The word ‘SAVED’ in the Biblical sense refers to the saving of human being’s soul. The word ‘SALVATION’ is also used frequently in the Bible. But, what does the Bible mean by using these terms?

In going to a Bible Dictionary, we find that the word ‘SALVATION’ means:

something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, help (-ing), salvation, save, saving...

Salvation means to be saved from something, delivered from, victory from, aid in being saved from.... something.

Since this is a word frequently used throughout the Bible, it behooves us to know what we need to be saved from, what danger(s) we are being warned about, of what peril or hazard we need to be aware. We also need to know that if we are being saved “FROM” something, what are we to be saved “TO”. Being “saved” from the frying pan only to find oneself in the fire is not a good option.

There are many people who claim they don’t need to be saved. Of course, they would say that if they didn’t know they were in danger. But, Jesus warned us over and over again, that there was a danger out there, and we need to be aware of it and saved from it:

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:30 Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 18:32 ...therefore turn yourselves, and live...

In the above verses, we are warned that if we don’t repent (turn) there is a consequence. The consequence is what we are “saved” from if we do repent. Note what the consequences are, for someone who does not repent:

In Luke the consequence is “perish”.

In Ezekiel the consequences are: death and ruin.

Therefore, these verses are teaching that if we repent we will be saved from perishing, from death and from being ruined.

Are there only certain people who need to repent, and others who are exempt from the need of repentance?

Let us now establish what the word “repent” means. Again, a Bible dictionary is what is required in order to understand the meaning of Biblical words and phrases which are used in it. The word “repent” means to “TURN”. To turn away from the way you are currently going, to turn from the deeds you do that are not according to God’s will, in essence to turn from sin and go the opposite direction. So when someone repents, they stop living in a sinful manner, they stop doing all that is not pleasing to God, they turn and start living and following God, going His way instead of their way.

1. Repentance does NOT mean groveling before God or man trying to earn or buy forgiveness, acceptance and love.

2. It does NOT mean hours, weeks, months, or years of perfect or near perfect living in order to secure God’s or man’s favor and forgiveness.

3. It does NOT mean, feeling and acting guilty constantly, abasing and punishing yourself or being punished for the wrong you’ve done.

4. It does NOT mean accepting others condemning remarks and attitude towards you for your wrong doing.

5. It does NOT mean doing any kind of penance AT ALL at the instructions of another human being to somehow “pay” for your sin(s).

None of the above 5 actions reflect true biblical repentance.

So...who needs to repent? This is an important question, because Jesus said: “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish..” Clearly Jesus is saying that everyone (all) needs to repent or suffer the consequences, namely: perishing.

Therefore, EVERYONE is required to repent - or perish!

According to Jesus’ own words, everybody who has ever been born on this planet needs to be “saved.”

Unless you know that you are lost, you will never know that you need to be saved. So, again we ask the question: Who needs to be saved? The answer is: Everybody needs to be saved. Not just a few people, but everyone.

There is no one who doesn’t need to be saved. WE ALL NEED TO BE SAVED. If anyone thinks he is not a sinner and does NOT need to be saved, he is calling God a liar, and the Bible says NO truth is in that person.

What happens if you don’t get saved? Is one “religion” as good as another? Are there one or more religions that are better than the others. How does one get saved? Is there more than one way to get saved?

The answer to these questions is in the Bible. It alone has the answers of God to our questions of sin, the Savior and Salvation.

First Question: What happens if you don’t get saved?

Answer: You perish. The Biblical meaning of perish is to be thrown out into the trash heap because you are worthless for the purpose for which you were created. According to Jesus, the trash heap will burn forever and ever - perishing is an eternal state of existence, it is not ceasing to exist.

Second Question: Is one religion as good as another?

Answer: There are only two groups of people that God has categorized. Those who are saved, and those who are not saved. The New Testament often refers to them as believers and un-believers. According to Jesus, there is no other way to God except the ONE WAY which God has ordained. That way is through Jesus Christ alone. There is no other way. No religion has a corner on the market of salvation. Once a person gets saved, he is then called a Christian. But being a Christian is NOT a religion, it is a relationship with CHRIST. If you are depending on being religious, or on a particular religion for salvation, you are headed on the broad road to destruction - you will perish.

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ”

Jesus warns us that He will reject those who do works in His name to earn their salvation, even miracles do not impress Him. Jesus says: “I never knew you...”

Don’t depend on your religion or your religious good works to save you, God says they are like filthy rags:

Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..”

No one will ever be “good enough” to be saved. No religion will or can save you, no religion is better than another one to save you. If you don’t get saved you will be eternally perishing.

Last Question: How does one “get saved,” is there more than one way?

The Answer: There is only one way - That is Jesus Christ, who ALONE is the Savior. Jesus said: “NO ONE comes to the Father except by ME.”

Will the Jesus who some people think is Michael the Archangel save you? NO, because the Biblical Jesus is not Michael the Archangel.

Will the Jesus who some people believe is Lucifers spirit brother save you? NO, because Jesus is not Lucifer’s spirit brother -it is a terrible blasphemy to lower Jesus to the same level as the Devil!

Will the Jesus who some people believe is a good man and a prophet, but not God Himself, save you? NO! Jesus Christ is Almighty God. He alone is the Savior. If you could get saved any other way than through the Biblical plan that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, then Jesus died on the cross in vain. Its an historical fact that Jesus was crucified. It’s a Biblical and spiritual fact that mankind, every single one of us, as sinners, need a Savior.

Will everyone go to heaven because God loves us all? NO. Jesus said that most people are on the broad road to destruction. Many are perishing, many who thought their religion would save them.

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He save(s) us..”

Call upon God’s mercy today, and ask that He give you eternal life. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of all your sins - rejecting his sacrifice is rejecting Him and rejecting salvation. Accepting His sacrifice is admitting He alone is Savior and that you cannot work for your salvation. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works... Ephesians 2:8-9

Repent or perish is the instruction Jesus gave us - it is eternally valuable advice.

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