Proof of Life
and having brought them forth, said, “Sirs, what must I do — that I may be saved?” Acts 16:30 Young’s Literal Translation
Saved – How do you know you’re saved? If you realize that the Hebraic/Jewish world of the apostolic writings does not adopt the Platonic separation of the material (earth) and the spiritual (heaven) then you might ask, “What if the question is not about the guarantee of heaven but about discipleship on earth?” What if the question is about “How can I keep on living?” rather than “How can I escape this world?” The man who asked this question of Paul was a jailer in the Roman Empire. He knew about orders and discipline. That’s why he feared for his life that the prisoners had escaped. The answer he needs must make a difference here and now, not bye-and-bye. What if the answer to the question is not about a mental state or a one-time declaration that changes your legal status according to the Roman idea of law but rather a question about how you are going to go on living in this world in the circumstances you have? What if we asked the question a different way? “How do you know you are a follower?”
Answer: Simple—you obey.
“Many will say, Lord, Lord, didn’t we . . ,” but did they? Did they really obey the Master or did they do what they thought was required, needed, expedient in order to secure their place in the Kingdom? Did they make their own rules, follow their own paths or did they do what the Master told them to do?
The gospels teach us that proof of spiritual transformation is the external confirmation by others and the internal confirmation of the Spirit. There is nothing here about my confirmation to myself. The Jewish principle of the witness is not about me confirming my own statements. It is about the observations of at least two others. How do I know that I’m saved? Ask others what they see in me. Obedience is obvious.
When God brings judgment in order to bring restoration, it is often severe. In this case, it was life-threatening for the jailer. But God’s judgment is almost always with the purpose of facilitating mercy. Wrath is delayed because judgment prevails. Fortunately, sinners are rarely in the hands of an angry God. What God wants is restoration, not retribution. That should lead us back to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The question is not a hapax legomenon of spirituality. Again and again we face the interrogator. The question is repeated but our answer can be eternally secure. “Hineni.” “I am here.” “Yes, Lord, your servant awaits instruction.” Obedience is the eternal observable condition of present salvation.
Topical Index: saved, obedience, Acts 16:30
~ How do you know you’re saved? ~ A great question. But on a even more “personal” level, – What must *I* do to be saved?
The Bible, our Bible, is full of answers, but it is also full of questions. How are we to know (anything) but by asking questions? And, of course, we must ask the “right” question to receive the *right* answer. What is the capital city of Montana will never answer the question:- what is two plus two!
The Philippian jailor (back in the day) asked this question of his (former) prisoners- “What must I do to be saved?” But, there is a small, often unnoticed problem with the question (itself). And this is so small, yet so big!
Anyone (else) see a problem with this (question)? ~ What must I do to be saved? ~ (Selah).
Friend, salvation is not spelled “do!” Salvation is D-O-N-E. Finished, Final. Full. Paid for (in full)- at Calvary. This, is the decided difference between Christianity and all other religions. Salvation (sirs) is a gift. A Gift is what is given. It is not earned, but provided. It is not deserved or many would be “weighted in the balances and found wanting.” Salvation is the gift of God, – NOT of works, lest any man (Jew or Gentile) should boast.
“How do I KNOW I’m saved?” Another super question.. – and I’m glad it was asked.. Friend, ~ I (too) know Whom I have believed and am (fully) persuaded (confident) that HE is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him- against that day! ~ And? (is there more?) Tons. (We’ve only just begun..)
Are there any “doubters” out there? ~ We have a more sure word of prophecy and that more sure word (we have) is the Word of God, our Bible. Open your Bible, (the word of the LORD) and read it and weep!- but this time weep for joy! Listen! Listen – to what He says!
~ These things have I written unto you that you may (kinda-sorta-maybe-uhh.. feel like..) NO, – KNOW!! that you have eternal life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that you (Mr. or M’am) may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may (continually) believe on the Name of the Son of God ~ (1 John 5.13)
Just as an aside.. please do know- I am “charged” just in the repetition of these ancient, but ever new words! That you may KNOW!
O Rest Assured, dear (weary) pilgrim- and believe on tHis Name! For this Name is not only the Name of Salvation, but SO MUCH MORE!! (now i”ve dun gone to shouting!) For not only is Salvation (or deliverance) found in His Name, but (O, shall we testify?) sight!- riches!- healing of the mind! healing of the body! healing of the home! And? (shall we continue?- Is there more?) It is the Gift that keeps on giving! Do you know HIm? (Yes) O for grace, to love Him more!
No, Salvation does not stop, life does not stop when we were born. There is growing to be done. We (all) must grow up into the ~ measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ! ~ Lol! -There is always room for improvement! – and there is “learning” (much learning!) yet to be done! ~ Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! ~ (Romans 11.33)
Salvation is the start of a process. Life does not end with this “second birth!” No, not at all. We (all) must grow up! ~ Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me ~ is not a command issued to children only, but every man, woman and child on this green planet who wishes to follow in the footsteps of our Master (LORD). More about Jesus would I know..- more of His grace to others show! More of His saving fulness see..- more of His love, Who died for me!
The Philippian jailor was witness to a miracle. He was altogether amazed, and afraid for his very life and livelihood. He knew (then) the God Paul and Silas were preaching about and praying and singing to was (altogether) real. The earthquake that opened the prison doors (of every prisoner) was not imagined, neither were the stripes that were given unto Paul and Silas by their captors, and neither were the songs and praises that issued forth from the mouths of these two men of God.
Thank you. I have been studying this. I looked up every form of, “yasha,”, “yeshua,” etc., and not once did it refer to life after death. In each instance, it refers to deliverance, prosperity, healing and redemption.
No judgement in YHWH’s Kingdom is by sight/ its outer appearance, but by observable obedience in purity such as comely dressing, nor through hearing/false witnessing/”prophesies” which would be hear-say/heresy.
“How do you know you are a follower? Answer: Simple—you obey. Obedience is the eternal observable condition of present salvation.”
This would not mean blindly following i.e. obedience to man-made rules/traditions/doctrines.
Test all things, hold fast to that which is good, pure, and prove what is true.
SO, what shall I do, to be “saved”? Be diligent in seeking, learning and walking in His ways. Amein! :- )