ANTIOCH CHURCH OF CHRIST

As faithful Christians we have a great and wonderful salvation that is waiting for us. We cannot even begin to imagine how wonderful it’s going to be. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). We have "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away" (1 Peter 5:4).

God has planned for our salvation from the beginning of the world. "Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace, that would come to you" (1 Peter 1:9-10). But we know more concerning our salvation than the people in the Old Testament did, because more details have been revealed to us in the New Testament. "By which have been given to us exceeding great and precious promises that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). Today we have "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

We must not become complacent and neglect our salvation. We cannot afford to lose it. We are to, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Any burden we now bear doesn’t even begin to compare to our great salvation that is reserved for us. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at things which are seen, but at things which are not seen" (2 Corinthians 4:17). "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him" (Hebrews 2:3). We cannot afford to fail.

Paul says, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:10). Only those who are in Christ have access to this salvation. How does one get into Christ to have this great salvation? "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). It is at the point of baptism that one gets into Christ. Those of us who are in Christ must continue to diligently serve the Lord. We should serve the Lord with gladness and joy by obeying His every command for Jesus says, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 10:30). In doing this we should "be even more diligent to make your call and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10). "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23). Jesus promises, "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of Life" (Revelation 2:10). Lets make going to heaven our number one priority in this life.