Proof of Salvation

Seen in the fruit of faith.

A Long time ago a man name John wrote down indications of salvation so that we might “know.” (1 John “know” used 29 times) It is important to know, if you’re going to experience peace. And the only way I know to know, is by hearing or reading God’s words recorded by His servants. This is how saints are taught, by the Spirit, according to Gods will.  For me, there were many lessons before there was peace.

Before I get too far along understand that I feared the Lord. Yes, I FEARED THE LORD! The One who can stop thinking about you, and POOF, that’s it for you. Or worst than that, all that stuff that is written about God’s judgement and wrath. Even Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) 

So, for me, that was all I needed for “fear” to be defined. Not the soft version of “honor and  revere.” Abiding peace with God was withheld. Fear enabled me to find wisdom, and prevented me from taking God’s grace for granted. Instead I repented. For that I am grateful. I grew to hate sin and came to understand that only Jesus could change me. I had to go through stuff before I began to understand the love of God.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18) The fear, in time, was cast out by a continual demonstration of God’s love and acceptance. I was never turned away. Never forsaken.

Conformed to the image of His Son.

That’s what’s happening in the lives of those who are born again. We are being conformed. Given shape. Changing as the Potter, through the Holy Spirit, conforms us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Wow! That’s a miracle! And the proof of salvation. We are witnessing the saving hand of God, in our own lives, as we are being delivered from sin.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

This is my theology, my understanding of God and His intentions for man. “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30) This is the fruit of faith, “from glory to glory.” It’s all about Christ crucified for a purpose.