Title: Six Evidences of a Saved Life
Revelation (30) Six Evidences of a Saved Life
(Rev 5:11-14)
< 6 Evidences of a Saved Life >
Chapters 4-5 of Revelation describe John's vision of the kingdom of heaven. The core of the first vision (Revelation 4:1) is the throne of God. Second, the core of the vision (Revelation 5:1) was a scroll sealed with seven seals in God's right hand. The core of the third vision (Rev 5:6) is the Lamb. The fourth vision (verse 11) is an overview of the entire kingdom of heaven. In that vision, the apostle John saw numerous angels surrounding the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, and with one voice, the angels praised the Lamb Jesus, who had been slain with one voice (verse 12).
In response to the voices of the countless angels, all creation praises God and the Lamb (verse 13). So, when all things in the universe and all the angels together praised God and the Lamb with one voice, the four living creatures around the throne said Amen, and the elders fell down and worshiped (verse 14). The scene where all things praise the 'Lamb that was slain' along with God means that the meaning of 'The Lamb that was slain' is not usually important.
What is the most important meaning of “the Lamb that was slain”? “Our salvation through the blood of Jesus.” Ultimately, the vision of heaven in the text makes us realize how precious the salvation of the saints is. Who is saved? You must accept Jesus. What made you accept Jesus? Only God knows who received the Lord and was truly saved. However, there is indirect evidence that can infer who is saved. In 1 Peter 1:8-12, there are six indirect evidences of believing and receiving the Lord.
1. To love Jesus without experience
The first part of 1 Peter 1:8 has this to say: “You have not seen Jesus, but you love him.” Even if you have not seen or experienced Jesus, you must have a heart to love Jesus. When you love, you are filled with thoughts about the object you love. Whenever you think of Jesus, think of the things that please Jesus, and think of the church as the body of the Lord, if your love for the church rises like a spring, it is a good evidence of salvation.
2. Confessing Jesus as Lord even without experience
In the middle of 1 Peter 1:8 there is this verse. “I believe I can’t see you anymore.” Even if you do not have a visible experience, believing in the Lord and confessing your faith with your lips is the most essential evidence of salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Because the Jews were self-righteous, they became the chosen people as a 'test case' rather than the chosen people as a 'model of blessing'. In order for a believer to become a 'model of blessing' rather than a 'test case', they must confess Jesus as the Lord with a heart to live God's righteousness rather than their own. The poet is the core evidence of a saved life.
3. Rejoicing through faith in Jesus
Salvational faith overflows with joy and joy beyond imagination (1 Peter 1:8). Even if it is difficult to live and a great judgment is expected, joy is not deprived of salvation if it appears great. So, before the full-scale vision of judgment begins in Revelation 6, God first showed the Apostle John the glorious vision of the kingdom of heaven and the Lamb. When salvation appears large, tribulations appear small, and the joy and peace of heart that exist in those who have been saved do not disappear. After all, having unshakable joy through faith in Jesus is another good indirect evidence of salvation.
4. Knowing salvation as the ultimate goal of faith
In 1 Peter 1:9 verse 9 it is said: “In the end of faith, the salvation of the soul.” The most important and conclusive purpose of the life of faith is salvation. The purpose of the life of faith is not to cultivate character. Personality training has a few goals, but it doesn't end there. Also, the purpose of the life of faith is not a blessing. The blessings may have some purpose, but the blessings of the world without salvation are meaningless. The ultimate goal of the life of faith is to be saved, go to heaven, and live forever with the Lord. Being aware of that fact is another indirect evidence of salvation.
5. Pursue the Word of the Bible and Worship
The great forefathers of faith studied, searched diligently, and pondered about salvation through the words of the Bible (1 Peter 1:10-11). The Bible says, “How did the Lord save us? How should those who are being saved behave?” Therefore, those who have been saved have a special desire to read the Bible. Also, since the words of salvation and the lives of saved believers are proclaimed during the worship service, they have a longing for worship. The desire to be close to the Bible and longing for worship is another indirect evidence of salvation.
6. Preaching the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit
The gospel of salvation has been delivered to us through those who preach the gospel. God did not entrust the work of preaching the gospel to angels. In that sense, how precious is it to preach the gospel? That is why it is said that even angels look at them with admiration (1 Peter 1:12). The reason evangelism is precious is because evangelism itself for the salvation of souls is also important, but it is another important indirect evidence that one has been saved. If you are truly moved by your own salvation and if you value salvation, you will want to spread that salvation naturally.