One Shining Moment

Based on some feedback I received from Tuesday's blog post, I felt the need to clarify what I was arguing for. I meant it to be apparent that many, if not most, Christians do have that definite salvation experience, but there are also those that don't. Not having that "one shining moment" does not negate and should not cause them to question that Jesus has saved them. The true test is a change of heart, affections, and action.

I've been around people who say that definite experience is a must to actually call yourself a Christian. I disagree with them. However, I do think that most Christians have that experience and that it is the norm with my post from Tuesday being the exception. My story is the exception, but I want others with the same story to know that they can stand confidently in Christ.

If we want to look at a biblical example of a definite salvation experience then we need look no further than Paul. His was an extreme case with Jesus appearing to Him and blinding Him. He was radically converted in that "one shining moment". I would also argue that the New Testament is replete with examples of people who have that definite experience where they are converted and can point to the exact time of their conversion.

Some people have radical conversions such as Paul, but others have definite salvation experiences that appear less extreme. If we look in Acts 8:26-40 we see the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch. From his perspective, he's reading Isaiah and Philip shows up. Philip uses Isaiah to tell him about Jesus. As they travel, they come upon a body of water and the eunuch asked to be baptized. He believes and follows. It is simple.

Every conversion is a miracle of God quickening dead hearts to life. God Himself can blind someone and speak to them in a dramatic way. Scripture can be explained and someone can be converted and believe. Some can't point to the exact time, but they know their affections have been changed, their desire for themselves is gone, and Christ is their treasure. Each story speaks of a heart of stone being turned into a heart of flesh.

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." 

When we boil it down to it's foundation, we all have the same story. We were dead in our sins. God made us alive together with Christ because He is rich in mercy and loved us with a great love. We all look forward to that "one shining moment" when we will see our Savior face to face and worship Him because of His immeasurable grace toward us. May Christ receive all glory, honor, and praise!