Sincere Faith = Salvation

"Joshua" was the name Moses gave him. His original name was Hoshea ("salvation"). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Moses gave him the name Joshua ("Jehovah saves"). A big difference, isn't it? Joshua, was a just-born first-born son of Nun when the angel of Death passed over the land of Egypt. I imagine that is why his parents named him "salvation". His newly given name of "Jehovah saves" was representative of the significant role he was to play in leading the Israelites in to the Promised Land. Joshua is an Old Testament picture of Jesus.

What was Moses' role? Moses, through God, introduced the Law. But we know that the Law cannot save us, therefore unable to bring us into the "Promised Land" (heaven). It is only by grace through faith in Christ which anyone can be saved. Enter Joshua; our picture of Jesus. Joshua introduces to us a picture of a life lived in the Spirit of the living God. Our old life of living in the Law-with all the condemnation attached-is left behind on one side of the Jordan River. It is only through our faith in Jesus (Joshua) that we can be filled with the Spirit and have access to the heaven that awaits us on the other side of faith!

Joshua was just a picture of what Jesus was to come and do after He was baptized in the Jordan. He faithfully obeyed and served His Father. The first chapter of Joshua and the third verse gives us the key to everlasting life which is faith in our Savior: "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses." It is a statement that requires absolutely nothing but sincere faith in what God declares. God says " . . . I HAVE given you. . ." Not I WILL give you. It's done! As Paul says in his wonderful letter to the Romans, "There is therefore NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."! When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, it's done! Our salvation is secure through Jehovah who saves!

Whatever it is that pursues you: persecution, trials, famine, poverty, death, hatred, you name it; there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ. But remember, us receiving Christ is not something He needs from you or me. He certainly doesn't need you or me. When we speak of Jesus to unbelievers, our tendency is to approach it as if we have to sell something; almost as if God needs to fill heaven with more people to join his pyramid scheme. This a a gift He offers us. It is a take it or leave it offer--no hard sell. There are no tangible benefits for Him if we accept His offer. He just loves us and, like a true parent, wants what is best for us; even more, He wants to protect us from the alternative if we do not choose Him. But He just desires that it be our choice-not coerced. I love this God that I can not fathom. That's all He desires is our excellence through sincere faith in His Son . . . nothing more.