“The Ramifications of Our Salvation” originally was the title of a series of messages delivered at the author’s first church in Pennsylvania.
Since those days it has become evident that Christians from every imaginable background know Jesus as Savior but have very little knowledge of what happened the moment they were saved.
Truly, God has provided a wonderful salvation, and His people should know more about it! That is the rationale behind this book.
Suitable for Christian day schools, small group Bible studies, Sunday School classes, pastoral preparation, discipleship, or personal enrichment, “The Ramifications of Our Salvation” is available in either paperback or e-book.
It consists of 35 chapters in 4 sections and is 162 pages long.
The following is a preview of the book:
But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 1:12).
Ask believers to speak about their salvation, and in most cases you’ll find that they will do so gladly. Such discussions generally take on one of two themes:
#1. They will tell about the person who led them to Christ or mention the time and place where the miracle of the new birth occurred. Many times they will speak fondly of a pastor, missionary, friend, or Sunday School teacher who cared enough to take the time to present the good news of the Gospel to them. There also is often a high regard for the place where they experienced God’s saving grace. It would be fair to say that to these people the circumstances of their salvation is very important.
#2. Others will readily recall how they reacted to the Gospel when they heard it or how they felt immediately after accepting Christ as Savior. Common sentiments are conviction of sin, love for Jesus, relief that their eternal destiny is now heaven instead of hell, or tears of joy. To these people the emotions in their salvation is very important.
Ask these same people to define the word “propitiation,” and very few have any idea what it means. They might remember hearing this word in a sermon but cannot explain its significance. Ask these same people about justification, sealing, glorification, redemption, any number of other important Biblical words, and the reaction will be very similar. To state the case frankly, they have little knowledge about their salvation.
At this point we would do well to ask some simple questions. Should we rely primarily on circumstances and emotions to explain to others and ourselves what took place when we were saved? Are these things reliable? When we do that, are we not in some ways attempting to interpret Biblical truth by emotions/circumstances instead of interpreting emotions/circumstances by Biblical truth?
Having pondered these questions, we should draw three simple conclusions:
#1. The Bible is our only reliable source of information. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit, inerrant on all subjects, and authoritative. By “authoritative” we mean it is the only source we can use to determine what to do, what to be, and what to believe. Other sources have their limitations because they are based on mere human knowledge and/or opinions. Many Biblical references could be given here, but the following verses demonstrate the point:
We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:19,21).
For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).
#2. Emotions are very changeable. One well known preacher, now with the Lord, used to say something like this: “I’m glad my salvation doesn’t depend on my emotions because I don’t feel saved until I’ve had a cup of coffee in the morning!” Apparently that coffee helped him “feel” saved, but nobody would argue that coffee adequately replaces the blood of Christ!
#3. How people interpret circumstances differs greatly. Take a look at news analysis and you’ll find commentators agreeing on basic facts but reaching totally different conclusions regarding the significance of events or what the national/international reactions should be. People have varying opinions, but God’s Word does not change!
The goal of this book is to explain in a clear way what happens Biblically the moment a believer is saved. The outline is simple:
- The Pre-science of Our Salvation (God’s Planning of it)
- The Privileges of Our Salvation
- The Permanence of Our Salvation
- The Practicality of Our Salvation
Please understand that God offers us a thorough salvation. The Scriptures declare that “we are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). The splendor of it is that all three Persons of the trinity are involved (more on this as the book progresses), and they have collectively worked from eternity past, through present times, and will continue their unified ministry forever in the final state.
To all three Persons be the glory forever!
This book is not intended to be a thorough systematic theology on all areas of soteriology (the doctrine of salvation), but rather an introduction to the important doctrines/concepts that believers everywhere should know and love.
Great care will be given to the Greek and Hebrew originals, but all Biblical quotes, unless otherwise noted, will be from the King James Version (KJV).
This author would like to offer a few words of personal note here. First, thank you for your interest in this book and its subject matter. Second, please be aware that a simple knowledge of Biblical doctrines is not always very helpful. In fact, such an approach can easily bring on an arrogance that is quite offensive. Biblical knowledge is important, but it must be accompanied by the desire to become more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions. The Apostle Paul made this very clear when writing to the church at Corinth:
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 1:31).
Any mistakes in spelling or grammar are the sole responsibility of this author.
At the Cross – Isaac Watts
Was it for crimes
That I have done,
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity,
Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
