Receiving the Life of Christ

Salvation is the greatest gift humanity can ever receive. It is not based on what we can give to God but entirely on what God has given to us through Jesus Christ. Christ died for us while we were spiritually dead, unable to offer anything of value. The salvation equation is simple: we were dead, and Christ gave us His life so that we might have eternal life. This article explores the true meaning of salvation and why the act of receiving Christ’s life is at the heart of it.

Understanding Salvation

What Is Salvation?

• Salvation is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, granted by God through faith in Jesus Christ.
• It is a free gift of grace, not something earned or deserved:
• “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

We Were Dead in Sin

• Humanity’s condition before salvation is one of spiritual death:
• “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
• A dead person has no life to give. We could not save ourselves or offer anything to God.

Christ Gave Us His Life

• Jesus, the sinless Son of God, gave His life for us on the cross, taking our place and bearing the punishment for our sins:
• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
• Through His death and resurrection, He offers us eternal life:
• “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

The Salvation Equation: Receiving His Life

Salvation is not about giving our life to Christ; it is about receiving His life.

The Exchange of Life

• We bring nothing to the table but our brokenness and sin. Christ, in His mercy, exchanges our death for His eternal life.
• Key Verse: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Eternal Life Through Christ

• Eternal life is not something we earn but something we receive through faith in Christ:
• “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11–12).

The Role of Faith

• Salvation requires us to acknowledge our need for Christ and place our trust in His finished work:
• “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

The Prayer of Salvation

The prayer of salvation is a declaration of faith and a response to God’s grace. It is not a formula but a heartfelt acknowledgment of our need for Christ and our trust in His gift of life.

Here is an example of a prayer of salvation:

“Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I receive Your life today. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and help me to live for You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”

What Happens When You Receive His Life?

You Are Born Again

• Salvation marks the beginning of a new life in Christ:
• “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You Receive the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you, guiding, comforting, and empowering you to live a godly life:
• “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” (Ephesians 1:13).

You Have Eternal Life

• Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality:
• “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).

Living in the Reality of Salvation

Gratitude for Grace

• Understanding that salvation is a gift should fill us with gratitude and humility. We love and serve God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Walking in Newness of Life

• Salvation transforms us, empowering us to live in obedience to God:
• “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11).

Sharing the Good News

• As recipients of His life, we are called to share the Gospel with others, inviting them to experience the same gift of grace:
• “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Conclusion

The prayer of salvation is not about giving God your life — it’s about receiving His life. We were spiritually dead, incapable of offering anything, but Christ gave His life so that we might live. Salvation is the ultimate exchange: our sin for His righteousness, our death for His eternal life.

As believers, let us never take this gift for granted. May we live in the joy of salvation, walking in the power of His grace and sharing His life with a world in need.