Submission - A requirement for Salvation

While driving to the grocery store today, a recording from a popular Christian speaker came on the radio...and he said something that caused a light-bulb moment to go off in my head. Sure, I know what the Bible says concerning humility and submitting to God...but what about the difference between someone hearing the message of salvation and responding versus those who hear the gospel and do not respond?

I pondered on the idea for some time, then I began to reflect back at my own testimony of how I got saved and what had exactly occurred in that moment of truth...

When I got saved, it wasn't a respond to an alter call...no, I knew the truth, I knew what God required of me, yet I ran from God from my teen years until my mid 20's. So what had held me back from accepting God's gift of salvation, like so many others who are unsaved?...Well, my lack of response to the gospel wasn't brought on by a poorly presented gospel presentation, witnessing encounter, nor was my lack of response to the gospel the fault of any hypocrisy in the church. On the contrary, even though I could see hypocrisy, and experienced poorly presented gospel presentations, I knew the truth...and I truly believe that all who have heard the gospel know the same truth...why?..because we all have a conscience, and deep down we all know right from wrong. 

So what truth you say?...the truth that we must come to the cross empty handed. Yes, empty handed. With nothing, unable to offer anything...an empty vessel, helpless, completely submissive, the underdog, the criminal, who is willing to finally lay down sin once and for all- our desires - our wants - our selfish ambitions and submit control over to the His Lordship - meaning Master. Wow...letting go of control and willing to lay down a lifestyle of deep-rooted SIN - lust, greed, selfishness, idolatry, ect...and whatever you name it, to become a servant? Yes, I said it. We must give up being our own god to serve the One true God, who is Just, and Holy, and yes, Amazing Love. 

In looking back to my own salvation experience, that's exactly what had occurred...at that moment, it was just me coming face to face with God, going empty handed, able to offer nothing, understanding His terms and conditions, ready to give up my lifestyle of sin, and getting off my throne to kneel and worship forever at His! 

After this realization occurred to me, I knew that for many years God was trying to get my attention...I was under conviction, yet for many years I was not willing to give up the throne of ruling my own life...so what did I get in return since that moment of salvation?...Well first let it be said that I gained the ultimate prize, eternal salvation, which is the end of all means...but I gained something so much more than I ever expected, a pure and enduring love that is a completely indescribable presence of my Creator...for the first time in my life, I didn't feel alone, I had the Creator and God of the universe fighting for me. 

Needless to say, laying down my lordship was the best thing that ever happened to me. I traded a fleeting season of sin and control for a Heavenly eternal destiny, provided by Christ's payment for my sin upon the Cross and sealed with the power that raised Him from the dead...yes, I serve a risen Savior, He is not dead, and He's wanting all to come to repentance - to lay down their meaningless lifestyles of sin, to follow Him, and live - truly live. Otherwise, we'll be stuck trying to pay the fine ourselves on judgement day, and the sentence...everlasting punishment in Hell - a place of fire, darkness, and pain - a place that no one wants to experience but many do...Why? Because it's too hard for many to give up control and submit themselves to God. 

So why everlasting punishment then?...well it's because we have violated the law's of Eternal God. We can know if we've violated His laws by just taking a look at the Ten Commandments - lying, stealing, disobeying our parents, lusting, adultery, envy, and the number one, denying God of His rightful place in our life. 

What will you decide? Maintain lordship of your life and pay your own fine? Or lay it down and accept Jesus' payment on your behalf?

I pray you choose or have chosen the latter.