Day 28: Sanctification by the Holy Spirit

Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Peter (as recorded in Acts 2:28)

One of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of our salvation is the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that when we become Christians we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Some reject this notion, confusing this gift with the miraculous gifts of the Spirit that appear to have been present only during the time of the first century church. Others reject it outright due to it's connection to baptism, since they have decided against the need of baptism regardless of numerous passages of Scripture that discuss that very need. But for those who can accept the word of God, salvation can be theirs - in part because of the vital role that the Holy Spirit plays in God's plan of salvation.

But we always ought to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved by the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. II Thessalonians 2:13, NIV 

Day 29: The Gospel

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Paul the Apostle

There is an important transition that occurs in God's plan of salvation that is absolutely critical for everyone who wants to be saved, and so change their lives for God. That transition is our part. The first elements of salvation are most fortunate for us all, because they require nothing of us. These elements are the grace of God, the blood of Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. But, if all that was required were the saving works of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, then there would be no need for obedience and there would be no Hell, for everyone would be saved. But God's plan of salvation has always been designed for man to have a part - and the first part is this: We must hear the Gospel of Christ and obey it.

By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

I Corinthians 15:2, NIV

Day 31: Confession of Belief

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Paul the Apostle(as recorded in Romans 10:9, NIV)

The next step in changing our life for God according to His plan of salvation is our confession of our belief that Jesus is Lord. This is a critical element in salvation. If we are to be Christians, we not only must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our sins and rose again and that He is, therefore, our Lord and master - but we must also be willing to freely confess these very things before men. We also must be willing to go beyond mere lip service of stating our belief and actually live like we believe. Change of this magnitude requires tremendous effort... but eternity in Heaven is worth it! So, too, is the quality of life on earth that such a change will surely bring.

Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. II Timothy 2:19, NIV

Day 30: Belief and Faith

 It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - Paul the Apostle

The next step in salvation is the combination of faith and belief. The two words seem to be used interchangeably at times, and there can be no doubt that they are inextricably related. Still, if there is a subtle difference it might be that faith appears to be belief in action. James said that the demons believe, and they shudder. The reason is that it is too late for them - while they believe in Christ, they missed their chance to act and now they are lost. Faith will cause us to act for God while there is still time. These actions spurred by our faith are prompted by love - not by some twisted notion that we can somehow earn our salvation, for salvation cannot be earned. If we are to truly change our lives for Christ, it will have to be prompted by our belief and faith.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16, NIV

Day 32: Repentance that Leads to Salvation

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:37-38, NIV

The next step in changing your life for Christ is a word that means change: Repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sins, it is a literal change of direction. It's is akin to a U turn in that you were going in one direction, but then turned around to go in the opposite direction. This is what we do when we repent. Instead of heading in a direction that leads to destruction, we turn and go towards God. Repentance, then, is a complete change of life. Too many people decide that they can follow Christ and yet remain in sin, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If you want to change your life for God, then you really will have to repent and that means leaving your life of sin.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

II Corinthians 7:10, NIV