What it Means to Be Saved

Jesus said, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep." John 10:9-15

Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


     “I’m Saved!”

“What do you mean?”

     “I went forward at the invitation!”

     “I prayed the sinner’s prayer!”

     “I asked the Lord Jesus into my heart!”

But did you leave your heart’s door open long enough for Him to come in? Are you letting Him establish Himself as your Great Shepherd in your life?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17

Are you letting Him speak and lead you in your life’s choices?

By seeking His will: “Teach me thy way , O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: . .” Psalm 86:11

By faith not reasoning: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6

Does your spiritual life come from His Word?

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:23

Do you treasure His directions to keep from doing things that displease Him?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes." Psalm 119:11, 12

Do you consider the Bible His love letter and His manual for the abundant life Jesus offers? 

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 17).

Which of His promises do you depend upon for forgiveness and eternal life? 

If you cannot think of three, how can you say that you have treasured His Word in your heart? If you cannot recall one and show how it applies to your life, who are you depending upon? God’s Word, or the creed of your religious organization, or the philosophy of the world’s “good man upstairs?”

The Bible says: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13

How are you applying the Lord Jesus’ invitation and warning?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke/Galatians

If you would like a fellowship that shepherds people to be definite in applying God’s promises (Matt 28:20a), let them show you how, starting from where you are. Too many Churches only give piecemeal insights into Scripture. Are they structuring their discipleship training to achieve spiritual completeness?

“A disciple is not above his teacher , but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:

Related reading: Sheep Cotes as Sacred Places; Psalm 23: Daily Living With the Good Shepherd