11-19-2022  WHAT IS ETERNITY?

                                                                        The choice is ours

OK, just what is eternity?

The dictionary defines eternity as the quality or state of being eternal, an infinite amount of time, state after death (immortality).  I love definitions where a different form of the word is used to describe the word itself (eternity is eternal).  So, ‘eternal’ reads as indefinite duration, continuing without intermission or timeless.

One Hebrew word is used for eternity, ad (H5703) and it means perpetual, everlasting, world without end.  Two words are used for eternal.  One word is used with two spellings and they are  owlam or olam  (H5769) and they mean always, evermore, continuance, everlasting, perpetual, world without end.  And the other word is actually two words with the same definition which are quedem or quedmah, (H6924) everlasting, with context of ‘being from before until after’ (always been and will never end).

Interesting that there are no Greek words used for eternity (New Testament), but words used for eternal are aidios (G126) everlasting (forward or backward); aion (G165) perpetual, everlasting world began but no end; aionios (G166) perpetual, for ever, everlasting, indicating past or future.

So eternity or eternal can be from ‘before, ‘during’ and continuing until ‘after’ (whatever).  Always existing but clearly having no end and, possibly, no beginning.  Get the picture?

Paul tells the Thessalonians that in the end times, the Lord, Himself, shall descend from heaven, with a shout, the voice of the archangel, with the trump (G4536) of God (that is echoing as with a trumpet).  Then, those who gave their hearts to the Lord and are no longer on this earth, shall rise first.  Then, those who are yet alive, on the earth, shall be caught up into the clouds, with them, to be with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:16-17).  That is eternally.  Jesus says that all who believe on Him will have everlasting life and He will raise us up on that last day (John 6:39-40) - to be with Him forever.

The book of Deuteronomy says that God is above all things.  He is the eternal God, who is our refuge and we will dwell safely in His presence (Deut. 33:26-29), forever.  Peter tells us, however, that day will come as a thief in the night so we don’t know (exactly) when His return will occur.  Yet we continually await the new heavens and the new earth so we can dwell in absolute righteousness in the Lord (2Peter 3:10-13).  Jesus says that if we know Him, we will hear His voice and follow Him, because we dwell in Him.  No one will be able to pluck us out of His hand because He and the Father are one (John 10:27-30).  AND He desires us to be one with Him (John 17:17-21).

Paul reminds the Thessalonians not to be concerned about those who have already passed from this life, but because of their faith in Jesus (and ours), we all will rise on that day.  We won’t prohibit those who have already passed from this life (1Thess. 4:13-15).  We will meet Him, together, those who have been and those who are.  After all, death and the grave could not hold our Lord Jesus (Acts 2:24, 1 Corinth. 15:4, Psalm 16:9-11), right?  So death will not have an impact on us – eternally.

Paul explains to the Corinthians that there are two bodies to be considered, one natural and the other spiritual.  The natural body is after Adam and is weak and has a limited existence.  The Spiritual body is raised in the power of Jesus Christ and is eternal.  The natural body cannot inherit heaven.  So, on that last day, in the twinkling of an eye, we all shall be changed and sin and death will no longer have dominion over us (1 Corinth. 15:39-58).  I don’t know exactly what our new body will look like but here’s what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection:   As Jesus stood in their midst “ Peace be to you.  Why are you troubled?  Why do questions arise in your hearts?  Behold my hands and my feet.  It is Me!  A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have (Luke 24:39).  (‘nuff said?)

Jesus relates signs of the end times (as what we know) in Matthew chapter 24.  In part, He tells us that the Son of man (Jesus) shall come in the clouds with great power and glory and He will send His angels to gather the elect (saved) from the ends of the earth (Matt. 24:30-31).  So we need to always be ready, watching, for the Son of man comes when we least expect it.  We should be wise and faithful servants, doing as God expects (Matt. 24:43-47).  Note in the parable of the ten virgins.  Ten awaited the bridegroom (Jesus).  Five (in Jesus) had enough oil to last (were prepared) and five (who didn’t stay with Jesus)  ran out of oil (were not prepared).  Five went with the bridegroom, when He came (while the others were out looking for their oil).  Note that the five, who were left behind, knew where the bridegroom lived and went and knocked on His door, but the bridegroom declared that He didn’t know them (Matt. 25:1-12).  They were left out (in the cold) because their love for the Lord had grown cold.

Do only Christians exist in eternity?

The book of Revelation, chapters 21 & 22, give us a pretty good idea of what life will be like after this one is over.  At least some of what we can expect.

Understand, we were originally created to be eternal beings (Gen, 3:22).  In eternity, we will exist either in the presence of God’s love or apart from that love. 

We read about a great white throne where the dead shall stand before God, both those who were ‘great’ as well as those of ‘lesser reputation’ (in man’s eyes).  The books will be opened and then another book shall be opened – the book of life.  No matter how they died or where they died, death and hell will deliver up the dead and they will be judged according to their works.  And all those whose names were not found in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  In other words, eternal separation from God (Rev. 20:11-15).

Then we see God creating a new heaven and a new earth where there is neither sorrow, nor death, nor crying nor pain.  Then, God will give us a holy new Jerusalem, coming down from the clouds where the glory of God will provide the light.  It is made of precious stones and will be clear as crystal.  There will be no temple for the presence of God (Himself) is the temple.  The streets will be gold, like transparent glass.  There will be a pure river of the water of life, crystal clear, coming forth from the throne of God and the Lamb.  It flows In the midst of the street and on either side of the river is the tree of life with all manner of fruit and which leaves are for healing and therein we shall know the Lord is our God (Rev. 21:1-22:5), and with Him, we live forever. (Glory to God!)

Existing without God (the lake of fire)

We’ve already read about the lake of fire and brimstone being the final end of Satan, the devils and those who followed them (Rev. 19:20, Rev. 20:9-15).  So just who does inherit hell?

The Psalmist tells us that the wicked and the nations that forgot God will be turned to hell (Psalm 9:17) and John reminds us that doubters, unbelievers and those who do evil works will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (aka the 2^nd death) (Rev. 21:8).  Peter tells us that this is where the fallen angels are awaiting that final day (2 Pete 2:4). 

Jesus compares the last day as God separating the sheep from the goats.  The sheep lived in the love of God and were welcomed into eternity (v46) but the goats, because they could not show God’s love by having compassion for anyone, were sent away, into the everlasting fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels (v41 & v46)(Matt. 25:31-46).   And then there are those who looked like they were doing the things of Jesus but never took time to get to know Him (Matt. 7:21-23, Matt. 13:25-28).  Sort of like the sons of Sceva, who tried to cast out a demon in Jesus’ name, whom Paul preached.  The devil said to them “ Jesus I know and Paul I know, but whooo are youuu?”, and the devil sent seven brothers running, beaten and  naked.  They didn’t know Jesus (Acts 19:11-20).  Jesus also recognized where many of the scribes and Pharisees came from.  They knew what to say and relished all the pomp and circumstance surrounding their position, but they did not live what they said (Matt. 23:1-7)!  Consider, also, Jesus talked about the wheat and the tares.  Remember, Jesus knows the heart of man (Luke 16:15).  He knows that both good and bad abide in the church.  So He will separate them on the last day and the ‘wheat’ shall be welcomed into His kingdom and the ‘tares’ shall be burned (Matt. 13:18-30).  And those who have not obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction aw;ay from the presence of our Lord (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

Those separated from God will experience suffering, pain, anguish, wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 13:41-42, Luke 13:28, Rom. 2:8-9).  We also learn from the parable of Lazarus and the rich man that in that dark place may also be loneliness.  The rich man asks that Lazarus go back and warn his brothers.  He seems to have no clue as to who is there with him or, perhaps, even time passage (Luke 16:19-31).  The book of Revelation tells us that this torment will be for always and forever (Rev. 20:10-15).  Hell, the eternal lake of fire and brimstone, will be a spiritually dark place where there is pain, suffering, torment and loneliness.  And there will be no end.  It will be eternal 

Existing with God (heaven) 

John tells us that the heavens and the earth as we know it today, will become new.  There will be a new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10-27).  There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain.  We will be able to freely drink of the waters of life and because we stood fast with God, we become His sons (and daughters) (Rev. 21:1-7).    

As we continually seek to honor and glorify God in what we do and hold to the hope (promise) of eternal salvation, all who enter into the kingdom of God will find honor and peace and He will reward us for our obedience (Rom. 2:1-7).  Jesus promises us a beautiful place to live when we are with Him (John14:1-3).   

In the parable of the talents, Jesus said to the two who invested their talents and earned more “Well, done good and faithful servant.  Because you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matt. 25:14-25 foc v21 & 23).  Also note that the works we do in this life are tried by fire.  God considers our good works are precious like refined gold and silver, we shall be rewarded.  But take heart, even though some may not have done the ‘works’, our soul shall still be saved (1 Corinth. 3:11-15).  Remember, though we are rewarded for our works, our salvation is based in our faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9).  We don’t work to ‘get saved’, rather we do good works because we are saved.  Some may enter by in the ‘skin of their teeth’ and some may not have time to do much (ieg. A soldier who receives the Lord as he dies on battlefield).

As you read through today’s entry and the referenced passages, you can get a fuller picture of what eternity will be like.

And best of all.  Most of all.  Remember that our joy might be full, in the knowledge that we will have fellowship with the Father, through His Son (Jesus) (John 1:1-4, 1 Corinth. 1:9).

No, we won’t be just siting around on clouds, strumming our harps.  I am persuaded that God will have ‘things’ for us to do.  I’m not sure exactly what, but ... 

Yet I am assured that living in heaven is eternal.  It has no end.  There will be no sickness, sorrow, pain nor need to shed [sad] tears.  Tears of joy?  Yes!  I, personally, will be so thankful that Father has brought me into His eternal fellowship, I just might shed some joyful  tears because He has been so longsuffering with and good to me, that He loved one such as I.  That even in this life, knowing that He is my Lord and Savior, creator of ALL things, I can also call Him ‘my friend’! (respecting, of course,  who He is)

Amen?

 

11-5-2022        SALVATION

         The mission                              He is with us                                   'Til and thru the end

Do we really need ‘Salvation’?  How do we attain it? 

Man has ‘sinned’ (what is sin?)

First of all, we need to understand our need for salvation.  Salvation is what delivers us from our sin which is disobedience to God’s Word and brings us back into right standing with God, our Creator.

The dictionary defines sin as transgression of God’s law or a polluted or an ineffective state of human nature.

Ten Hebrew words are used for sin in the Old Testament all of which are translated as sin while their depth varies.  Here are some: asham (H817) guilt, trespass; ashmah (H819) offend; chata (H2398) bear, blame (also opp.); chet (H2399) fault, offense; avown (H5771) fault, iniquity, punishment; pesha (H6588) rebellion; shagah (H7686) stray, deceive, error.  Get the idea?

Three Greek words are translated with similar definitions (as the Hebrew) with slight differences.  Along with ‘sin’ and they are harmartano (G264) miss the mark, offend, trespass, hamartema (G265) sin and hamartia (G266) offence.

Note that all these words do relate to some variation of sin.

So why are we concerned about sin?  Thank you Adam and Eve, for they were the first ones to go against ‘one, simple thing’ God asked them not to do, that is eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:1-24 foc v 11).  This act of disobedience polluted their nature for all time and because all of man descends from Adam and Eve, we inherit their nature by birth ((Psalm 51:5, Rom. 3:10, Rom. 5:12, Rom. 5:19).  Soman is sinful, by nature, from birth.  Yet, don’t get too down for little children are sanctified by at least one believing parent (1 Corinth. 7:14-15.  We adults are sanctified (G37 – purified, made holy) through our faith in Jesus Christ.  That is God looks at us through Jesus so our sin is covered because of our faith.  God sees our children through us, through Jesus – until they can make their own decision for Christ, for themselves.

We see sin (our disobedience to God) compounding through Cain’s murder of his brother Abel (jealousy, Gen. 4:1-15, foc v 8 & 10) and as we read the Old Testament, we see sin growing and compounding more and more.  How many times have man and Israel come to God and then strayed from God?  The farther man gets from God, the fewer restraints encouraging us to keep God’s commandments.  Not to cite all Ten Commandments here but the first two say it all “You shall have no other gods before Me” and “You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain’.  God, and respect for Him, come first, then everything else follows.  As we read through the other eight commandments, God explains how His love works for us.  a couple of ‘do’s’ and a lot of ‘don’ts’, but they are for our own good (Exod. 20:1-7).

Paul tells the Romans that we (all of man) have sinned (Rom. 3:23).  James goes on to tell us that because we are drawn away by the lusts of our own heart, we ‘mess up’ (James 1:12-15).  When the Jews actually performed (the ‘act of) a commandment, they were guilty, but Jesus comes back and tells us that once we have determined to do something, in our heart) we are guilty!  And Paul tells the Romans it goes even a bit farther.  Everything we that we do ‘not in faith’ becomes sin (Rom. 14:22-23).  So we believe that God will do what He says as long as we ask in His will (1 John 5:14).To help clarify the situation, Paul gives the Corinthians a list of those who will not see heaven (read it – 1 Corinth. 6:9-10).

So, sin, basically is not abiding in Gods’ will.

Consequences of sin

So why do I even care about trying not to sin?

Physical Death

The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23)!

The dictionary defines death as cessation of all vital functions or a loss of life,

The Hebrew words translated as death give us an idea of the ‘how’, and they are:  muwth (H4191) destroy, die, kill; maveth (H4194) violent death, ruin; tsalmaveth (H6757) shadow of death;  muhthah (H8546) as in execution.

The Greek words used for death are: anairesis (G336) act of killing; anaireo (G337) abolish, murder, kill, slay; apago (G520) put to death, take away, lead away; apoasthnesko (G599) dead, slain, dying; apokteino (G615) kill, destroy, slay, put to death; epithanatios (G1935) doomed, appointed for death; eschatos (G2079) point of death; thanatos (G2288) death, dead; thanatoo (G2289) kill, mortify [destroy strength, deaden]; teleute (G5054) decease, die.

Again, these words do mean ‘death’ but they also imply ‘how’ and the condition of.

One may say “But Adam & Eve didn’t die as soon as they ate the forbidden fruit.”  Correct!  Adam lived for 930 years (Gen. 5:5) presumably after being kicked out of the garden.  But God also prevented them from accessing the ‘tree of life’ (Gen. 3:23-24), which gave man access to in eternity (Rev. 2:7, Rev. 22:1-2).  God declares that he gives man 120 years (Gen. 6:3), so man’s time is limited, in this world.

Man does not, necessarily, immediately die a physical death because of sin.  Yet Paul tells the Corinthians that the wages (payment) of sin is death (Rom. 6:20-23).  Moses was 120 years old when he died (Deut. 34:1-7).  We read in the bible where the angel of death came through Egypt slaying the first born of those not covered by the blood (Exod. 12:1-29, foc. V12).  Even those who had professed Jesus were ‘taken out’ because their hearts were not right such as Ananias and his wife Sapphira, as they lied to the Holy Ghost and suffered the consequences (Acts 5:1-11).             

Separation from God (Spiritual Death)

But ‘death’ initially meant(s) separation from God as Adam & Eve were expelled from the Garden, the presence of the Almighty God.  So just what is separation?

The dictionary defines ‘separation’ as alone, apart, a division, sever, existing by oneself, dissimilar in nature or being.

The Hebrew words used for separation are niddah (H5079) set apart [as unclean]; and nezer (H5145) as in removing a crown or hair; taking consecration [calling].

I found no Greek words listed as meaning ‘separation.  (??? – interesting)

So separation means being alone or being set apart from something else (God).  Interesting the definitions include the parting from a consecration or a calling – in other words, what has God intended for us can be taken away.

Nonetheless, separation means that we are set apart from God’s love and mercies.  He is no longer with us!    

Back to Adam & Eve.  Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden (Gen. 4:23-24) meaning that God would no longer come into the garden and spend time with them, as He apparently had been in the habit of doing (Gen.3:8-11).  The Lord tells Isaiah that sin has separated man from Him (Isa.59:1-2, also note Room. 3:21-23).  Peter helps us understanding sin and punishment by citing a list of sins (2 Peter 2:1-22).  Paul reminds the Romans that, if we insist, He will give us over to our sins (v24) and, a bigger issue, that even when we know the result of our sin, we still may take pleasure in doing them (Rom. 1:21-32).

So death means exiting life from this world but also involves a separation from God.  And being separated from God means while we are yet here on the earth or forever (Rev.20:11-15).

Danger of eternal Hell

What does separation from God involve?  Heaven is living eternally in God’s presence. There is only one alternative and the opposite of heaven is hell (Matt. 7:21-23).

The dictionary defines hell as a nether world where dead continue to exist and/or it is a place or state of torment,

The Hebrews had one word used for hell, sheol (H7585) hades, world of the dead, subterranean ‘retreat’.  “A subterranean retreat”?(lol).

The Greeks used several words to describe this final destination: hades (G86) place of separated souls, grave; geenna (G1067) place of everlasting punishment and tartaroo (G5020) eternal torment, cast down to …  The Greeks realized that this was not a place to have a springtime picnic enjoying fun and games.

Those not found in God’s Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15) (eternal death). 

So just who is hell reserved for?

The angels who rebelled against God and the beast and false prophet of Revelation (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6-8, Rev. 20:10).  Those who have rejected God as the rich man, who treated Lazarus badly (Luke 16:191-331).  Simon the sorcerer who thought he could purchase the ability to give others the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:9-24).  And, of course, all those who had to stand the ‘Great White Throne’ judgment (again Rev. 20:11-15).

Hell is reserved for all those who have rejected God!  Man and angels!

Salvation

Okay, so let’s turn the page now.

Exactly what is salvation?

The dictionary defines salvation as: saving a man from the power and defects of sin; liberation from clinging to the phenomenal world of appearance or final union with ultimate reality; preservation from failure or destruction; agent, means or discourse of spiritual experience determining the soul’s redemption; something that saves from danger or difficulty.

Hebrew words representing salvation:  yeshuwah (H3444) welfare, something saved; yasha (H3467) preserve, rescue; yesha (H3468) liberty, deliverance, prosperity; mowshaah (H4190) deliverance; teshuwah (H8668) help, safety, rescue, deliverance

The Greek words are: soteria (G4991) save, rescue, deliver; soterion (G4992) defender

Salvation and redemption go hand in hand.  When we are saved, we are redeemed and when we are redeemed, we are saved. Take not of the  name of God, “Yahweh” or Jesus “Yeshua”.

Let’s take a look at redemption

The dictionary definition for redemption is an act of redeeming, buy back, liberate, change for the better, restore, free from, atone.

The Hebrew words: gaal (H1350) purchase, buy back, redeem, revenger; geullah (H1353) also right to redeem; padah (H6299) rescue; peduth  (H6304) as deliverance; pidyown, pidyon (H6306) redemption.

Greek words: apolutrosis (G629) deliverance, redemption;  exagorazo (G1805) rescue from; iutroo (G3084) redeem; iutrosis (G3085) redemption 

So, salvation and redemption carry the connotation of being delivered, saved, rescued or brought to safety or to bought back, purchased or rescued (in a nut shell).

That is both salvation and redemption from sin is being rescued and/or bought back by a loving God who has forgiven us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever should believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16-18).

Salvation/redemption is the greatest expression of God’s love as Jesus gave His life for us (John 15:1-15).  Jesus tells us that to receive this gift of salvation, we must come humbly, as a little child (Matt. 18:1-6).  Consider that a child accepts what mom and dad say without question, without doubt.  God is our heavenly – what? – Father!  Do we trust Him completely? 

We believe that we are redeemed (saved) through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:12-15, foc v 14).  Jesus is an advocate for us and a propitiation (stand-in) for our sins (1 John 2:1-2).  As Jesus has forgiven us, we should also forgive our brothers (Matt. 6:14-15) and should we have something against a brother, we should reconcile that issue (Matt. 5:23-24).

Jesus says that if we love Him, we need to keep His commandments (John 14:15).  Am I talking about the “Ten Commandments”?  No, but yes.  The Ten Commandments are a very basic explanation of how Father expects us to express our love for Him.  And just what are the most important “love” commandments?  Love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and then love our brothers as ourselves” (Mark 12:29-31).  Matthew adds the “why”, for the Law and the prophets all rely on these two commandments Matt. 22:40).  Everything we believe.

Learning how to live in God’s love is paramount to our Christian walk and we’ll talk about that in another session.  However, remember, our salvation is imperative in keeping our names in the “Book of Life” (Rev. 3:5).  

Psalms 51:1-19 is a magnificent prayer for salvation and our commitment to God.  Read it!

Confession

Salvation begins with our confession of faith in Jesus Christ.  We must confess Jesus as Lord (Phil. 2:9-11) and Savior (Acts 4:10-12) and believe in our heart that God has indeed raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9). 

Life and death is in the tongue (Prov. 18:21) so we need to speak out loud our confession of faith, whether there is anybody else around or not.

Hebrew words meaning confession are yadah (H3034) and towdah (H8426), both which carry the same idea to be thankful, praise or cast away.

The Greek words are exomologeo (G1843) acknowledge, agree, profess; homologeo (G3670) acknowledge, promise, give thanks; homologia (G3671) acknowledge or profess.

Note that the meanings are consistent with ‘speaking out’ because we acknowledge what we have done and then are giving God thanks for pulling us out of the former ‘mess’.

God tells us that we need to confess our sin before Him (Psalms 32:5).  Jesus tells us that we access Father through Him (Eph. 2:13-16).  In confession we know that God will forgive us our sin (1 John 1:9).  As we confess our sin, God remembers the covenant (of life) He has with man (Lev. 26:40-42).  We always sin against God (Psalm 51:4) but at times, we sin against others so we also need to confess those sins to that person and we all need to pray for one another so we all might be healed (James 5:16).

So, once we’ve handled our end, what does God do?  He sets our sin behind His back (Isa. 38:17) and our sins are cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

Repentance

Now that we have confessed our sin and asked/given forgiveness (as necessary) we need to repent those sins.  So, just what is repentance?

The dictionary defines repentance as to turn from sin and amend one’s life or feel regret or contrition.

Hebrew words for repentance are: nacham (H5162) breathe heavy, comfort oneself, avenge oneself; nocham (H5164) rueful (very sorry), stop; shuwb (H7725) turn away from, return to starting point, convert, recover, refresh.

Greek words are: metamellonai (3338) regret; metaneo (G3340) reconsider, feel guilt or remorse; metanoia (G3341) reverse decision.      

Should we let out a heavy sigh because of what we have done?  Surely, we need to be truly sorry for what we have done and make the decision, the determination, not to do it anymore. 

God asks us to repent our sin and come back to Him with all our heart (1 Kings 8:46-50).

When we have experienced a deep-felt (Godly) sorrow, that will re-secure our right standing with God (2 Corinth. 7:10).  When we truly repent, our sins are blotted out (Acts 3:19, see above).  When we have repented what we have done, we do a 180 degree turn and do what Father has called us to do (from the beginning) (Acts 26:20).  And now that we are back on the right track, we continue pressing forward, living for God (Rom 11:6-24, foc v22) as e continually renew our minds in His word (Rom. 12:2).

Acceptance of forgivenes

Once we’ve asked God and/or others for forgiveness, one of the hardest things for people to do is receive that forgiveness for themselves. 

The dictionary defines acceptance as: concluding a contract, receive with consent, respond to favorably, approve, endure without protest,

Hebrew words for acceptance are: yatab (H3190) amend, rightfully use, make better, trim; laqach (H3947) bring, buy, draw, get, receive; naphal (H5307) acceptance; nacah (H5375) to lift up, raise up, pardon; ruwach (H7306) breathe, enjoy, help understand;  ratsah (H7521) be pleased with, satisfy, approve, reconcile self; ratsown (H7522) acceptable, delight, pleasure.

The Greek words: apodechomai (G588), welcome, receive gladly (G1184); dechomai (1209) accept, receive, take; euarestos (G2101) acceptable, wellpleasing; euprosdektos (G2144) well received; charitoo (G5487) highly favored.

So accepting forgiveness is actually receiving it for ourselves.

The dictionary defines forgive as a pardon.

kaphar (H3722) cleanse, atone, forgive, mercy, purge away; nacah (H5375) fetch, pardon, raise take away; calach (H5545) forgive, pardon, spare; celilychah (H5547) forgiveness, pardon.

apoluo (G630) divorce from, release, set at liberty; aphiemi (G863) lay aside, relieve, put away; give, charizomai (5483)  grant as a favor.

So forgiveness is being released (or releasing another) from something.  It is purged, pardoned or put away – for good.

Upon confession, God forgives us our sin(s) and forgets it (them) and restarts us with a clean slate (Rom. 12:1-2).  Likewise we should forgive others and they should do the same.  Finally we need to forgive ourselves (Satan WILL try to keep us down).

But our eyes should be opened to turn from darkness to see God’s light because we have tuned from the powers of Satan towards God.  We are now sanctified, by faith, in Christ Jesus (Acts 26:18).  God gives us the power (Acts 1:8) to, at least, live this life.  AND, as we have also seen, we need to renew our thinking processes.

Renunciation (Determine not to repeat sin)

Part of confession and repentance is determining not to do, whatever our sin was, again – from our heart.  The key here is sincerity.  God knows our heart (1 Kings 8:39, Rom. 8:27).

The dictionary defines renunciation as to give-up, refuse, resign by formal declaration, refuse to follow

Interesting, I could find no Hebrew words to define renunciation.

However, the Greek word used is epeipomen (G550) disown.

Sounds a bit like forgiveness, doesn’t?

Jesus healed the lame man by the pool of Bethesda.  Questions ensued how could Jesus heal on the Sabbath.  At the end of the scenario Jesus tells the healed man “You ae made whole.  Sin no more unless something worse comes upon you (John 5:1-14).  A woman is taken in the act of adultery.  Jesus stops the stoning and draws in the sand.  After all her accusers have gone, Jesus says ”Neither do I accuse you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:3-11, foc v 10-11).  Paul tells the Romans that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.  For whom would a man die?  God reconciled us through the death of Jesus so how much more are we saved through His life?  We have received atonement for our sins through Jesus (Rom. 6:1-7, foc v 7). We should live, like we understand this!  Our commitment for change is evidenced in our prayers.  The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man means a lot to God (James 5:16).  Those prayers effect what we do so ew implement them into  our own lives.

Our life-style changes when we decide to turn completely away from our old way of living.  And our determination is ‘not to go back’!                                                                  

Reparation (recompense)

When we’ve sinned against another, we might just have to make some reparation (repairs) as necessary.

The dictionary defines reparation as to repair or make amends, to keep in repair, payment for damages, satisfy.

The Hebrew word for reparation is shalam (H7999) render, make restitution, restore.

Greek words for reparation are: antapodidomi (G467) repay, render; apodidomai (G591) repay, render, restore, yield; apotino (G661) repay (in full)

According to the Law, Exodus cites offence and repayment.  Read the list (Ex. 21:1-22:9).  God tells Moses that there is reparation for offences (Num. 5:5-7).  This is exemplified even though a thief steals out of need, he still needs to repay (Prov. 6:30-31).  Zaccheus, a tax collector, vows to repay all, and even more, because of his dishonesty (Luke 19:1-10, foc v 8).  There may be ‘payback’.  That is, we may have to make restitution.

So, just what does our salvation mean to us?  Jesus says that if we love Him, keep His commandments (John 14:15).  His commandments are to love Him and others as He has loved us (John 15:12).

When we love, we endeavor not to sin and we find that salvation brings us deeper into God’s realm of love.  We discover that violation of God’s law of love is sin.  We have seen that when we sin there are consequences and the ultimate consequence of sin is physical and spiritual death.  And that means eternal hell.

We’ve seen that salvation is being saved from the consequences of sin - eternal destruction.  But for us – eternal life!  To obtain salvation, we need to confess our sins, be truly sorry we committed them, determine not to do them again and make any reparation, as necessary to those affected.

Our biggest gain is existence with our eternal Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. And this is where get our biggest reward and that reward is the indwelling of the Holy Ghost (John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4) to help us in this life and of course, eternal fellowship with the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

What is salvation?  You tell me!