THINGS ACCOMPANYING SALVATION. Hebrews 6:9-10 The Gospel seed can be sown, and its potential is not affected in its power and ability to produce fruit, but when "thorns and briars" (temptations) are yielded to, the harvest is spoiled. True believers testify to things that come with salvation. God does not overlook any act of love we do for Him as those who serve Him because we love Him. Ministering to God's people is serving God. No matter what those who claim to be Christians may do, God Himself knows who belongs to Him and who does not.
After giving the third of five warnings in the epistle of Hebrews, the writer seems to let out a sigh of relief. He addresses them as “Beloved,” the only time this term is used in the letter. That is a precious word of affection and endearment directed toward “you,” not “those.” When we have people in our hearts with Christian love, it is because we share much in common that binds us together. Holy bonds of divinely imparted love value those who share our life in Christ, and we want to encourage and strengthen them in the faith.
Even though some of the readers were unsaved, the evidence of changed lives and acts of love among the majority indicated that God was at work within and among them. They demonstrated through their lives and actions that they were born again and had the life of God in them. Even though he had just issued warnings that some of them were unsaved, there was reality in those that could be seen in “the things that accompany salvation.”
How wonderful it is when believers comfort and encourage each other with words of affirmation and affection! When we see evidence of humility, faith, patience, diligence, prayer, steadfastness, and Christian love in our brothers and sisters in Christ, let them know how much that means to you. In that way, we can build each other up in our “most holy faith” so we will be rooted and grounded in love. Faith is often tested in different ways by different people. There is strengthening power in genuine, heartfelt encouragement.
“The things that accompany salvation” do not contribute to our salvation in any way, but they serve as evidence of life in the “heirs of salvation.” Concrete acts of love toward others demonstrate genuine salvation. This is proof, not the basis or condition of salvation. James wrote, “Show me your faith by your works.” Our confidence in salvation doesn’t come from what we show, but from the word of God. We know we are saved by grace through faith because God says so in His word.
THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION. When God awakens a lost soul to their need for deliverance from sin and, through the words of the Gospel, comes to repentance and places their faith in Christ alone for salvation, true relief enters the soul — and that relief accompanies salvation.
When someone has tasted and seen that the Lord is good and has experienced the deliverance from sin through God’s saving grace, that person does not look back to see what the sinful world offers – he has a satisfaction that comes with salvation.
When the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned as the Savior and Lord of a believer who has recently come to faith in Christ, the heart of that person is filled with gratitude toward the One who gave Himself on the cross in their place. That appreciation for the Lord Jesus is one of the signs of genuine salvation.
When the conversation turns to the Lord Jesus Christ, His deeds, and His identity, one does not seek to steer it elsewhere but is eager to learn more about the Savior—this interest goes hand in hand with salvation.
When someone shows interest in the Gospel and wants to learn more about salvation, he feels glad and will try to lead the seeker to the Savior or find someone who can. That concern for others comes with salvation.
When a new subject arises and sparks interest in the hearer who has come to faith in Christ, he or she wants to learn more and better understand the ways of God – that desire to learn accompanies salvation.
When a concern arises that seems hard to understand, or a problem comes with a question that is difficult to answer, the Holy Spirit leads a believer to pray and seek answers from God – that longing for God accompanies salvation.
When someone hears about an acquaintance who is going through a tough time, maybe in the hospital and at risk of dying, they want to help in any way they can – that love for others is connected to salvation.
When a need is communicated to a person, and it is within their power or ability to rise to the occasion and meet that need, they are willing to seek out more information to help fulfill it. That involvement accompanies salvation.
When discouragement arises from disappointments in a situation or person, and there is no clear answer to the problem, the believer turns to the Lord and presents the situation to God. Trust in God accompanies salvation.
When it seems there's no answer to a prayer to God and the concern persists, there is an understanding that God knows, cares, and will respond in His time – that faith is part of salvation.
Spiritual activity, which is called “your work and labor of love,” isn’t a burdensome, forced activity but an instinct of our new nature. “We know we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren.” The love of God in our hearts, along with love for God’s people and the lost, compels us to find ways to express this as our response to God’s love for us in saving us. When we serve others in God’s name, we are serving Him.
We have the privilege of being stewards of the “manifold grace of God.” Many opportunities open up when our hearts are rooted in love, enabling us to show God’s mercy, grace, compassion, and love. Christians find it one of the greatest joys to be able to demonstrate “the kindness of God” to those whose needs we can meet.
Being aware that we are children of God and understanding our role as stewards, representatives, and spokespersons for Him encourages us to seek ways to glorify God and bless others. This becomes “your work,” "your labor of love," and your ministry in God’s name. When we are mindful of all that this entails, it brings significant meaning to our lives.
God’s love for us and the role He gives us to serve Him will not only prevent us from wasting our lives but also strengthen us in the face of disappointments. When we face rejection from those we aim to bless with words of salvation or acts of kindness, we must remember we do this in His name. We do what He calls us to do, and He provides the growth—the final results.
“Be not weary in well-doing, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not.”