SAVED FROM WHAT?

I have been thinking about the word "saved."  We toss it about without really giving it much of a thought; at least I know I do.  When we use the word, we usually are referring to someone being saved from something, such as a fire, a wild animal, a kidnapper, etc., but when believers use it in the biblical sense, from what is a soul being saved? 

I made a list of things from which God has saved people in the Bible:  capture, bondage, hunger, thirst, sickness, death, enemies, etc.  But, the most important use of the word has to do with a soul being saved from the penalty of his or her sin (Rom. 6:23).  Once we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, we are also being saved from the power of sin (Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13: Jam. 4:7).

Born again believers (Jn. 3:3-8) are those who have responded to the Father's "tug" (Jn. 6:44-45).  They have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, that is, the Gospel (Jn. 3:3-8; 14:15-18; 16:7-15; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-4).  And, it is they who, believing in the resurrected Jesus, the One who is worthy to be both their Savior and their Lord, are constantly talking about salvation. 

Genuine Christians are born again believers who are the children of God; they have a relationship with their Creator (1 Jn. 3:1-2).  They are always ready to give their testimony about their own salvation (1 Pet. 3:15).  And, born again believers cannot help but be concerned for the billions of lost and dying souls in the world.  They are willing to give their lives, if need be, to preach the Gospel as Christ leads them (Mt. 18:11; 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 19:10; Acts 16:10; Rom. 1:15-16; 10:15).  Born again believers have their church door open to any and all who will come (Rev. 3:7-13).

On the other hand, those who are "Christians" in name only, are just like members of the rest of the world's religions:  they are merely being religious.  They remain children of their father (Jn. 8:44).  When, and if they actually do talk about "spiritual things," they are focused upon how one becomes a member of their congregation, the frequency of church attendance, the "dress code," the type of music the new song leader chooses, and most of all, the flaws in the theology of neighboring churches.  They are nothing more than an exclusive organization, much like the Masons.  "Christians" have their church closed and locked; they have become so focused upon "churchianity," that Jesus, Himself, is left outside (Rev. 3:14-22).

Saving lives is stuff of heroes; saving souls is the burden of believers!