How Do I Respond to God?
Respond by Understanding What God Has Done For You!
By Larry Fayer
If we are going to understand salvation, we must understand that God has already done his part in making salvation available. This was not an afterthought once man had sinned. God knew man would sin and that he would need a savior. Therefore, he planned for an escape from sin before the ages began. In 2 Timothy 1:9-10 the Bible says that he saved us, “because of his own purpose and grace, which HE GAVE US IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE AGES BEGAN, and which now has been MANIFESTED THROUGH THE APPEARING OF OUR SAVIOR CHRIST JESUS, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” It also says in Titus 1:2-3 “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, PROMISED BEFORE THE AGES BEGAN and at the proper time MANIFESTED IN HIS WORD through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.”
This plan was manifested (made known) in two ways. First, we got to see it by Jesus appearing in the flesh. Secondly, it is made known through his word, that is, the gospel as delivered to the apostles and later written down in what we call the Bible.
God’s plan wasn’t just a good plan – it was THE ONLY PLAN THAT WOULD SAVE US! Just before his arrest and crucifixion Jesus prayed to God asking, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). And a second time he pleaded with him, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). And a third time, he prayed the same thing. (see Matthew 26:44) With the love that the Father had for his son, if there was another way, it would have been implemented!
When Jesus was willing to die, be buried and then allow the power of God to raise him from the dead, salvation’s doors were thrown wide open for all of us. Now we can walk in with confidence because JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SALVATION. Our first response must be to understand and be thankful for what Jesus has done for each of us.