What is salvation? According to Koinonia House founder Chuck Missler, a Naval Academy graduate and former Branch Chief of the U.S. Department of Guided Missiles, to be “saved” (attain salvation) is to be justified, sanctified and glorified by God.
- Justification – To be justified means to be declared “not guilty” in the eyes of the Lord, according to Missler. It is separation from the penalty of sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
- Sanctification – Every human, even a follower of Jesus, is a “work in progress,” Missler said. Christians are not freed from the temptation to sin, but once sanctified, they are freed from the power of sin.
- Glorification – The future of believers is secure, according to the Bible, which states that Heaven and the New Earth will be free of the presence of sin.
Jesus the Messiah
The Bible also states that in order to attain salvation–to be justified, sanctified and glorified by God–believers must put their trust and faith in Jesus as the Messiah. However, the Bible warns that “false prophets” and “ungodly” men will attempt to lead believers and unbelievers astray.
“Take heed that no one deceives you,” Jesus warned his disciples. “For many will come in my name, saying 'I am the Christ’ and will deceive many." He also warned that "false prophets will rise up" to deceive the masses. Likewise, Jude warned believers that “ungodly men have crept in unnoticed…who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
False Prophets and Ungodly Men
So who are these false prophets and ungodly men?
- Cult leaders and religions that deny Jesus’ divinity – Any person or organization that denies that Jesus is the Messiah is a false prophet, according to the Bible. And according to Missler, humans today “live in an age of deceit” where false prophets abound. Some deceivers, such as cult leaders who convince followers to put their faith in a man or in a church organization as opposed to Jesus, are easy to identify. Others, such as “Christians” who claim there are many paths to Heaven, can’t be dismissed as easily for the message they preach is dangerously close to–but not quite–the truth.
- The “New Age” movement – “There’s a mistaken belief that Christians can’t be deceived,” said Christian author Warren Smith, a former New Age adherent who later accepted Jesus as his Savior. “You’re being deceived to believe you can’t be deceived.” Smith said many so-called “Christians,” such as Oprah Winfrey, have embraced the New Age belief, which teaches that all humans share a “Christ Consciousness” and are one with God. The movement also teaches that there is no sin, and humans must “awaken” to their true God-like natures. Many people want to be spiritual, Smith said. “The Devil takes advantage of that. Don’t be ignorant of Satan’s devices, because the Devil is reaching out, not only to the world, but to the church.
- The “New Atheists” – According to Christian apologist and author Dave Hunt, the antagonistic message of the so-called “New Atheists” has been “stealthily flying in under the radar.” As opposed to past atheists, who merely ignored Christians, New Atheists insult and attack believers in order to intimidate them into giving up their faith. “Atheists are a tiny minority, but they have control,” Hunt said. “Millions are being influenced as never before.” The problem, Hunt said, is that the New Atheists are almost evangelical in nature. “They are out to win souls for Satan,” he said.
Biblical Action Plan
The only way to grow in faith and avoid deception by false prophets and ungodly men is to commit to a Biblical action plan, Missler said, adding that the Bible is "all about Jesus, from cover to cover."
"Raise the bar on your spiritual walk," he said. "Commit to a systematic study of the Word of God, and join a small Bible study." He added that it's a "tragedy" that more churches don't have small Bible study groups for their members.
Furthermore, MIssler said people must be willing to respond to God's calling, whatever that calling might be. "Everyday that the Lord tarries is another day for us to improve our standing [in the eyes of the Lord] for that final appointment which is coming," Missler said.
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