Beyond Salvation

If you asked a random person on the street if they think they are a good person, most would probably say yes. After all, they haven’t killed anyone, they give to charity sometimes, and they try to treat people with kindness. But here’s the real question: By whose standard is “good” measured? Imagine taking a university exam where you assume passing is 50%, only to find out the passing mark is 90%. No matter how hard you worked, you still fail because you didn’t meet the actual requirement. That’s what it’s like when we assume being a “good person” is enough for salvation. We are measuring goodness by human standards, but God’s standard is much higher. The truth is, no matter how moral we think we are, goodness alone is not enough to earn salvation. But if that’s the case, then what does God require? Let’s dive in. It All Starts with God Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life begins with a simple but profound truth: “It’s not about you.” Life doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. We were created by Him, for Him, and without Him, life has no true meaning. I work in tech, and most of what I learn requires me to consult tutorials and documentation. Some issues are straightforward, and I can find answers easily. But for complex problems, I need to consult the creator of the software or the expert who built it. Life works the same way. The Bible is our manual. The true preachers and men of faith who have walked before us are like tutorials, providing guidance based on their experiences. But ultimately, we need to consult the Creator Himself—God. And here’s the good news: Unlike product manufacturers who take 3-5 business days to respond, God is available 24/7. The Bible says: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:4 God is always ready to listen. He’s the only one who truly understands us because He designed us. Yet, instead of turning to Him, many of us try to figure out life on our own. Good Works Are Not Enough Many people believe that if they do more good than bad, they will go to heaven. But salvation is not a scale where good deeds outweigh bad ones. The Bible is clear: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” – Isaiah 64:6 Imagine someone committing a crime and then telling the judge, “But I’ve helped the poor, volunteered at shelters, and donated money!” Would those good deeds erase their crime? Of course not! The judge wouldn’t be just if they let them go unpunished. In the same way, God is a just judge. He cannot ignore sin just because we’ve done good things. If our goodness was enough, then Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross. So, How Can We Be Saved? If being good isn’t enough, then how can we be saved? The Bible lays out a clear path to salvation: 1. Acknowledge That You Are a Sinner Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This means everyone, no matter how moral, has sinned at some point. Lying, pride, envy—even small sins separate us from God. 2. Understand That Sin Has Consequences Romans 6:23 warns us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin isn’t just about making mistakes—it carries spiritual consequences. Just like breaking a country’s law has penalties, breaking God’s law results in separation from Him. 3. Believe in Jesus Christ John 14:6 tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There is only one way to be saved—through Jesus Christ. It’s not about religion, tradition, or self-improvement. It’s about surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. 4. Confess and Repent Romans 10:9 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Repentance doesn’t mean being perfect—it means turning away from sin and choosing to follow God. 5. Accept God’s Gift of Grace Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation is not earned—it’s a gift. All we have to do is accept it. 6. Walk in Faith and Grow Spiritually Becoming a Christian is the beginning of the journey, not the end. Just like a newborn needs to grow, a believer needs spiritual growth. This happens through prayer, reading the Bible, and being part of a faith community. Why Do Good Works Matter Then? If good works don’t save us, does that mean we can live however we want? No! Once we are saved, good works become evidence of our faith. James 2:17 says: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Good works should flow from salvation, not towards salvation. Think of it like this: The Role of Good Works in a Christian’s Life Final Thoughts Being a good person is admirable, but it’s not enough for salvation. We need God, not just for purpose but for redemption from sin. However, once we are saved, good works become a natural response to God’s love. If you’ve been relying on your own goodness, it’s time to shift your focus to God’s grace. Salvation is a free gift—you can receive it today. So, let me ask you: Have you received God’s free gift, or are you still trying to earn it?

Many people wrestle with the fear that they may be beyond salvation. In our previous post, we explored the question, “Are some people beyond salvation?“ But what if that question feels personal? Perhaps you’ve made mistakes, hurt others, or strayed from faith so many times that you wonder if there’s any way back. You might be asking yourself, “Can God still forgive me?” or “Is there hope for someone like me?” The answer is a resounding YES. No matter what you have done, as long as you are willing to turn to God, salvation is still available to you. God’s Mercy Has No Limits One of the most beautiful truths in the Bible is that God’s mercy is greater than any sin. The Apostle Paul, who once persecuted Christians, later wrote: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” – 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul believed he was the worst of sinners, yet God forgave him and used him to spread the Gospel. If Paul could be saved, why not you? The Power of Repentance Repentance means turning away from sin and toward God. The Bible teaches that genuine repentance leads to forgiveness and a new life: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve failed. If you are willing to return to God, He is always ready to forgive. Biblical Examples of People Who Thought They Were Too Far Gone The Bible is filled with stories of people who could have believed they were beyond salvation but found redemption: 1. The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32 A young man took his inheritance, wasted it on reckless living, and found himself in utter ruin. He thought he had ruined his relationship with his father, but when he returned home, his father ran to him with open arms. This is how God sees you—He is always ready to welcome you back. 2. Peter’s Denial of Jesus – Matthew 26:69-75 Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, but in Jesus’ darkest moment, Peter denied even knowing Him—not once, but three times. Imagine the guilt and shame he felt. But Jesus restored him, and Peter became one of the greatest leaders of the early church. 3. The Thief on the Cross – Luke 23:39-43 A criminal, condemned to death, hung next to Jesus on the cross. He had no time to change his life, make amends, or prove his worth. Yet, in his final moments, he turned to Jesus and was promised a place in paradise. It’s never too late to turn to God. 4. King Manasseh – 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 King Manasseh was one of the most evil rulers of Judah. He practiced idolatry, sorcery, and even sacrificed his own children. Yet, when he humbled himself and repented, God forgave him and restored his kingdom. If God could forgive Manasseh, He can forgive you. The Only Sin That Cannot Be Forgiven Some people worry that they’ve committed the “unpardonable sin” and that there’s no hope for them. Jesus spoke about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” – Matthew 12:31 This does not mean that if you’ve made mistakes, you are beyond salvation. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a deliberate and persistent rejection of God’s grace. If you are worried about being beyond salvation, that is proof that your heart is still open to God—which means you are not beyond hope! How to Take the First Step Back to God If you’re feeling lost and unsure how to return to God, here are some steps you can take: God’s Love is Greater Than Your Doubts If you still feel unworthy, remember that salvation is not about what you have done—it’s about what Jesus has done. His sacrifice on the cross covers every sin, no matter how great. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13 You are not beyond salvation. God is waiting for you with open arms, just like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son. All you have to do is turn back to Him. Are you struggling with doubts about salvation? Do you need someone to pray with you? Feel free to leave a comment or reach out—we’re here to remind you that you are never too far gone for God’s grace.

The concept of salvation is central to Christianity, offering the hope of redemption to all who turn to God. But a question that lingers in the minds of many is: Are some people beyond salvation? Is there a point where someone is too sinful, too far gone, or too hardened in heart to be saved? God’s Desire for All to Be Saved The Bible makes it clear that God desires all people to be saved. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 This verse highlights God’s patience and willingness to forgive, showing that no one is inherently beyond salvation. Examples of Redemption in the Bible The Bible is full of stories where individuals who seemed beyond redemption were saved and transformed by God’s grace. Here are some key examples: Paul (formerly Saul) – From Persecutor to PreacherA persecutor of Christians, Paul was responsible for the imprisonment and execution of many believers. Yet, on the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus, repented, and became one of the most influential apostles (Acts 9). If someone as opposed to Christ as Paul could be saved, it proves that God’s grace extends to even the most hardened individuals. The Thief on the Cross – Salvation at the Last MomentIn his final moments, a condemned criminal acknowledged Jesus and was promised a place in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). This shows that even at the last minute, salvation is possible. He had no time to do good works or change his ways, yet by faith alone, he was saved, proving that God’s mercy is greater than our sins. King Manasseh – From Wickedness to RepentanceOne of the most wicked kings of Judah, Manasseh practiced idolatry, sorcery, and even sacrificed his own children. Yet, when he humbled himself before God, he was forgiven and restored (2 Chronicles 33:1-20). His story reminds us that no matter how far someone has strayed, genuine repentance can lead to restoration. The Prodigal Son – No One Is Too Far GoneIn Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a rebellious son who squandered his inheritance in reckless living. Eventually, he found himself broken and desperate, and he decided to return to his father, expecting rejection. Instead, his father welcomed him with open arms, celebrating his return. This parable illustrates God’s love and readiness to forgive anyone who repents, no matter how far they have fallen. These stories demonstrate that no matter how sinful someone has been, God’s grace is sufficient. Can Someone Reject Salvation? While God’s mercy is unlimited, He does not force salvation upon anyone. The Bible warns about the hardness of heart and deliberate rejection of the truth: “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” – Proverbs 29:1 “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” – Matthew 12:31 Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is often understood as a continual and willful rejection of God’s offer of salvation. It’s not that God refuses to forgive, but rather that the person refuses to repent. When Do People Become Hardened? There are individuals who, over time, become so hardened that they no longer respond to God’s calling. Pharaoh in Exodus repeatedly hardened his heart, resisting God despite witnessing miraculous signs. Romans 1 also speaks of people who persist in sin and are given over to their desires because they reject God. However, even in cases of extreme sinfulness, as long as a person is alive, the opportunity for salvation remains if they repent. The Role of Free Will God offers salvation freely, but individuals must choose to accept it. Some refuse to acknowledge their need for forgiveness, believing they are too far gone or simply unwilling to change. This is why evangelism, prayer, and sharing the Gospel are so important. People who seem unreachable today may have a change of heart tomorrow. Are Some People Beyond Salvation? The message of the Bible is one of redemption and hope. God’s grace is greater than any sin, and as long as there is breath in someone’s lungs, there is the possibility of salvation. Instead of asking whether some people are beyond saving, the better question is: Are we willing to share God’s love and pray for those who seem lost? Final Thoughts If you feel like you or someone you know is too far gone for salvation, remember: God’s mercy is endless. He has saved murderers, liars, and the worst of sinners, transforming them into new creations. As long as there is repentance, there is hope, you are not beyond salvation. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13 So, are some people beyond salvation? The Bible suggests that as long as someone is willing to turn to God, the answer is a resounding NO.