Semantics in Salvation

 

 

Certainly, there is nothing semantical about salvation itself.  However, through time we seem to change meanings of words to fit our own definitions.  Salvation is and always will be by grace alone.  The Bible is clear and the Bible does not change with time or culture.

We so often hear people today speak of salvation in terms of “making a decision”, “accepting Christ”, “letting Jesus in our hearts”, “making the right choice”, etc.  But in view of scripture are those phrases biblical?  We also often hear from evangelists, preachers and Sunday school teachers that God “is not willing that any should perish” so it behooves people to make that decision, choice, etc.

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“Making the right decision” – Every day we make decisions.  Right ones and wrong ones.  But does scripture support man being able to make a decision for his own salvation?

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“Accepting Christ” – Should the question be “does Christ accept me?"

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“Letting Jesus in our heart” -- Do we really think that we have that power over Jesus Christ to “let” Him do something like save us?

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“Making the right choice” -- Again, every day we make choices in our lives.  But are we really capable and cognizant enough to make a “right choice” concerning our eternity?

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Using the right phrase or word neither negates nor legitimizes true regeneration unto salvation.  But it can give man the appearance of having some type of upper hand over the Sovereign and Triune God of the Bible.  It could also be deceiving to someone who “thinks” that their salvation is that simple.  God is sovereign in all things, including salvation.  Man is not.  Man is, however, responsible.  This may be confusing but it does not have to be when we keep our eyes on Who is Sovereign.

 

The doctrine of election should humble a saved person to heir knees and frighten a lost person to their knees, providing they comprehend it.