Lifted Vision Ministry

Hello friends and family alike! Welcome to my blog 🙂 Today I want to explore the difference between salvation and walking with God. There is a difference!

Lets begin:

Salvation (From a theological perspective): “deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ.” That’s absolutely right! Salvation is obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, and Christ alone! Here’s some scripture to back that up!

Romans 10:9– If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the grave, you will be saved.”

Now what is Walking with God? It is; the close relationship you share with God that involves: fellowship with God, trust in God, and a conscious decision to walk in and rely on His Holy Spirit at all times.

So as you can see there is a difference! Let me clarify. Many Christians have obtained salvation by means of faith in Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are sealed unto redemption. Here is a piece of scripture that explains this phenomenon.

Ephesians 1:13-14– “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Meditate on that!

As a Christian, we can have salvation alone, and that is what many Christians have. Salvation alone. Nothing more. Nothing deeper. The bare minimum.

An online source explains the bare minimum like this: “The smallest possible quantity or the least fulfilling, but still adequate, condition that is required, acceptable, or suitable for some purpose.”

Let me boldly say this: that this is also the definition of Christianity with salvation but lacking a strong walk with God. The bare minimum.

Unfortunately, many Christians settle for salvation alone without reaching out to God for a meaningful relationship that requires us to rely on God. Many Christians think that salvation is the end of the road, and get comfortable in their salvation without doing anything else for God or with God. I tell you the truth my friends, you are doing a disservice to yourself and your God by not relying on Him at all times! Failure to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance will result in a believer not living up to the calling and standing that salvation provides. The scriptures say:

Philippians 1:27- “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (ESV)

“Only” indicates no other way. Without walking with God, having fellowship with Him, and falling in love with Him; we will never show forth a life teeming with moment-by-moment holiness and spiritual strength. We will always fall short and disappoint ourselves.

We know as Christians we are walking in the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit showing forth in everything we do: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By allowing Christ to richly dwell within us, we have to allow His word to penetrate us, even unto our hearts.

And that is the problem with most Christians these days. They bless God with their mouths by their hearts are far from Him. Even Jesus foretold of these days.

Matthew 15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (NIV)

Without consciously choosing by faith to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in thought, word, and deed, we are dishonoring God with our lives that He gave us. We are rejecting the gifts that He gave us and in a sense are picking and choosing a salvation that works for us! That mentality is blasphemous and bursting with self righteousness. To be given the gift of salvation and then to forget about the One who gave it to you is an outright slap in the face to our Creator. And you will not be happy with the life you lead. In fact, your life will not look much different than the un-saved people in your life around you. You will continue to struggle and not know why. The are copious amounts of issues that arise from this one misunderstanding are numerous.

The Church needs a revival on this matter. It is a “heart” problem- a rebellious heart in fact towards God. Christianity does not end with salvation- that is where it begins. Living life for Christ and walking closely with Him is one of the greatest joys in life- do not let the enemy rob you of this. Give God more time than you give the television. Give God more time than you give your hobbies. Give God more time than anything else- and He promises: to give you life and life abundantly!

John 10:10- “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (KJV)

Remember this friends, and be blessed.