The By-Products of Salvation

I was watching a television show the other day in which an experienced chef was training a kitchen staff in preparing a new menu item. The menu item would call for half a chicken (in which two orders could be prepared) but they would also use the by-products from that those orders to create two other items: a stock for chicken soup and shredded chicken for a salad.

The author of Hebrews speaks of our great salvation in chapter two and verse three and the fact that there is no escape if we neglect the salvation that comes through the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. But in Hebrews 6:9 the inspired writer speaks of things that accompany our salvation, by-products if you will. Three things come to mind that, while we know intellectually, we sometimes forget to apply the applications.

• A Transformation of Character and Personality. The Apostle Paul said, “ if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). And he knew what he was talking about. What a profound transformation took place in this man’s life. There have been many times that I thanked God that I am not the man I used to be. But how many Christians really allow themselves to be transformed? Many continue to be rebellious, prideful, arrogant, disobedient, inconsiderate, inhospitable, and unkind. The new man will be transformed into the image of His Dear Son and his existence will become a life, his house a home, and his eternity life unending.

• A New Kind of Influence. The fact is we all hold sway over others. Sometimes this persuasion is for good while often times it is not.  What we hold dear in our hearts, the kind of men we are, will express itself to those around us. The sobering thing is we are influencing not just those closest to us that we are trying to influence but to many who are standing at a distance watching what we say and what we do. Jesus, in the greatest sermon ever preached said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

• A Peace That Passes Understanding. Salvation brings peace, serenity, and contentment into the hearts and minds that the world can neither give nor take away. Philippians 4:7 says that the Christian, in addition to salvation and in conjunction with it, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and that it, “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We, like Paul and Silas, can sings songs at midnight, even in our darkest hours.

When you take an honest appraisal of your life can you truly say that it has been transformed by and into the image of Jesus? Do you and I bear the “brand marks” (Galatians 6:7) of being His disciples? The journey starts with hearing and understanding the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17); believing that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God (John 8:24); repenting of all our past sins (Acts 17:30–31); Confessing our faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32–33); and being baptized for the remission of those sins in order to be added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:38–47). Have you done these things? Why not? Do it now while there is still time!

You have? Be faithful!

Article Adapted[1]