Instantaneous Salvation

Our previous consideration was an overview of salvation in Psalm 51. There were several steps. And though some of them may have been "in development" for a period of time, like David's suffering of guilt, the actual event was virtually instantaneous. I believe that I can prove that from Scripture. If not, then we might be looking at an "adding to Scripture" activity. We do not want to ever do that. If it ain't there, don't say it.

We outlined a series of seven steps in the previous meditation and the culmination was a redeemed, restored, recommitted, and recommissioned servant. Hopefully that will describe us also. We can see an illustration of this wonder in Acts 10. (Below) Peter had a vision and was called to visit a Gentile, Cornelius.

When he got there, Peter began to preach. (Verse 34) He began with a recognition and declaration that God does not show partiality. God revealed Himself first to the Jews but now is showing that revelation to everyone. Now set the stage. He is preaching to an eager and hungry for truth group.

They knew what had happened in Galilee and Judea. (Verse 37) John proclaimed Jesus and all that Jesus did. (You have to read this to get the building sense of anticipation). (Verse 38) And we witnessed all of these good things that Jesus did. Then the Jewish leaders put Him to death. (Verse 39) God raised Him up on the third day and we along with many others witnessed Him as He ate and drank after He arose. And He ordered us to preach about Him and that He is the Judge of the living and the dead. He was also the one about Whom the prophets spoke.

"Yeah, yeah, we know all of that. How do we get to know God?" The sense of anticipation was high when he walked in. Four days ago Cornelius sent for Peter and he is here. "What do we do?"

Peter was not a very good salesman. He had to finish his "spiel" before he gave his test close. (Actually, that is probably not a bad idea as you want the client to understand what the product does before he decides. They had decided.)

"...all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." Three words stand out here. "Believe in Him." That was what they were waiting to hear.

Verse 44 "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message."

"Believe on Jesus? Yes, I believe!" That rippled through the collective consciousness and the Holy Spirit showed up, right on cue. Poor Peter. He did not get to give his closing invitation and sing, "Just as I am." I am sure that he was not sad.

My point is, however, that the steps of salvation were completed in one fell swoop. And, just as the Holy Spirit redeemed, indwelled, and sealed the believers on Pentecost, He did the same here with the Gentiles. He does that same thing today when anyone asks Him to do so. "Believing on Jesus" includes recognizing our condition, repenting, and requesting forgiveness. It also involves depending on Jesus' sacrifice for our sins as the whole, complete, and eternal provision for me. There is no other way and I choose Him.

It happened in the blink of an eye for Peter. It happened in a blink of an eye for Cornelius and his guests. It happened in a blink of an eye for me. It can happen in the blink of an eye for you. Just ask Jesus to take over your life, forgive your sins, and make you a new creation.

It can happen today. Why not now?



34 "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36 The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— 37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40 God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.