Introduction
At the core of the Christian faith is salvation, a process by which man is spared from the evil forces that permeate the earth. Jesus is hailed as the Savior and Redeemer in charge of this rescue mission. One vital element of this process is genuine transformation, which is dependent on internalization. Knowing the truth is merely aesthetic, but practicing the truth is empirical. Christ inclines the heart of man, but it is humanity’s responsibility to discipline and deliver themselves from the influence, ideologies, and intentions of a vicious society.
A corrupt society
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Aristotle
In Acts 2:40, St. Luke urged people to “save themselves” from a corrupt culture. Christ is available to all, but it is up to individuals to accept and submit to His way. The Apostle encourages repentance and public expressions of belief in Jesus. This is consistent with Christ’s words in Matthew 10:33, “…whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”
Only when people openly acknowledge their sins will they genuinely repent and change the course of their destinies. This decision calls individuals to action. It requires separation from wickedness, rejecting evil desires, and breaking ungodly connections. When we save ourselves from the madness of this world, we prove sincerity of faith. The grace of the Father accompanies the attempt of man to save himself. We are not left alone; the Holy Spirit guides and sanctifies those who receive His offer, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26).
St. Luke calls attention to the character of a society that is opposed to God. The world hates Jesus because it loves sin. Jesus is anti-sin; He came to offer a different perspective, give a man a higher purpose, and call people to righteousness and eternal life. By contrast, the world limits man to what is attainable in his current existence, to snatch what he can see, and trust in his intelligence, attitude, and endowments until his death; a proclaimed cycle that is inescapable. This perspective is losing its momentum as society recognizes that life is more than physical bodies; people are spirits who are only fulfilled when gratified spiritually, “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Rejection of Christ is resistance to change. People rarely wish to alter their lifestyles, typically uninformed opinions, and feelings. The irony of society is that it will bow to world leaders and submit to their demands but defy the Creator’s authority. In these times, we are reminded that man has no power except what is granted by God (Romans 13:1); the Father holds all influence in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
Humans have freedom of choice; we function as free agents, choosing whom and what we love and desire. God calls on us to execute our resolve to save ourselves. Unless man inspires his change, he can never truly be saved. Jesus is a Way-Maker, not a Dictator!
Indisputably, the society that St. Luke referenced thousands of years ago is much like ours today. The Apostle described to a generation who crucified the Messiah, wicked and obstinate people ruled by the Pharisees and very much united in their opinions and wishes against Jesus. If you examine contemporary philosophies, you will find that they are anti-God and very quickly taught and accepted by the masses. Today, we see eloquent orators, dignified, cunning, and credible but corrupt in principle and wicked in conduct. Their following is huge and remarkable, and to break away from their hold means to defy their power and vision. This is a tall order that many are unwilling to confront. Yet, the Bible calls us to alienate ourselves from these instructors and our friends under their dominion. Instead, Christianity invites you to save yourself by accepting Christ.
Benefits of breaking off
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
(Proverbs 13:20)
The Apostle’s position sheds some critical light on salvation and provides an escape path for those desirous of denouncing society’s oppression and breaking off its vain ideologies. First, salvation is free but is not magical; it requires work. Second, to those who receive the light of Christ, the battle has just begun, and the fight entails a breaking of bonds with former companions who may provoke an abandonment of authentic devotion and a return to sin. Relationships are indispensable to salvation because they have a powerful grip on human affections and shift people into different directions, “…bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 5:33). Third, the only way to break from vile connections is to accept Christ and become united with His following. Forsake the community of crooks, deceivers, and scoffers so you can live freely to honor God, “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Some may argue that this reasoning presents an idealistic resolution because all people belong to the world. Nonetheless, this idea of breaking off from society does not require a relinquishing of duty and affiliation. Instead, it obliges people to re-order their obligations to society based on their fundamental purpose to live for Christ.
Why salvation?
“Since no man is excluded from calling upon God the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief.”
John Calvin
The idea of saving oneself is for the benefit of that person; people will be protected from the coming destruction that the Lord promises to those who reject Him, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). Proverbs 14:34 maintains that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In a similar fashion, Psalm 9:17 states, “The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.” Luke saw the coming disaster for those who discard God, and he warned them to seek salvation.
The enemies of Christ remain in wickedness, but God desires that all men turn from their evil intentions so they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). This is only achievable through persistence and determination.
Salvation is an escape from a treacherous and quick coming storm, lest we all die in the turbulent waters. Christianity is a realistic standpoint; the Word of God protects us from the world’s false sense of security, and it keeps us awake and aware so that we are saved from imminent tragedy.
We must save ourselves because we are currently in the path of danger. We must save ourselves because we can be saved; a Way was made for every person. We must save ourselves because if we fail to, we will be guilty of spiritual recklessness. We must save ourselves because knowledge is useless until applied and what a waste of life ours would be!
Conclusion
It takes one explanation to grasp the truth but daily application to live the truth. Evil prowls, but there is something you can do about it: you can save yourself! Salvation comes with obedience, discipline, and a sincere yearning for decency. Man should not be ruined by his surroundings but ought to stand upright amid the chaos. As light brightens the dark so God’s people stand out in a collapsing world. Society is headed for destruction but thank God He has provided a sweet escape: salvation, protection, and eternal delight. Save yourself!
