Cómo ser salvo y saberlo - 1 Jn. 5:11 (Q1726) - Pr. Adrián Rogers

How to Be Saved and Know It

Introduction to Salvation

• The speaker introduces the topic of salvation, asking listeners if they are saved and if they know it.

• A story about Vince Lombardi emphasizes the importance of returning to basics in understanding salvation.

Personal Experience with Salvation

• The speaker recounts a personal experience in a hospital where he spoke to a dying woman about her salvation.

• He explains that accepting Jesus by faith leads to eternal life, highlighting the simplicity of this message.

Certainty of Salvation

• The speaker addresses doubts about salvation expressed by family members, emphasizing that one can be certain of their salvation.

• He references 1 John 5:11-13, stressing that believers can know they have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Understanding How We Are Saved

• The discussion shifts to how individuals are saved, citing 1 John 5:1 which states belief in Jesus as the Christ equates to being born again.

• Emphasizes that believing in Jesus is simple yet profound; true belief involves trust and commitment.

What Does Not Save Us

• The speaker clarifies misconceptions about what does not lead to salvation—namely self-reliance and good works.

• Citing Ephesians 2:8-9, he reinforces that grace through faith is essential for salvation, not human effort or deeds.

Understanding Grace and Salvation

The Concept of Grace

• Good deeds outweigh bad ones, but if bad deeds prevail, God condemns to hell. This belief is surprisingly common.

• God's grace is defined as unmerited favor and love towards sinners. He loves us not for our worth but because He chooses to love us.

• Salvation comes through grace via faith; grace represents God's riches at Christ's expense, while faith involves total trust in Him.

Faith and Salvation

• Visualize grace as God's hand reaching down, offering salvation, while faith is our hand reaching up to accept it.

• The book of 1 John emphasizes certainty in salvation, mentioning the word "know" nearly 40 times to affirm believers' assurance.

Tests of Assurance

Test of Lordship

• The first test for assurance is whether Jesus Christ is the Lord of one's life. 1 John 2:3 states that knowing Him means keeping His commandments.

• It clarifies that salvation isn't earned by obedience but rather a sign of true knowledge of God; disobedience indicates false claims about knowing Him.

Understanding Sin and Advocacy

• Everyone sins post-salvation; however, we have an advocate in Jesus who helps cleanse us from sin (1 John 2:1).

• The key term "keep" implies a continuous effort to follow God's commandments despite occasional failures.

Navigating Life with Commandments

• Just like sailors navigate by stars, Christians should guide their lives by God's commandments.

• Even when distracted or failing, the desire remains to return to following His commands faithfully.

Test of Brotherhood

Love for Others

• The second test outlined in 1 John focuses on brotherly love; loving others signifies passing from death to life (1 John 3:14).

• A contradiction exists if one claims to love God yet hates their brother; genuine love for God must reflect in how we treat others.

Understanding the Nature of Salvation

The Relationship Between Love and Salvation

• The essence of being born of God is believing that Jesus is the Christ, which leads to loving both God (the Father) and His children (brothers and sisters in Christ).

• A common argument against church attendance is the belief that one can worship God alone; however, this contradicts God's exhortation to congregate with fellow believers.

• The speaker emphasizes that our salvation should be evidenced by our love for others, as it reflects our divine nature received through salvation.

Divine Nature and Love

• According to 1 John 4:7, love originates from God; thus, anyone who loves is born of God and knows Him. Conversely, those who do not love have not known God.

• Being born again means receiving a divine nature characterized by love. If one lacks love, they have not truly partaken in this divine nature.

• The speaker discusses three tests of salvation: lordship, fellowship (fraternity), and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Assurance of Eternal Life

• In 1 John 5:11, it states that eternal life is found in the Son of God; possessing a relationship with Jesus equates to having eternal life.

• The assurance of salvation comes from believing in the present tense ("the one who believes") rather than relying on past experiences or memories.

Misconceptions About Salvation

• There’s a misconception that if someone cannot recall the exact moment they were saved, they are not truly saved. This idea lacks biblical support.

• True assurance comes from current faith in Jesus rather than recollection of past events; trusting Him now signifies salvation regardless of memory.

Illustrating Faith Through Experience

• An analogy compares crossing borders while traveling—one may not remember exactly when they crossed but can confirm their arrival based on their current situation.

• Assurance lies in recognizing one's ongoing relationship with Jesus rather than fixating on past experiences or doubts about salvation.

Seeking Certainty in Faith

• The speaker encourages individuals who feel uncertain about their salvation to seek clarity through understanding what it means to surrender fully to Christ.

Salvation and Assurance

The Quest for Certainty in Salvation

• The speaker expresses a strong desire for assurance of salvation, emphasizing the importance of certainty in their faith. They reflect on God's promise that belief and trust lead to salvation.

• A heartfelt question is posed to the audience: "Are you saved?" This inquiry transcends denominational labels, focusing instead on personal repentance and acceptance of Christ as essential for salvation.

• The speaker shares a transformative experience where they fully committed their heart to God, seeking clarity about their salvation status. This moment is described as pivotal in their spiritual journey.

• Following this commitment, the speaker describes an enduring sense of peace that has remained with them since that day, highlighting the emotional and spiritual impact of their decision.

• The emphasis is placed on individual reflection regarding one's relationship with God, urging listeners to ensure they have genuinely repented and accepted Christ into their lives.