Apostle Paul was travelling by boat to Rome to face trial. As they decided to sail to Italy, they encountered unfavourable weather ‘…they took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.’ ‘…the storm continued raging for many days, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” (Acts 27:18, 20)
But a word came to Paul which he shared with those who were aboard the ship with him. “Now I urge you to keep up your courage because not one of you will be lost.” (Acts 27: 22) Again in despair, the crew did not eat for two weeks. To boost their morale, the apostle uttered these words of encouragement to them. “Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” (verse 34)
Apostle Paul was not overly worried for his safety; he showed more concern for the welfare of the crew. He was able to speak in these terms because of the revelation he had the previous night. “Last night an angel of the Lord whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (verses 22-24)
As we picture our lives’ journey on planet earth in the midst of all the trials and temptations that the devil will throw on our way, God gives us ample assurance that if we seek Him we shall find him and by so doing our salvation is assured. Our salvation in Christ guarantees that none of us will be lost.
Jesus, The Messiah, whose mission on earth was to save souls, equally gave the assurance that all who call upon His name will be saved from their sins and in return would have everlasting life. The name Jesus means: “He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) The reason for Jesus’ coming into the world was for the salvation of humanity. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
For the sins of humanity had been and are being committed against a righteous God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
Apostle speaking confessed: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of which I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Apostle Paul openly persecuted Christians, having them arrested and put in prison and even killed; until the day that he encountered the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, on one of his persecution missions and received mercy. He repented and his situation was turned around. The persecutor became the evangelist. “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) Saved by grace, his task was to spread the good news.
God’s desire for the whole of humanity, His creation, is that it should come to the knowledge of the truth. That constitutes the principal motive for which His word is being spread to the north, south, east and west and to the uttermost parts of the world. Apostle Peter sums it precisely: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
The Bible teaches that no one can enter heaven except he or she is saved – cleansed of all sin. God cannot look at sin and therefore we must shed off our sinful nature by walking in righteousness. “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fail.” (2 Peter 1:10)
Salvation is promised but it must also be sought. Paul and Silas were put in prison for preaching about Jesus when the authorities had forbidden them to. That night they sang songs and prayed to the hearing of the other inmates; after which a sudden earthquake shook the prison and the prison gates opened and their chains were loosed. Upon seeing this the jailer was frightened and was about to commit suicide when Paul and Silas assured him that all was well; he should not harm himself. With fear and trembling, the jailer asked: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The reply came immediately. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved – you and your household.” (Acts 16:30, 31)
“With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16) “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
Salvation is free and no one is under compulsion to accept Christ as Saviour. Yet, one thing is certain. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
