FOUNDATIONS | WEEK 19

📖 What is Salvation?

What did Messiah actually teach about salvation?

Not a theory.

Not a later interpretation.

His definition.

In Gospel of John 15, Messiah describes salvation in unmistakable terms:

abide in Him, bear fruit, and keep His commandments.

That should sound familiar.

Why? Because the One who judges does not change (Malachi 3:5; Hebrews 13:8). The commandments written by Yahuah’s own hand reflect His character—and His character does not shift with time.

In Gospel of Matthew 7, Messiah gives a sobering warning. He speaks of those who:

• prophesy in His name

• cast out demons

• perform miracles

Yet He tells them:

“Depart from Me… I never knew you.”

This is not addressed to those outside belief systems.

It is directed at those who believe they are following Him—yet lack relationship.

So the question is unavoidable:

Can someone participate in a church system and still not be saved?

Messiah says yes. And His is the only answer worthy of reflection.

Salvation Is Relationship

Salvation is not a moment—it is a walk.

It may begin with a prayer, but it cannot end there.

Phil. 2:12-13:

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

We must live our lives for His pleasure and not our own. Salvation requires action just as faith is defined (Heb. 11: in each OT example, Paul uses actions to describe faith).

If relationship does not continue, the fruit reveals it.

If it does continue, the fruit reveals that as well.

This is not complicated. It is foundational.

Testing Modern Doctrine

Some modern teachings redefine salvation as a one-time event that cannot be lost, regardless of what follows.

But Scripture consistently describes salvation in action:

a walk

a race (Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:24)

a life that bears fruit

Gal. 5:16: walking "by the spirit"

3 John 1:3: walking "in truth"

Eph. 2:10: walking "in good works"

Even Paul the Apostle uses these terms. A race is not one step. Pauls says we are to exhibit "good works" repeatedly. Anyone quoting Paul saying the opposite is misusing scripture for the benefit of a lawless doctrine or according to 1 John 3:4, teaching the doctrine of sin opposite the Law of Life (Rom. 7-8: The Law of Sin and Death was never The Law of Moses and such should never be repeated from any pulpit!).

We are called to:

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Born Again Means Transformed

To be “born again” is not a label—it is a change of life.

A new direction.

A new purpose.

A new pursuit.

1 Peter 1:23:

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

How can one be of incorruptible seed and live like the world? That would not be born again, but continue the same lifestyle scripture is clear must change with repentance. Such doctrines lead the lambs to slaughter as they are told they are saved when they are not Biblically. How do we walk in relationship?

“Seek first the Kingdom…” (Matthew 6:33)

(How many times have we heard those claim the blessing "all these things shall be added unto you" without their realizing this promise is the result of seeking Him above all else.)

The Real Question (asked by defenders of a shallow and unbiblical doctrine)

How do we know if we are saved?

We know:

if we are in relationship

if we are seeking Him

if we are growing

if we are bearing fruit

And we know when we are not.

Final Thought

Salvation is not forced and it is a free gift indeed. Yahuah gave free will because He desires relationship—not obligation. Salvation is lived not earned. It is unto "good works" says Paul, yet no one is saved by works alone. However, Paul agreed with James 2:18-26. Works are the sign of salvation, not salvation itself. Works follow as the fruit of salvation. No fruit does not pass the test of John 15 in the Savior's definition of salvation. (cf. Matt. 5:16; John 10:32; Acts 9; Eph. 2:10; In 1 Timothy 2).  Paul defines those with only "good works" but without repentance who are serving a church system but lack relationship with Yahusha exactly as laid out in Matt. 7. In 1 Timothy 6:17-20, Paul says "good works" lead to a "good foundation."

In the last days, Scripture warns of teachings that comfort but do not transform—messages that “tickle the ears.” (2 Tim. 4:3)

That is not our goal and you will not get that here.

Continue in the walk.

Pursue relationship.

Seek His ways above all.

Then, salvation is certain and under no other circumstances that scripture provides.

Yah Bless.

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