Salvation

Saved from what?

How important is it, I wonder, for us to realize our own sinfulness? 1 John 1:9 comes to mind.

• 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

When I'm typing up these thoughts I'm using a standard computer, with a screen, mouse, and keyboard. In order to begin typing I have to see where my cursor is. Without the cursor, I have no common beginning point with the computer. As I hit keys on the keyboard, the computer will interpret these key strokes based on where the cursor is. This is a simple illustration of where we're at with God. Acknowledging our sin is the beginning point of faith. Faith is living according to the word of God rather than according to our own  understanding. Our understanding can be from our minds, our emotions, or cravings. In order to live according to faith, we also need to realize we become new creations when we accept Christ, through faith.

• Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

This is the beginning of the path called the walk of faith. You heard the word of truth, and believed. That's your part. God's part is bringing the good news of the gospel to you, and when you respond by hearing and believing God continues the conversation by giving us the promised Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit becomes resident within us from this point. The guarantee is through the process of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit leads us into truth, the truth of God's word. Our response of obedience, yields the fruit of the spirit.

Phew! God Bless you today. If you have any questions, please submit them via comments, and then everyone will benefit from the question and the answer!