Is that your final answer? —Regis Philbin, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
“Pete, I walked down the aisle once.” Okay. Good.
“I went through confirmation and was presented before the church.” That means you’re part of a church; that’s good.
“I was baptized as an infant.” Well, that means you’ve been brought into a community of faith.
“Pete, I prayed a prayer.” That’s awesome.
But let me ask you: How is your heart? Have you entrusted yourself to Jesus? Paul tells us to test ourselves: Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5b).
What’s the test? It’s simple—just one question: Do I believe Christ is sufficient to save me, fill me, live in me, and transform me; and will I allow Him to do so now?
If the answer is yes, then you’re done. You’ve entered God’s rest. But if the answer is no, then don’t trust the infant baptism, the prayer, the confirmation certificate, or the aisle walk. Trust Jesus. Respond to God.
Do you know what I love about Jesus’ salvation? Salvation isn’t a moment; it’s a lifetime. Salvation is the moment of conversion, the transformation to holiness, and the expectation of our bodies being risen with Christ. It’s His work, not ours. Once we are one with Christ, we are always one with Christ. How do I know we are forever His? Jesus promised.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)
You are a treasure in the hand of Jesus. Not only that, but the Father has placed His hand over Jesus’ hand, and together their hands are one in their impenetrable security.
How do you get to that safe space? Respond to His grace. Simply rest in the hands that hold you.
Savior, thank You for holding me. Amen.