4 Categories of People Who Have a Say About Our Salvation Experience - October, 2024

Salvation is the transformative experience of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. While it’s deeply personal, it’s also meant to be visible to those around us. Our salvation is witnessed and tested not just by God, but by others—both believers and non-believers. These different groups serve as reflections, helping us measure our walk with Christ and stay grounded in our faith. Here are four key categories of people who have a say about our salvation experience.

1. Christ: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Jesus Christ is the ultimate witness to our salvation. He is both the giver and sustainer of our faith. He knows the depth of our commitment, our struggles, and our victories. As Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” He not only started the work in us but is also faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Christ’s evaluation of our salvation isn’t based on outward appearances but on the condition of our hearts. He sees beyond our actions to our motives, intentions, and true desires. Therefore, cultivating a genuine relationship with Him is crucial. Our daily walk should reflect the transformation that has taken place within us, evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The ultimate goal is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23).

2. Fellow Believers: Encouragement and Accountability

Fellow Christians play a significant role in affirming and challenging our faith. They are witnesses to our salvation journey, offering encouragement, support, and correction when needed. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”

Their perspective is essential because they see how we live out our faith in the community. Are we serving others, exhibiting love, and living in accordance with God’s Word? When we stumble, fellow believers can help restore us gently (Galatians 6:1). Their witness serves as a form of accountability, helping us to grow and mature in Christ.

3. Unbelievers: Reflecting Christ to the World

Unbelievers are watching us more than we might realize. Our lives may be the only Bible they ever read. Jesus calls us the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-16). How we conduct ourselves in everyday situations—at work, at home, and in social settings—either draws people to Christ or pushes them away.

1 Peter 2:12 encourages us to “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Our actions and words should reflect the love and grace of Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Being mindful of how we represent Christ to the world is a crucial aspect of our witness.

4. The Devil: The Accuser of the Brethren

The devil, also known as the accuser, is constantly looking for ways to undermine our faith and discredit our testimony. Revelation 12:10 describes him as “the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night.” His goal is to sow doubt and discouragement, making us question our worthiness and salvation.

Understanding his tactics is essential. While he may bring up our past failures or tempt us to fall, we must remember that our salvation is secured in Christ. Romans 8:1 assures us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We combat his accusations by standing firm in our identity in Christ and using the Word of God, just as Jesus did during His temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

Why Their Witness Matters

Each of these categories of witnesses plays a unique role in our Christian walk. Christ’s witness assures us of our standing before God. Fellow believers help us grow through encouragement and accountability. Unbelievers are drawn to—or pushed away from—the faith by our witness. And the devil, though he accuses, ultimately strengthens our resolve to cling to Christ’s righteousness.

Being mindful of these witnesses encourages us to live intentionally, reflect Christ authentically, and keep pressing toward the goal of becoming more like Jesus every day (Philippians 3:13-14).

Get Deliberate

Our salvation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey that is observed by different people in our lives. Understanding their perspectives helps us stay grounded and accountable. Let’s strive to live in a way that honors Christ, encourages fellow believers, draws unbelievers to God, and silences the accusations of the enemy.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live in a way that glorifies You and reflects Your love to everyone around me. Strengthen me to walk in integrity and truth, shining as a light in this world. Amen.

Are you from Nigeria, Ghana, USA, UK, Canada etc? This "4 Categories of People Who Have a Say About Our Salvation Experience" will help you learn, grow, and become a deliberate Christian before God.