On what have you rooted your faith? Is it the sifting sand which changes with every new fad? Or is it rooted and grounded in a faith built upon Jesus Christ, the rock and foundation? 
There are many voices that attempt to persuade you that you are wrong to proclaim Christ as your only means of salvation; after all, that is politically incorrect and you mustn’t offend anyone. Some of those voices come from within our churches. There are others who proclaim to be Christians; yet, their lives are full of murmuring and complaining with no resemblance of faith or trust in God. Others make a mockery of grace by living out lives filled with lust, lies and bitterness; proclaiming that grace has covered it all, so what. We must always remember that as great as is God’s Mercy; also, is His Wrath against unrighteousness and He comes to execute judgment upon all. Ah, yes; dear tender saint, the thought of His Wrath and anger against our sin and murmuring would cause you and I to tremble. We who are sensitive to our own ineptness and failures would feel the weight of guilt upon us were it not for the mercy and grace which holds us firm and blameless. So what is the key to our being rooted securely by faith in salvation?
Let’s turn to Jude to find our answer.
Jude 1: (KJV) “ Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
So, how do I know that my Salvation is sure?
1. The Holy Spirit bears witness with my Spirit–particularly in Prayer
2. God’s love indwelling me and filling me which over pours to others, making a difference without compromising the truth of the Gospel (22-23 above)
3. Knowing that the only wise God will not only save me; but will transform me, sanctify me so as to present me
"faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."
4. My heart seeks Him, praises Him, and rejoices in knowing He is my greatest Treasure.
Can you tell me about a moment in which you accepted Christ as your Savior? Or can you tell me about something that happened this week that made you smile, assured of your position in Christ?
©2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Photography by Sarah Barba ©2013 http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sand-roots-sarah-barba.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFjHdXmrQb0
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