (believing) in Jesus is simply more evidence that I am truly His disciple. To unconditional, sacrificial, devotional love like Jesus unconditional, sacrificial, devotional loved me is not only possible but clearly my responsibility. I will never allow Satan to hide or steal that truth.
John 13:34, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
So that was my journey to Salvation and the beginning of my sanctification. God's agape love is so great He gave up His only Son to take my rightful punishment. Because of Jesus's redemptive act on the Cross, I received the gift of Salvation with all the rights and privileges. The lie that I was saved and that my continued sinning had no consequences was revealed. My natural abilities alone were never enough to stop offending God and Jesus. I would surely be justly sentenced to Hell if my life continued to be about pleasing my self-interest. Coming to Jesus with Godly sorrow and repentant heart, giving up all rights to myself, and asking Him to be my Lord and Savior is absolutely necessary to be reborn. Becoming Jesus's bondservant is for my benefit and the only way to be deserving of spending eternity in Heaven. Their agape love became mine and now motivates everything I think, say and do. I know that is a high and lofty standard, but would anything less be a sign of a lack of appreciation and respect for all God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have done for me?
I thank the Holy Spirit for inspiring me to express what I feel in my heart. I hope explaining my journey can help some reach theirs or confirm what others already know is true.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in (unconditional, sacrificial, devotional) love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or further discussion. Please feel free to use this paper to help others on their journey to Salvation. When two or more are gathered, we are having Church.
Much agape
Your brother in Christ
Ed
Additional faith-based paper will be posted on my Dental web page.
You can reach by e-mail at edtrizzino@hotmail.com or call me at my dental office.
