We remember the most significant times in our lives. Sometimes with such clarity that we are able to picture exactly where we were and who was present. Memories can be so strong that even our senses and emotions of a particular event instantly flood back into our consciousness just as if we were there again. Perhaps you can recall several of these times in your life over the years.
A few memories come to my mind. The first time I took my three young children to the grocery store. By myself. It seems like a funny thing to have a strong memory of but I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. I know where I parked the van, I remember the market I went to and the nervousness I felt wondering how I was going to get a newborn, a two year old and a six year old to the store and back with groceries. Another memory I have is of a particular Christmas morning. My family always had what we needed but not much extra. I was only about six years old and I desperately wanted a specific baby doll and also a mini playhouse with little mouse characters one year. It would be very unusual to receive both gifts so I was set on being happy for whichever one ended up under the tree. I remember being totally surprised – to the point of tears – upon receiving both of my desires.
The gift I received when God unveiled my eyes to His truth is by far the most significant event in my life. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I know the room I was in, I can feel the emotions. An overwhelming sense of relief and peace flooded my mind as I recall giving up my way for God’s direction. I remember the immediate release of burdens I had unnecessarily placed on my shoulders. Circumstances that were too heavy for me to carry were given to God. I can’t explain all of this, but by His grace, I knew, I understood. I wasn’t alone. I never had been. We treasure the gifts that are most precious to us.
The gift of salvation is special because of its significance. There is simply no other gift that is able to change your life completely in the present or for eternity!
What marks its significance?
It is Spectacular in its effects on the heart.
De 30:6 "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live.
Eze 11:19 "And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,
Do you know of anything else that has such an outstanding, dramatic and real response as a heart that has been miraculously changed from within?
The spectacular effects on a saved soul is undeniable. No one is able to refute the change that took place in my heart when God opened my eyes to His truth.
It is Striking in its ability to direct attention to God.
2Co 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
2Ti 1:9 [God] who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
Ac 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."
Isa 45:22 "Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
God used circumstances to direct my full attention towards His truth. One moment I was focused on what I needed to do, then through His grace, I was directed towards what He had already done for me.
It is Sensational in its strength.
1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Ro 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God [did:] sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and [as an offering] for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
Heb 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.
1Co 15:54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
Ro 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
Isa 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Following rules and regulations set by man’s wisdom only changes the outside appearance. We learn to concentrate on what things look like. I thought I was okay because I looked good to myself and others on the outside. God’s Truth cuts through to the soul, exposing the need we have for Him. I know of nothing or no one who is able to read my heart perfectly – except God.
It Shines from its source of Glory.
2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Ps 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
Ps 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty,
God is light. In Him there is no darkness. He alone is worthy of praise and honor and glory. He has chosen to touch His children with the gift of salvation that none other can give. The Spectacular, Striking, Sensational, Shining gift of Salvation. Have you unwrapped His gift?
