Table of Contents
One Way of Salvation Through the Ages
How were people saved in the Old Testament? There has been only one way of salvation for people throughout the ages, and that is through faith in God. In the Old Testament, people believed in the blood of animal sacrifices. And in the New Testament, people believed in the blood of Christ that the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed forward to ( Hebrews 10:1-10).
Believers in the Old Testament looked forward to Christ’s ministry. Adam believed God’s promise of salvation that the seed of the woman would conquer Satan (Genesis 3:15). Abraham continued in that faith and “believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
And we today, look backward believing that Christ has already taken care of our sins. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Believers, in the New Testament, have more understanding of God than the people living before the resurrection of Christ.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Therefore, our response today should be to accept His love without delay. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Salvation Through Faith
People receive God’s free gift of salvation by faith which is the only requirement for salvation, “The one who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47; 5:24). God did all the work and it is up to man to accept it. It is grace on God’s part and faith on man’s part that would bring the transformation of character. Faith accepts God’s free gift of salvation and entrusts Him to bring about the fruits of the Spirit in the life of the believer. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3).
Of himself man cannot bring forth good works. It is necessary for him to be spiritually re-created in Christ before he can produce the good works that God purposes. The Lord gives man a new nature through the daily study of Scriptures and prayer which changes the will, affections, and life of the believer (Matthew 5:14–16).
After accepting God’s love, we are to share it with the world. In 1 John 3:1, the beloved disciple says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Words fail to express the depth of that eternal, changeless love. Therefore, with the apostle John, we are to invite men to “behold” and accept it.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
