DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT – THURSDAY THOUGHTS #27… SALVATION.

The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord; he could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God; and he took it. Christ threw him a passport, and took him into Paradise. - D. L. Moody.

Three elements of personality are involved in making a decision to become a Christian, or in making any significant decision for that matter. They are the emotions, the intellect, and the will.

For example, a young man meets a young woman. They are immediately attracted to one another. They both say to themselves, "Now there is someone I'd like to marry." At that point, if the emotions had their way, there would be a wedding.

But the intellect intervenes, questioning the impulsive emotional response. Would we be compatible? What is she really like? Can I afford to support her? Both conclude it would be better to take some more time and answer a few questions before they proceed.

So the two begin spending more time with each other. He eventually concludes that she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Now his intellect has sided with the emotions on the idea of marriage.

But the final and heaviest vote remains to be cast -- that of the will. It stops the march toward the altar with the questions, "Am I willing to give up this lifestyle for another? What about my freedom -- is it worth the trade? Am I willing to assume the added responsibility?"

The marriage will occur only when the will finally agrees with the emotions and the intellect. And so it is in coming to Christ. - Jim Peterson, Living Proof.

The Roman's Road to Salvation has been a traditional way of leading persons to faith in Christ for many years. Here is a brief outline of that plan…

1. Every human being is a sinner… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23.

2. God's penalty for sin is death… For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23.

3. In His great love, God has made provision for the salvation of sinners... But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.- Romans 5:8.

4. Each person must put his trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ... If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. - Romans 10:9-10.

“Lord Jesus, I thank you for dying on the cross for my sins, forgive me for my sins, fill me with your Holy Spirit. I open the door of my heart and receive you as my Lord and Saviour. Lead me to a Church that will help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow you all the days of my life, in your mighty name I pray. Amen"

Be encouraged!

GBYAY