Who Is Saved?

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: - Ephesians 2:8

    Saved is a term that is used rather loosely in the realm of religion. Generally, those that use this term are making reference to an experience they have had or a commitment that they have made based upon their free will in accepting Jesus as their personal Savior, or their assent to certain laws or doctrines. As a result of what they do, they say they are saved. This concept of being saved is nothing more than a legalistic, self-righteous, works religion, which glorifies man and dethrones God.

    The verse and context before us reveals that sinners are saved by the grace of God—period!—by grace are ye saved.Who is saved?—Those who are saved by the grace of God through Christ Jesus our Lord. Those who are saved are those who were dead in sin. God, in grace and mercy, has now sovereignly, and on purpose given them spiritual life in regeneration. Those who are saved are those to whom God has imputed Christ’s righteousness, having justified them by his bloody sacrifice. Those who are saved are those to whom he has revealed himself through the preaching of the Gospel, thereby giving them faith in Christ alone. Those who are saved are those who know Christ and believe on Christ for all their salvation.

    They believe, love, and are committed to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not those who possess the truth that are saved, it is those whom the truth possesses. It is not those who profess Christ that are saved, it is those whom Christ possesses that are saved. It is the result of being vitally united and one with Christ that gives us faith in, love for, and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel. This is all the work of God from beginning to end.

    Those who are saved are those who faithfully, consistently, hear the Gospel. They seek out every opportunity to worship God with the brethren, and to be taught of God. This is their joy and comfort. This is not a law to them; it is their desire. Men do what they want to do. Their spiritual desire overrides the desires of the flesh to be entertained and to seek the comforts and pleasures of this world. A little religion will satisfy only those who profess to be saved. Those who are saved can never get enough of Christ.